Whether you're part of the movement or not, you've got to admit these posters parodying the Emerging Church are pretty funny. Even a prominent EC blogger has applauded the posters. They point to abuses and dangers within the movement and are therefore critical in nature. Of course, I've expressed my concerns as well.
But then I saw these posters as a response. And you know what, I like them. Now, I would word a few captions differently (and certainly define postmodernism differently!) but what I like is how they communicate what this person is for and not just what she's against. There's a different texture to them than the parody posters.
Of course, I have no problem with critiques. Indeed, I wouldn't be with STR if I did, as "destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God" is a vital part of what we do and what the Church needs. But sometimes we (I mean those of us who are theologically or apologetically-minded) are so critical of the church and all of her weaknesses and failings that we forget to paint a picture of what she should look like. We're good at telling people the "no" but never the "yes." And in a public square where discourse is so often shrill and mean-spirited, a compelling vision of what the Church can be is profoundly refreshing.
I must admit, my first reaction (and I use the term advisedly) to the initial posters was not positive (and I wisely refrained from posting). I had read too many poorly supported critiques and was feeling a bit raw. But with the passage of time the humor has bemused me--and the critique. When I saw the response over at emerging grace, it was a bit of fresh air. I too appreciate the positive statements (though, I would change some of the wording).
All this to say, I agree and well put.
Posted by: Laura | July 31, 2007 at 02:17 PM
I really enjoy the demotivators at www.demotivators.com, so I find myself busting up laughing at those posters that caricatured the EC. Those were really good!
Posted by: Jason Dulle | July 31, 2007 at 03:53 PM
The issue at its core really has to do with the emerging false view of what Dr. Walter Martin often called "the historic orthodox Christian Church."
I know for me it's not a personal issue with any Emergents, what is at stake is the Gospel itself. It grieves me that the evangelical community by embracing this (at best) neo-orthodox movement will now find itself arguing for, and having to defend, what should have been its most basic beliefs.
Posted by: Ken Silva | July 31, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Ken,
I am in absolute agreement that the single-most important issue here is the Gospel; we must be as wise as serpents, and stand firmly for the truth of God's gospel as revealed His word. We should not embrace any movement that attacks those most basic beliefs. (Though we should certainly also be prepared to answer honest questions with a charitable spirit.) And there have certainly been some orthodoxy problems coming from the Emergent movement.
And part of being wise as serpents is showing discernment. We should not assume that everyone who uses the label "emerging" is questioning the Gospel. Some are simply concerned with matters of practice. Some are seeking renewal for the Church in how we approach our lives as Christians. Some are entirely orthodox in their theology. "The emerging church" is not a single, well-defined movement; it has a broad diversity. We must seek to separate the wheat from the chaff, and not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Posted by: Tim | July 31, 2007 at 07:49 PM
Well said, Brett. Thanks for weighing in.
Shalom.
Posted by: Steve K. | August 01, 2007 at 06:22 AM
The main problem with the movement is not the questions they ask, why we do this or do that or how can we be more relevant to this group; even the methods emergents use to be relevant is not always problematic.
It's the solutions they propose based on a misunderstanding of postmodernity and the church, that bothers me. For example, story telling is a great technique to use to share the gospel but not because truth is irrelevant but because it is a way to convey truth.
I just conversed with a Christian woman at my church parking lot recently, who was offended by my "Some choices are wrong" bumpersticker but had no problem with "We can do better than abortion." Why? Because I was judging women by saying their choices were wrong.
When people think they can be Christians and also believe that we can't call baby-killing wrong, then it is not the time to give up teaching truth.
Posted by: Jose | August 04, 2007 at 11:48 PM