Post-Official Emergent Response & The Return of D.A. Carson
June 6, 2005 Posted by Roger Overton
Aside from my response, there are some helpful thoughts from John Umland at The UmBlog. Or you can join in with our friend Doug TenNapel who’s started an emergent drinking game. (At least go buy his new book, Earthboy Jacobus)
Last week (pre-response) I created an Amazon “So You’d Like to… Guide” on the Emergent Church. I tried to be as objective as possible. Please let me know what you think!
Interestingly, D.A. Carson was on the radio the same night the “official response” was posted. It was a great interview, and he answers the question of why he hasn’t been responding to most of his own critics.
Towards the end Carson suggests that there will be a split in the emergent movement. He cites Mark Driscoll pulling away from the movement because of some of the heretical doctrines floating around (Carson’s characterization). Last Fall at an Emergent/YS conference I attended a panel with Dan Kimball and Spencer Burke. At one point I got the impression that Kimball wanted to disagree with Burke on something but Burke wouldn’t let him.
I certainly perceive a difference in doctrinal stances within emergent. For instance, McLaren seems to be pretty far out there on a number of issues, whereas Kimball has remained fairly orthodox. But is there enough tension to cause a split? Are we going to see a division in a movement that stresses unity, especially after an official response from these men of diverse perspectives?
UPDATE: I screwed up the link to John Umland's blog. Here it is: The UmBlog.
Related posts:
- My Response to the Official Emergent Response
- Reconsidering Emergent Theology
- Modern Reformation #1- The Emerging Church by D.A. Carson
- What is the Emergent Church?
- Where is Emergent Going?
- Another Response to Phillip Johnson
Posted in Emerging / Emergent Church, Main Page, Roger's Posts
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June 6th, 2005 at 8:12 am
Dude, this anti-emergent fetish needs to stop. :0)
But, if it is going to go on you could at least pimp my book Reimagining Spiritual formation.
And if you tell me you have not read it, well…
June 6th, 2005 at 9:22 am
What did I say that was anti-emergent?
I haven't read your book, but it is on my summer reading list. But as far as pimping your book, I can post a link to it. And I'll even point towards your next book in September that looks interesting on preaching.
June 6th, 2005 at 10:02 am
Let's not hope for this…let's instead hope it doesn't happen. Church splits are usually damaging to all involved.
June 6th, 2005 at 10:19 am
Splits are damaging, everyone tends to get hurt in some way, but they can also be healthy. The Reformation was incredibly damaging, but incredibly necessary. My question is more to the point of would a split actually happen in emergent?
June 6th, 2005 at 7:04 pm
I saw Doug TenNapel at ComiCon last year sitting on a panel about spirituality in comics and thought that he was rather articulate and charitable towards differing views - that is, willing to have dialogue with others. After reading the post you linked to, my initial perceptions are seriously in doubt. At the very least, I am conflicted. I cannot imagine demeaning anyone willing to have a conversation, or any group seeking to engage the culture around them with the gospel of Christ. I will leave aside the name-calling and vitriol for now. But I will take issue with this statement that Mr. TenNaple makes of Jesus, “Did he open a dialogue and have a conversation? No.” I tend to get a different view when I read John 3 & 4.
June 6th, 2005 at 7:10 pm
I'll add that I don't think any church movement is beyond critique, including the Emerging church. That respectful critique is something I appreciate about this website. So though I hesitate to demean certain Christian groups, I will continue to critique them in order that we can all be stronger and participate in God's kingdom together.
July 7th, 2005 at 6:50 pm
Doug
thanks for the link. i had some “over-the-top” emergent responses to my take. i wonder if doug pagitt will find my analysis of his church's enneagram and yoga stuff? i'm sure he won't enjoy it though.
God is good
john umland
the Umblog