If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
Ooo... Mark, thems "fightin words"!!! LoL!
ReplyDeleteWould you care to (1) define "emergent" and (2) expand on what you mean? What issues do you think are being dodged?
Great questions Dave.
ReplyDeleteNote -- I said SOME of my emergent friends. I realize the phrase "emergent" cuts a wide swath which includes biblical believers as well as heretics.
In the context of this particular post, I am taking issue with those who are emerging "away" from biblical orthodoxy. I am in favor of a generous orthodoxy --- as long as it is held with the highest regard for Scriptural Truth along with a fervent love for God and neighbor.
Issues I have observed SOME emergent speakers and writers dodging are:
1) The need for a genuine and personal spiritual conversion, which includes repentance.
2) The authority of Scripture
3) The need for personal holiness and revival
4) Sin -- except when it comes to matters of corporte injustice.
6) Biblical clarity concerning social issues such as the ordination of practicing homosexuals and abortion
5) Substitutionary Atonement
6) Heaven and Hell
7) The concept of Absolute Truth.
On the other hand, I appreciate the contribution the emergent movement has made in the following areas:
ReplyDelete1) Raising the awareness of other major social concerns besides homosexuality and abortion.
2) A humble approach towards unbelievers, which includes as much listening as telling.
3) The importance of creation care
4) The concept that all truth is God's truth
5) The move towards a deeper authenticity
6) Less focus on "come to us" and a deeper focus on "let's go to them."
7) The commitment to racial reconciliation.
8) The aversion to glitzy, fake showmanship in church.
Maybe this should have been a post, rather than a string of comments.
ReplyDeleteBut, a couple of other areas my emergent friends tend to dodge are evangelism and the concept/practice of tithing.
The following stand out for what is missing in so many churches.
ReplyDelete"highest regard for Scriptural Truth along with a fervent love for God and neighbor"
"humble approach towards unbelievers, which includes as much listening as telling"
"Less focus on "come to us" and a deeper focus on "let's go to them.""
"The aversion to glitzy, fake showmanship in church"
8:24 PM
Most of us prefer to hide our heads in the sand and pretend that no problems exist.
ReplyDeletePhil