emergent

millions around the United States and the world are discovering a refreshment to what was known as the "jesus movement" of the 1970s and hence gave birth to modern "evangelicalism." the emergent church, originated in the mind of author and Pastor Brian D. McLaren, is sweeping the nation, for people who just don't feel connected to the church anymore. this movement mainly consists of youngling college age students (while McLaren himself is 50 years old). why? here's the deal. would you agree that our western culture is shifting and moving rapidly? in 2002, the term "blog" did not exist in american vocabulary. Now, everyone knows what a blog is, right? This cultural and philosophical shift is what we refer to as Post-Modernism. What's that? Post-Modernism is the response to the philosophy of monderism? well, what's that? modernism is basically a human philosophy shaped by the elements of modern culture. look at it this way, throughout history Christians have had to deal with new situations in the church. it happen in the 17th century, with a guy named Martin Luther. the church had to re-emerge from what it had become. the Roman Catholic church had changed it's position on theology and Christ's diety and atonement. Luther recognized that problem, and hence wrote his 95 Thesis (95 consecutive reasons why the 17th century Roman church was incorrect in it's theology). is culture not emerging today? Absolutely! And Christians have to deal with the issues faced into today's relevant cultural landscape. If you say the word "Christian" in today's society, what happens? Stereotypes? Christians are: anti-gay, pro-war, republican, anti-poor, hateful, uncompassionate. and what was Jesus? He loved gays, despised wars (but predicted that some are inevitable), was NOT a political figure, loved everyone, and was the most compassionate historical figure to ever walk this earth. what's better to say, to tell a gay person "you're gay, and you need to turn from your sins" or to say "you are forgiven, Jesus loves You, and so do we" ? this essence of the emergent movement is this idea the culture is constantly "emerging" and that we must respond to it in a way that is relevant and active. we must share the love of Christ with everyone, at whatever means or cost it takes. you see, Jesus loved us so much that he died for us. he died for people he didn't know, that rejected him (remember the theif on the cross?), for people that hated him. He loved them so much. what did he say "Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." Nevertheless, the church is emerging and we need to embrace cultural differences. what are your thoughts. this is not just my blog. this is for anyone who has thoughts, ideas, feelings. SPILL!