My friends Cory Davis and Joel Borofsky have posted critiques of the Emergent Church on their blogs which I highly recommend.
Cory’s blog, Truth is Unkillable, mostly contains writings about Church History (particularly Anabaptist and “free church” history). Recently he started a series of posts which outlines the similarities of the Emergent Church with certain heretical movements in the history of the Church. It is extremely illuminating and worth reading . . .
Joel’s blog has a great essay about his experience at the Church Basement Roadshow, as well as a response to Mark Scandrette’s comment on my original post. This, too, is a must read.
Things are busy for me at the moment; however, I hope to start a series of posts which respond to some of the theological challenges Mark Scandrette brought up in his comment. There are also plans to critique some of the essays in An Emergent Manifesto of Hope. Until then, I hope you enjoy reading these two fine blogs; and if you haven’t read my recent posts An Encounter at the Roadshow, and A Response to Mark Scandrette, you should check them out.
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August 11, 2008 at 7:08 am
Mathew James
Great post, it was very informative. I think its a must read.
August 11, 2008 at 6:08 pm
jeffcstraka
I am truly fascinated by the amount of time and energy being spent on attacking the emergent movement – it seems to be a full-time endeavor. I am really curious as to why they are seen as such a huge threat. Wouldn’t your time be better spent “serving the least of these”?
August 11, 2008 at 6:59 pm
jesusmeetsthematrix
I agree with jeffcstraka, surely Christ would be better served, indeed. The world will never lack religious information guru’s, however. Sad, indeed. The only heresy I see is the new Gnosticism of these controversy prone hyper-Evangelicals. Paul’s letters to Timothy warn about such people. I say let the wind blow. If God’s not in it, truth will win out. If God is in it, you won’t be able to stop it no matter how many blogs you start!
August 11, 2008 at 7:05 pm
cdavis94
Hey Jeff. Good to see you back. Rather than reengage in more diatribe, I’ll just answer your question. “Serving the least of these” is more than a physical endeavor. It also means guarding the flock against “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Mat 7:15) and false teachers who introduce destructive heresies (2 Pet 2:1.)
You are certainly allowed to disagree on the orthodoxy (or lack thereof) in Emergent theology, but you must agree that if I think it to be heresy and do nothing about it, I am in violation of my Biblical duty to defend the flocks of Christ.
The theological heresies are vast (though certainly not held by all in the movement.) They include; denial of the exclusivity of Christ, denial of Biblical inerrancy, downplaying of the atonement,
And as you will see in the coming weeks on my blog, I will highlight just a few of the historical heresies in which I contend the Emergent Church is now actively engaging. These are things that are taught against in Scripture that have been defeated in church history only to re-”emerge” again today.
I still view our relationship cordially, Jeff. I just know that you and I are to a point where we no longer need to mince words. May God guide us both as we seek Him in His Word.
August 11, 2008 at 9:37 pm
jeffcstraka
I knew I shouldn’t have put the word “serving” in there.
;>)
I really am saddened that you see the movement as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” that requires so much of your time and effort. But I guess that does explain it…
One point on the atonement: I have never read anywhere that the emergent movement “downplays” the atonement. What I have picked up on is a call to look at other atonement theories. The Substitutionary is but one theory, while the Christus Victor and Ransom (for example) are two others. If you’ve read Scot McKnight’s “A Community Called Atonement” is a wonderful Biblically-based exploration of these atonement theories.
Another interesting book is “Recovering the Scandal of the Cross: Atonement in New Testament & Contemporary Contexts” by Joel B. Green.
I will read with interest about these “wolves” and I hope that you will reference book titles and page numbers of where these heresies are contained (or better yet, actual podcast interviews with the “heretics”: either the authors or emergent church pastors).
Shalom!
August 11, 2008 at 10:45 pm
jeffcstraka
Biblical Inerrancy: totally without error, and free from all contradiction
Mark 4:31 (Jesus talking):
“…It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground…”
Fact:
Mustard seed weight – 2 micrograms
Epiphytic orchid (tropical rain forest) seed weight – 0.81 micrograms
Did Jesus/God just forget about this other seed He created, or was He more interested in being culturally relevant to his audience? Maybe we shouldn’t get so hung up on “inerrancy” either…
August 16, 2008 at 7:12 pm
jmatthanbrown
Hey Jeff,
You may want to take a look at this before you make anymore comments about Biblical Inerrancy . . .
http://www.bible-researcher.com/chicago1.html
I’m certain that Cory affirms the Chicago Statement of Inerrancy; hence, it would be profitable for you to read it. It should clear up any confusion on your part.
August 16, 2008 at 8:34 pm
jmatthanbrown
Hello Jesusmeetsthematrix,
I suggest you take the time to read the about link on my blog before jumping on the band-wagon with guys like Jeff; don’t let your ignorance make you out to be a fool. Might I also point out that Jeff spends a considerable amount of time reading and commenting on both Cory and I’s blogs; perhaps this discredits his sarcastic remarks. That being said, you’re wrong if you believe it is a waste of time to write against a movement which threatens Orthodox Christianity. Paul spent most of his time addressing heresy and encouraging correct belief and practice in his letters. The fact that you and Jeff appear to endorse the Emergent Church is all the more reason for people like me to write out against it. I am dismayed by your passive remark that we should simply, “let the wind blow.” Christians have a way to determine whether or not something is from God; namely, His very own Word, revealed in Holy Scripture. What would you have shepherds do; sit by the way side as wolves devour the flock? We have an obligation to speak out against false doctrine which endangers the wellbeing of our flock and leads the lost to a counterfeit faith.
August 16, 2008 at 11:26 pm
jeffcstraka
I find it quite pathetic that you find the emergent church to be a threat to Christianity. Your pompous attitude that you have ALL the answers, ALL the truth, that somehow your freaking mirror is CRYSTAL CLEAR, unlike everyone else’s, is EXACTLY why more and more people are being turned off to Christianity and the church is in decline. If YOUR brand of Christianity was all that was out there, I would be an atheist for sure.
“We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!.”
That quote by Paul does not apply to you jerks. You have the mirror all windexed off – you’ve got the direct-connect with God. Anyone that has the least bit of issue with you are “ignorant fools”. Well, you and your pals have fun “critiquing” the emergents and puffing up yourselves so that you can feel all warm and fuzzy and assured that you have it all nailed down. I see no point in hanging out in this “blog room” – it stinks like crap in here. You guys truly, truly disgust me beyond words.
August 17, 2008 at 1:29 am
jmatthanbrown
Hey Jeff,
I’m truly sorry you feel that way. I’ve never claimed to have all the answers, nor said that I have everything figured out; however, I have claimed that the Bible does. The reason I can speak confidently about the things I believe is not because I’m somehow wiser or smarter than everyone else, it’s because I rest upon scripture as my guide. If in any of my posts you can say that I’ve interpreted scripture incorrectly, please let me know. I’ve never called anyone an “ignorant fool” and have no desire to “puff myself up.” I have a feeling you misunderstood my comment to jesusmeetsthematrix. I wasn’t calling him an ignorant fool, I was warning him not to make assumptions about me out of ignorance, without first learning more about who I am; naturally, this could make him appear foolish.
Jeff, my one desire is to see healthy churches filled with Christians who live their lives according to the word of God. As a leader in my church I feel responsible to teach the truth and to condemn anything that is clearly antithetical to the teaching of scripture. One thing you seem to struggle with is the fact that I disagree with most (not all) of what proponents of the Emergent Church espouse. You seem upset that I find much of their teaching unbiblical and in some cases heretical. This is a problem you must get over. One of the primary themes of the Emergent Church is the idea of open “conversation.” Healthy conversation is not a one way street; it involves arguments, debates, and a healthy dose of critique. It is not “pompous” or prideful for someone to passionately express their opinions and critiques of a movement. If it was, the Emergent Church would be as guilty as anyone else. You yourself would be guilty; you’ve been quite vocal about your disagreements with “our brand” of Christianity.
That being said, I’m sorry you no longer want to have conversations with me. I truly apologize if I’ve offended you or hurt your feelings in any way. If you ever change your mind, you are always welcome to post comments on my site. I do enjoy talking about these issues, and have enjoyed reading many of your posts. God bless.
August 17, 2008 at 5:41 am
cdavis94
If jesusmeetsthematrix is still checking this site, I would be very interested to hear your comments on the “new Gnosticism of these controversy prone hyper-Evangelicals.” I have just put up a post about Emergent Gnosticism on my blog, and I would love to have some feedback on which to sharpen my argument. I truly hope this doesn’t turn into a youthful bout of, “I know you are, but what am I.”
September 18, 2008 at 3:18 pm
jborofsky
Jeff,
So much for the emergent movement being about love eh?