Review: Listening to the Beliefs of the Emerging Churches (Part 7)

Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches – Five Perspectives
Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, copyright 2007, Robert Webber, gen. ed.
Contributors: Mark Driscoll, John Burke, Dan Kimball, Doug Pagitt, Karen Ward

Robert Webber – Assessing the Emerging Theology
Editor’s Conclusion

The fact that this chapter is needed at the end of the book is telling. The movement has “porous borders” (D.A. Carson) and it hard to pin down. Some have referred to the theology of the movement as just a “conversation” at this point.

“The truth is that these writers, except for Mark Driscoll, have not really addressed the theological issues in a way that many evangelicals are used to. The language of the writers does not have the clarity most desire.” (pg 195)

“Rather than deal with an individual writer, I seek to create a conglomerate picture. However, I ask you to keep in mind that the emerging church is too young to have produced a full-orbed theology.” (pg 195)

Webber produces a summary of what he contends the authors are telling us:

1. We live in a new world, or even two worlds. “They ask us to get ready for the new world, to recognize that we live in a time of transition, where the old Christianity is dying and the new postmodern world is emerging. So move from a contextualized theology that fits the certainties of the Newtonian world toward a contextual theology that speaks into the uncertainty of the Heisenberg world;” (pg 198)
2. “…emergents are concerned that evangelicals have not been trained to minister in this world. They remind us Christianity is not longer the idea to be defended. The modern method of contextualizing theology doesn’t connect with this new world; it does no good to answer questions no longer being asked;” (pg 198)
3. “…emergents are saying theology and practice must be brought back together again.” (pg 198)

Webber also speaks to two dangers that lie ahead:

1. Falling back into an abstract theology bolstered by rational arguments (all words, no praxis)

2. Perpetuating Christian pragmatism (standing for nothing)

Webber concludes by noting the diversity of the authors, the practical terms of their ministry vs abstract theology, and stating “For those who have read this book to gain clarity on emerging beliefs, I have to say that what you are looking for is not here, except in Mark Driscoll. However, I also have to say that the other four do not deny the faith, they simply ask you to join the quest to figure out how the faith speaks in a new culture.” (pg 200)

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Closing Comments

This was a valuable read for me, not so much in coming to a conclusion about what exactly “Emerging” or “Emergent” stands for, but seeing where the issues are forming. The borders are in dispute, but you can get a good sense of where the controversies and discussions will continue.

As far as the Hybrid Church, I continue to hold to the theory that the next church will hold tightly to orthodoxy and what we’ve come to “know” about God while at the same time probing the relational and experiential practices the emergents are helping us feel and experience.

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