Comments on: Book Review: A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 22:20:00 +0000

To RN, the 'orgasmic' response that you describe (though overstated) is understandable. Perhaps a better methaphor is that of a man who has consumed nothing but vegetables his whole life but has finally discovered the joy of eating fruit as well. For those of us who have been raised in a thoroughly modernist church, but have come to find that a post-modern mindset better explains the world we experience, this book is a breath of fresh air. I suspect that if you disdain this book, then it was not intended for you in the first place. This is not to say that any reflections on it are unwelcomed.
To Roger, I think you have perhaps misunderstood Mr. McLaren's intent. The contradictory lables used in the subtitle made it clear to me from the outset that he could not, and would not, use these terms in their traditional senses. The whole purpose of the book, therefore, is to look at what these lables have tradionally signified, and to examine what elements of those definitions are useful for the mission of the church in a post-modern world. The author is not trying to tell you what you already know about Calvinism, for example. He is simply expounding on those elements of Calvinism, or perhaps the roots of the Calvinist tradition, that he finds admirable. I also suspect that McLaren would not ask that you abandon your traditions, or your definitions of these terms, but only join him in acknowledging the good that does exist in traditions different from your own. That is a truly generous attitude.
As for orthodoxy, your list of things that make one 'orthodox' may longer than Brian's, but if you take seriously the first few chapters of this book, I think you would find that everything on Brian's list would correspond, not conflict, with items on your own.
In any case, a well written review, and a pleasure to read. You have a great site here, and I thank you for your service to the Christian community.
Best Regards,
MKC

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 05:42:00 +0000

thank goodness! A refreshing breath of air after all the orgasmic reviews I've read so far. Thanks for yr thoughtful & clear dissection of the book.
-rn

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 05 May 2005 14:20:00 +0000

It will be an open forum so feel free to ask him anything (within reason) you wish.
– Steve

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 05 May 2005 00:19:00 +0000

Thanks Steve. I knew about his visit to TSK, but I didn't know about the other ones. The blog tour is on his latest book, The Last Word and the Word After That. I wonder if it's okay to ask him about AGO...

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 04 May 2005 16:38:00 +0000

I couldn't help but notice the McLaren comments. I wanted to add that he is participating in a blog tour starting on May 9 for those interested. If you'd like to join the conversation, I invite you to participate at these locations. Tall Skinny Kiwi Jordon Cooper's Blog Jen Lemen's Blog Dwight Friesen's Blog paradoxology pomomusings I hope this helps. - Steve O'Keefe

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 03 May 2005 19:48:00 +0000

Bill, I really would like to hear what you have to say about this book. What do you think about the criticisms Roger mentioned? I haven't read this book yet, but they seem consistent from the other books of his I've read. Do you think these criticisms are inaccurate, or did you simply find that other positives outweighed these things?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 03 May 2005 16:26:00 +0000

The previous four comments have been deleted. I don't think there was a problem with what was said, but if two people I respect think there was, then that's grounds for deletion. If anyone was offended by the comments, I apologize.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 03 May 2005 06:28:00 +0000

Yes, I'm very interested to see what Mr. Ekhardt “esteems” in this book.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 02 May 2005 21:12:00 +0000

I thought we'd have a difference of opinion on this one
It's hard for me to see what's useful about the book in light the the issues I've brought up here. I'm curious, what did you find to be useful about it?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 01 May 2005 20:36:00 +0000

It will be a shock to few that we differ in our assessment of the book. I do not wholly endorse it, but I esteem it more highly than you do.