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Christianity Today, May (Web-only), 2008 |

Emergent's New Christians and the Young and Restless Reformed

Tony Jones and Collin Hansen find connections as they discuss each other's books and movements.

Collin Hansen and Tony Jones | posted 5/01/2008 09:30AM

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— Collin

* * *

Collin,

I too found it interesting about our commonalities in upbringing. That is, right up until we got involved in Campus Crusade. That was an important time for each of us, and it probably started us on the trajectories that you mention led to "very different conclusions" about theology. Honestly, I don't know how different they are, though, since I am committed to God's sovereignty, to the inspiration and authority of Scripture, and to the atoning work of Jesus. And, I was pleasantly surprised how your book highlights the cross-pollination that's taking place in your circles between Baptists, Presbyterians, and charismatics. That's some ecumenism that I wasn't expecting (and another aspect of ministry that we agree on)!

Where we probably differ is not so much on theology, but on epistemology. That is, it seems the difference between the people you profile in Young, Restless, Reformed seem pretty darn sure that they've got the gospel right, whereas the Emergents that I hang out with are less sure of their right-ness. In fact, they're less sure that we, as finite human beings, can get anything all that right.

Here's another way I'd explain the differences. An American Christian today is beset by globalization, pluralism, and postmodernism (three terms that I use interchangeably). In other words, the world is a confusing mess. I think that conservative, evangelical, Reformed theology offers sure answers spoken in tones of certainty by authority figures. Emergent Christianity, for better and worse, offers more ambiguous answers (and even more questions!) in tones of less certainty — but, hopefully, at least with what Lesslie Newbigin called "proper confidence."

I wonder, do you think that some people are just more inclined to look for sure answers, and others are more comfortable with ambiguity?

— Tony

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Tomorrow: Why the New Calvinists love paradox too, and Emergents' favorite Reformed blogger.

Related Elsewhere:

The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier and Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists are available from ChristianBook.com and other retailers.

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May (Web-only) 2008, Vol. 52

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jrmd32

Posted: May 06, 2008 10:21 PM


It's healthy for the Church to have several, different "movements" occurring. The Word will survive through it all...just like it has always done.

jd	Posted: May 05, 2008 2:11 PM


Having read all three episodes, I have to ask: What did the emergent people actually say of any substance? Not much. Hot air rises, and so do their empty phrases. It is defintiely postmodern, but certainly lacks and redeeming value. Could be that CT has nothing more to offer than pap?

James Reid Ross

Posted: May 04, 2008 2:47 AM

Very interested in this conversation too mainly interested about any movement of the Holy Spirit in the Reformed church member of a PCUSA congreation a body of Christ we need the Holy Spirit to work in revitalizing our denomination. According to the Evangelical dictionary of Theology a Presbyterian minister was part of the earliest reimergence of the Holy Spirit in the early days. I have often think that when one becomes blessed in the Spirit they often seek out congregations or denominations that are known to be Spirit led. I believe this weakens the Body of Christ unless you are ostracized by your church being salt and light is what we are about. Never should one exault themselves above other by the blessing of the Holy Spirit. As the apostle Paul said "Ye who are spiritual should restore them" led me to believe that all are not blessed the same way Spiritually. My prayer is that we should have evangelist in PCUSA that minister in the Gifts in the Reformed Tradition.

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