Title

GOD AND RELATIONSHIPS ON THE “NEW KIND” OF CHRISTIANITY: A DOCTRINAL UPDATE ON BRIAN MCLAREN AND OTHER EMERGENTS

School/Department

Talbot School of Theology

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

It may seem that the influences of Brian McLaren and other leaders in the “emerging church” movement have waned in recent years. But, in reality, that is far from true. Their influence has taken on new forms, and their impact may be greater than before. While earlier their theological questions prompted many discussions, now their views (and their implications) have become clearer. One view is their stress on orthopraxis (right action) and relationships, particularly with God. They react to “modern” evangelical views that suggest a separation from, or distance between, God and us. Instead, for them, we already are in God, apparently in a panentheistic way, such that we already are in a personal relationship with Him. While they make some key contributions, the shifts that result from their embrace of panentheism and a kind of monism about us and creation (namely, it is merely physical) will make interpersonal relationships with God and others impossible both philosophically and biblically.

Keywords

Brian McLaren; Emerging church movement;

Publication Title

Christian Research Journal

Volume

39

Issue

4

First Page

38

Last Page

45

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