Part I: Contributions of the Emerging Church
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After presenting our introduction to the Emerging Church, we'd like to examine the positive contributions that the Emerging Church offers to Christianity. Admittedly, it should be noted that not all of these contributions are unique to the Emerging Church, but it does put special emphasis on these issues and ideas.
The Emerging Church and Social Justice
The Emerging Church's focus on social justice has alot to offer some traditional Christian churches. The Emerging Church places great importance on helping the poor in their current situations and showing them love. Followers of the Emerging Church warn Christians against alienating themselves from the poor, encouraging Christians to step out of their comfort zones. "Solidarity with the poor" is a recurring theme among Emergent thinkers. Like Jesus, we have a responsibility to minister to the poor in words and in deeds. Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And, in Luke 14:13-14, Jeus implores his audience: "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Obviously, Jesus also held social justice as a vital ministry as well.
The Emerging Church and Action-Oriented Ministry
Another popular focus of the Emerging Church is the call for active participation in Christianity instead of simply passively observing religious rites. Emergent groups often attempt to draw people into active communities where spiritual issues are discussed regularly. If we remember the Parable of the Talents, Jesus admonishes us to use our abilities to further the cause of Christ. In general, the Emerging Church attempts to get Christians involved in ministry and worship more actively.
Many Christians today are focused solely on their small social circles and are apathetic about issues in the world at large. As Christians, Christ calls us to be concerned about more than merely our immediate friends and family. He calls us to more than a worldly pursuit of material goods and comfortable living; our lives should be characterized by service, not selfishness. This emphasis on action and changing the world is refreshing as complacency seems to be the norm in our society. Truly practicing Christ's teaching demands we rise above this mediocrity and reach a lost world.
The Emerging Church and Legalism
The Emerging Church is particularly cautious of legalistic practices within Christian churches. One distinguishing characteristic of most Emergent thinkers is that they guard themselves against caving into irrelevant or less important congregational differences. For example, an Emergent group would be unlikely to have a fierce schism over the order of worship services or the design of the church building.
To Be Continued: Part II - Criticisms of The Emerging Church by Tacitus and Aquinas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After presenting our introduction to the Emerging Church, we'd like to examine the positive contributions that the Emerging Church offers to Christianity. Admittedly, it should be noted that not all of these contributions are unique to the Emerging Church, but it does put special emphasis on these issues and ideas.
The Emerging Church and Social Justice
The Emerging Church's focus on social justice has alot to offer some traditional Christian churches. The Emerging Church places great importance on helping the poor in their current situations and showing them love. Followers of the Emerging Church warn Christians against alienating themselves from the poor, encouraging Christians to step out of their comfort zones. "Solidarity with the poor" is a recurring theme among Emergent thinkers. Like Jesus, we have a responsibility to minister to the poor in words and in deeds. Jesus said in Luke 4:18-19: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And, in Luke 14:13-14, Jeus implores his audience: "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Obviously, Jesus also held social justice as a vital ministry as well.
The Emerging Church and Action-Oriented Ministry
Another popular focus of the Emerging Church is the call for active participation in Christianity instead of simply passively observing religious rites. Emergent groups often attempt to draw people into active communities where spiritual issues are discussed regularly. If we remember the Parable of the Talents, Jesus admonishes us to use our abilities to further the cause of Christ. In general, the Emerging Church attempts to get Christians involved in ministry and worship more actively.
Many Christians today are focused solely on their small social circles and are apathetic about issues in the world at large. As Christians, Christ calls us to be concerned about more than merely our immediate friends and family. He calls us to more than a worldly pursuit of material goods and comfortable living; our lives should be characterized by service, not selfishness. This emphasis on action and changing the world is refreshing as complacency seems to be the norm in our society. Truly practicing Christ's teaching demands we rise above this mediocrity and reach a lost world.
The Emerging Church and Legalism
The Emerging Church is particularly cautious of legalistic practices within Christian churches. One distinguishing characteristic of most Emergent thinkers is that they guard themselves against caving into irrelevant or less important congregational differences. For example, an Emergent group would be unlikely to have a fierce schism over the order of worship services or the design of the church building.
To Be Continued: Part II - Criticisms of The Emerging Church by Tacitus and Aquinas
posted by an analytical college student | 10:59 AM
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