The cover story of the current issue of Time is “The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals.” Listed among the powerful voices of Rick Warren, James Dodson, Richard John Neuhaus, Billy/Franklin Graham, J. I. Packer, Bill Hybels, John Stott, and sixteen others, was the emergent statesman, Brian McLaren.
On Tuesday of this week Larry King brought together a number of these “influential evangelicals” and if you didn’t see it, you can read the transcript on CNN’s site. Brian’s voice is so often refreshing and when seen side-by-side these fellow Christ-followers Brian’s humility, grace and willingness to serve as a bridge-between made the label “evangelical” almost seem like a badge of honor.
I think the evangelical community, and especially the avant-church community owe Brian and his family our deep appreciation. He is literally presenting to the world a new kind of Christian, and in the process so much is being asked of him and his family. Brian, thanks for making a way, and my prayers are with you.
Peace, dwight
Brian\s presence on that panel, while strange given the difference of his perspective from the other panelists, was like salt preserving the goodness of the name evangelical and Christian. And I\m sure the mainstream national media spotlight both in Time and on Larry King will have it\s consequences for him and his family. I pray they can manage it well.
I thought you might like to know about a review of Brians book on his blog. I linked to it at my blog yesterday.
it is quite a read, to say the least.
Rick B