Torch, Fall/Winter 2012

E very generation must integrate the Christian faith with its own particular moment in history. The early church did it with Plato, the medieval church used Aristotle, the Reformers relied on the Renaissance, the modern church incorporated the Enlightenment, and now the emerging church is seeking to assimilate its faith into our new postmodern culture. Communicate Without Compromise This is a necessary, though dangerous, job. The same culture that provides avenues to communicate the Gospel may also, if we are not careful, compromise its most important parts. Consider the modern church. Surrounded by a scientific culture that valued proof and hard facts, modern conservatives packaged the Gospel into “The Four Spiritual Laws” and defended it with Evidence That Demands a Verdict, the apologetic classic by Josh McDowell . While these endeavors led many to Christ, emerging Christians wonder whether such intellectual approaches emphasize knowing the right facts rather than doing the right acts . These emerging Christians are a trans- denominational collection of mostly Western, white 20- and 30-somethings who, like many in our postmodern culture, seek authenticity in their relationships, a sense of transcendence in their worship, and remedies for the big social and economic problems of our day, such as racism, sexism, slavery, poverty, and pollution. All of this is a large improvement over the individualized Gospel with which many modern conservative Christians grew up. We all should applaud and follow their lead. Nevertheless, a significant segment within the emerging church goes beyond this call for authentic Christian living and permits our postmodern culture to influence its beliefs. The leaders of this group are found in Emergent Village, a loose- knit organization that arose from friendships formed during Leadership Network meetings in the late 1990s. This group is increasingly called “Emergent” in order to distinguish it from the more conservative “emerging” church. Its most influential authors include Brian McLaren, Tony Jones, Doug Pagitt, Spencer Burke, Peter Rollins, and John Caputo (the latter may not call himself “Emergent,” but he is a friend and contributor to the movement). While these writers may not agree on every point, the following thread is emerging from their writings: Fall–Winter 2008 9