what (again) is an emerging theology?

an interesting site called 'open source theology' has a series of articles about emergent church. this is one that has many ideas to discuss...

The whole idea of an ‘emerging theology’ is nebulous, which is probably unavoidable and probably a good thing. But every now and again I feel the need to sketch some boundaries, contours, intentions, commitments - if only to help us keep in view the stated purpose of this site, which is to ‘assist the development of a transparent, community-driven theology for the “emerging church”’. There have been good discussions along these lines in the past: ‘Outline of an emerging theology’, ‘What is the relationship between emerging and evangelical theologies?’, ‘The marks of a renewed theology’. This is simply another personal attempt to give some definition to the phrase ‘emerging theology’.

So here, very briefly stated, are what I feel to be some of the leading characteristics of an emerging theology. It reflects my biases and blindspots. If people want to suggest corrections or additions, I would be happy to take them into account and republish the list as a more collective statement.

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a journey into and out of the emergent church

here is an article by jason carson (who claims friendship with some of the movers and shakers of the emergent conversation) on some of the difficulties he has with it. i think he brings up some good points but i don't think it's necessary to "leave". there are some things with which i disagree when it comes to the tenets of the emergent perspective but "going back" to the alternative for me is unacceptable.

My Journey Into and Out of the Emergent Church
By Jason Carlson

The growing influence of the so-called emergent church movement has generated much interest and debate in recent times. As a columnist for the Christian Worldview Network, people often ask me for my take on the emergent church movement. Thus, the purpose of this article is simply to offer my humble perspective on the emergent church movement, based upon my unique firsthand interactions with many of its leaders, many of whom I count as friends in-spite of my disagreements with them.

check this out if you're interested in reading the rest of the article

stardom a sour notes

another interesting article from the washington post about christian music. there is somewhat of a critique of contemparary christian music as empty and meaningless. people in the article talk about what real worship songs should be about.

Lure of Stardom a Sour Note in Praise Songs
By Michelle Boorstein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, December 4, 2005; Page C01

Looking at row after row of Christian music CDs in the Fredericksburg Wal-Mart, Clint Clifton glimpses the seeds of something grand -- a golden period for Christian artists that could rival 12th-century France or 15th-century England.

The Christian selections fill about one-eighth of the megastore's music department. Having spent the past three years promoting and training young Christian musicians, Clifton can't help but smile; he is living in a boom time."

if you want to read more

evangelical spin doctor

following is a washington post has an article which talks about brian mclaren and the emergent church movement.

Evangelical Author Puts Progressive Spin On Traditional Faith

By Caryle Murphy
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, September 10, 2006; Page A01

Lyndsay Moseley was no longer inspired by the evangelical Christian faith of her youth. As an environmental activist, she believed that it offered little spiritual support for her work and was overly focused on opposing abortion and gay marriage.

Then the 27-year-old District resident discovered Brian D. McLaren of Laurel, one of contemporary Christianity's hottest authors and founding pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in upper Montgomery County.

"He always talks about the environment as a priority when he talks about the church being relevant to the world," Moseley said. "He's leading a [spiritual] conversation that needs to happen," one that "I've been hungry for."

if you would like to read more