Why I'm Not EmergENT

"Young people will give their lives for an exclamation point, but they will not give their lives for a question mark, not for very long, anyway." -Kevin DeYoung

In a break from the usual posts about theology and politics, I thought it would be beneficial to explain why I do not consider myself Emergent, and give some thoughts on a book I just finished reading, Why We're Not Emergent (by two Guys who should be).
First to review the book, then to explain myself.

Over all, I enjoyed reading this book. It was insightful, incredibly gracious and focused. I was impressed by the authors ability to be "authentic" and dissect the Emergent movement. Co-written by a Pastor and a professional writer, this book feels like a cross between Blue Like Jazz and Becoming Conversant with the Emergent Church. Kevin DeYoung's chapters read like a good theological interpretation of the movement, and Ted Kluck's chapters read like the narrative of someone figuring out the movement.
They address some of the big issues of the Emergent movement, including Foundationalism, the Journey motif, and even the downplay of Doctrine for experience. They systematically examine the core assumptions of Emergents and point out some of the serious flaws within their thinking. I do not want to take the time to examine everything they wrote, but I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the movement.

This book has given me much food for thought, as I seek to relate my faith to the world around me. I have often considered myself to be emerging, as I have identified with the sentiments of authors like Don Miller, Mark Driscoll, and Anthony Bradley. I have even enjoyed and appreciated the writings of Brian MacLaren, Dan Kimball and Rob Bell, though I have been concerned by some of the trends coming from these authors.
So after much consideration, I thought it might be beneficial to define where I fall theologically for you, the reader.
I AM:
1. not emergent.
2. not a fundamentalist.
3. not a Republican (yes this is a theological issue)
4. emerging. (I'll explain my terms)
5. generally Calvinistic/reformed.
6. politically conscious as an Independent.

1. While i do find myself outside many traditional concepts of church, I am not pluralistic or reductionistic. I believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, and that it is authoritative for everyday life. I hold to the universal depravity of the human race, original sin and both the complete sovereignty of God and Human Responsibility.
2. While I agree with the majority of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, I reject the legalistic, tradition-centered practice of fundamentalism. I intentionally align my theological thought with those men who are willing to practice moderation as a spiritual gift. This means that I defend the ability of all Christians to decide for themselves on issues not explicit in scripture. It is my personal conviction that drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco are legitimate activities for a believer, in moderation, provided that they do not violate the biblical standards of physical health and responsibility. Basically, I would argue that its okay to drink a pint or smoke a cigar, provided that you are not getting drunk or addicted.
3. While it may seem ironic that I included my "political" position within my "theological" position, it is intentional and I believe, biblically necessary to do so. In recent years, the Conservative evangelical movement has become associated with republican politics. Thanks to men like Falwell and Robertson, most conservatives are portrayed as big-business, small government pro-life Republicans. While I do not have a problem with Christians who choose to support the Republican Party, I have a big problem with the alledged "Religious Right" / "Moral Majority". The Jesus I read about in the Gospels is not a politician, he specifically says that his Kingodm, and thus our kingdom is not of this earth. I believe it is vitally important (see previous post) to fight for the rights of unborn humans, I even believe that the government should be regulated, but I am not willing to equate my "theology" with the Republican Party. So, basically, I have no problem with people being Republicans, i simply have a problem with the Republican party being the "Christian party".
4. I consider myself part of the emerging movement of God in America. I intentionally differentiate between the movement of God in our country, and those who associate with Emergent Village. The emerging movement encompasses, as far as I can tell, many different streams of theological and practical thought. Within the movement are the New Reformed guys, the Emergent Village Guys, the house church movement and several other lesser streams. Through my associations with like-minded individuals, I consider myself part of the New Reformed stream, and follow thinkers like D.A. Carson, Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll and Anthony Bradley. I believe that the "traditional church" must see major reforms if it is to survive. The Gospel transforms lives, yet it seems that the "traditional" church has left the job of bringing the Gospel to the culture by the way side.
That said, the traditional church's theology, for the most part, is grounded in biblical teaching, whereas a number of the more emerging thinkers are willing to compromise doctrinal convictions as they study their theology.
5. After much study and prayer, I have settled my basic soteriological study and come to genrally agree with the Particular election view of men like Carson, Piper and Driscoll. I am still working through all the implications of that theology, and am unwilling to define the limtis of the atonement. I will be posting soon on my recent reading and conclusions on scripture.
6. As I stated previously, I do not vote along party lines. I will not take time here to discuss each of my political beliefs, nor anger those who disagree with me. I am willing to go on record that I do believe that the Sanctity of Human life should be a primary concern of the voter.

Emerging streams of thought are very important to Christianity's future. As I participate in this conversation, I hope to defend the orthodox doctrines of our faith and present the gospel in new and unique ways to this emerging generation.
More thoughts to come...