rustadmd's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting and well written. I agree with many of the attitude and perspective issues presented in the books (although I think the author does not realize these are happening in conservative evangelical churches as well as the emergent church). I do however, disagree with many of his conclusions on the meanings of various Scriptures. I understand the hesitancy declare "THIS IS TRUTH", and appreciate the "hermeneutics of humility".
He asserts at several points that the emergent church is apolitical and has conservative interpretations of Scripture present, but I cannot help but sense that the leadership of the emergent church leans left in their political and interpretive views.
I also feel a general attitude that being quirky, rebellious, outcast is the "cool" way to be. It feels like traditional worship styles (traditional here meaning orderly, organized and leader-driven) are inferior to the equality based methods of emergent churches. I disagree with this as well.
He asserts at several points that the emergent church is apolitical and has conservative interpretations of Scripture present, but I cannot help but sense that the leadership of the emergent church leans left in their political and interpretive views.
I also feel a general attitude that being quirky, rebellious, outcast is the "cool" way to be. It feels like traditional worship styles (traditional here meaning orderly, organized and leader-driven) are inferior to the equality based methods of emergent churches. I disagree with this as well.
vibrantcolours's review against another edition
4.0
Really interesting book.
When I came across it, I was grappling with apparent contrasts between Christianity and postmodernism, and it was neat to learn about how the two interplay in the emergent church movement.
When I came across it, I was grappling with apparent contrasts between Christianity and postmodernism, and it was neat to learn about how the two interplay in the emergent church movement.
pattydsf's review
4.0
I recently downloaded an essay by Tony Jones about atonement. What I read intrigued me and I agreed with much of what Jones said. I am so grateful for all voices in the church who speak of love and grace. So I wanted to know more about Tony Jones. This was the only book in my public library by Jones. I am interested in the emergent church, so this was exactly the right book for the moment.
Jones has been involved in the emergent movement almost from the beginning. He has studied various groups within this fellowship and he has managed the Emergent Village website. That means he is not an unbiased observer. That is okay with me, especially given that much of what I have read about emergent Christianity has been biased against the movement.
I like the fact that emergent groups appear to question everything. I am also glad that they do not see the Bible as inerrant. Both those aspects are part of my faith, too. I would like to experience an emergent church. I would like to see if what I read about is actually appealing in practice. I plan to look for more books to read on this part of Christianity.
However, if you are a more traditional Christian you will probably find this book to be difficult. It appears that the foundation of Christianity is up for grabs. Jones expects his readers to be open to applying postmodernism to their faith and many will find this hard, if not impossible.
I recommend this book for those who left the church for any number of reasons; to those who did not grow up in Christianity and are curious about the fringes of religion and to anyone who would like to stretch their image of Christianity.
Jones has been involved in the emergent movement almost from the beginning. He has studied various groups within this fellowship and he has managed the Emergent Village website. That means he is not an unbiased observer. That is okay with me, especially given that much of what I have read about emergent Christianity has been biased against the movement.
I like the fact that emergent groups appear to question everything. I am also glad that they do not see the Bible as inerrant. Both those aspects are part of my faith, too. I would like to experience an emergent church. I would like to see if what I read about is actually appealing in practice. I plan to look for more books to read on this part of Christianity.
However, if you are a more traditional Christian you will probably find this book to be difficult. It appears that the foundation of Christianity is up for grabs. Jones expects his readers to be open to applying postmodernism to their faith and many will find this hard, if not impossible.
I recommend this book for those who left the church for any number of reasons; to those who did not grow up in Christianity and are curious about the fringes of religion and to anyone who would like to stretch their image of Christianity.
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