Recently I was again asked about D. A. Carson’s comments regarding the emerging church. The inquirer was curious whether or not I’d recommend the recordings (previous posts, 1 & 2). I always value listening to those views might appear to challenge my own. Though some of Dr. Carson’s comments reflect a cursory, even reductionist understanding of the re-visioning of the postmodern ecclesiology as signified through the Emergent movement, many of his concerns reflect a nuancing of concerns held by those within the movement.
One of Carson’s chief concerns in these recordings was that while the Protestant/Catholic Reformation was driven be Scripture, this emerging “reformation” is driven by culture.
He has hit the head on the nail. Without culture text has no meaning. Now for my move to gross reductionism:
- Pre-reformation Tradition
- Reformation we have Scripture
- Reformisison we have Culture
The issue as I see it is relational; learning to draw these three into an interpenetrating and interanimating life together. Any one of these without the other can be dangerous.
Short answer there is much to be gained engaging Dr. Carson; as always listen to engage, and to enter dialogue in the process of becoming rather than listening to know.
Peace, dwight
Isn\\t \\\"emergent\\\" more relational than cultural? Carson hit on a point – many churches are unfriendly. Emergent churches do emphasize friendliness.
On another note, Carson seems to be critiquing the Emergent Conference, certainly a subset of the emergent church.
Off topic if I may:
I am in the process of trying to get a blog roll of torchbearers going. Feel free to leave a comment here http://www.thegidcumbs.com/dblog/archives/000106.php
I think I tracked you down on the alumni page. If you would let me know what school you went to I would appreciate it. I am not sure I saved that info.
I went to ravencrest chalet back in the mid 90s.
If you know of any other torchbearers that blog then pass their urls my way.
Thanks
gid