Why We’re Not Emergent

I’ve been meaning to read Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck’s book, Why We’re Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Be, for a couple of years now. And after a quick re-reading of “Being the Body” and “Life Together” this morning, I’m diving into it this afternoon.

(Can you tell I’m not in Momma Tara Mode Today? Nope. Still feels strange to be able to get a cold drink or use the restroom without having to coordinate three people and accouterments, but for a few hours today, I’m tucked away in my church’s library stretching a different part of my heart and brain.)

I have to say, so far, DeYoung and Kluck have me interested in this book. Consider just one excerpt from the introduction:

“I preach long, doctrinal, expositional sermons that proclaim the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the reality of hell, the demands of obedience, the call to evangelism, the duty of mercy ministry, and the glorious truths of unconditional election and particular redemption (though not everyone in the church finds these last two truths as glorious as I do) … I share a few pages about myself only to demonstrate that you can be young, passionate about Jesus Christ, surrounded by diversity, engaged in a postmodern world, and reared in evangelicalism and not be an emergent Christian. In fact, I want to argue that it would be better if you weren’t.”

Hmmm. Well. As a person who likes “long, doctrinal, expositional sermons” just like he described, I’m curious to read what he says about this topic.

Also, this excerpt from an old Challies book review has kept this book on my “read one day” list:

“Meanwhile, DeYoung’s chapters are the real heart of the book. He covers a variety of topics of great theological importance including the Bible, Christian doctrine, modernism and its impact on theology, and the doctrines of Jesus Christ. He shows the danger inherent in the emergent unwillingness to take stands even on doctrines closest to the heart of the Christian faith. The claim that emerging theology is still in process is no excuse. “It’s one thing for a high school student to be in process with his theology. It’s another thing for adults to write books and speak around the world about their musing and misgivings. I agree there must be space for Christians to ask hard questions and explore the tensions of our faith, but I seriously question that this space should be hugely public where hundreds of thousands of men and women are eagerly awaiting the next book or blog or podcast arising from your faith journey. No matter what new label you put on it, once you start selling thousands of books, speaking all over the country and world, and being looked to for spiritual and ecclesiastical direction, you’re no longer just a conversation partner. You are a leader and a teacher. And this is serious business…”

Back to reading now.

Blessings,
Tara B.

PS
A very godly man signed off on an email to me today with a Christ-centered Resurrection Day blessing–
And then added this:

“May all your chocolate bunnies be solid chocolate.”

Totally made me grin.