What is Emerging? (1)
- Posted by scott on January 16th, 2007 filed in conversatio, emerging
I got a bit ahead of myself by rushing into a discussion of epistemology, postmodernity, and whatnot. The series on Smith’s Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism will be on hold until we can lay some groundwork.
We need to define what “emerging” is (or better yet, “what is emerging”) before we can meaningfully discuss it, lest we find ourselves referring to entirely different ideas. I’ll be using Dr. Scot McKnight’s “What is Emerging?” lecture to inform this discussion for a several reasons:
1) It’s accurate. His emphasis on self-definition is refreshing. Rather than pigeon-holing “emerging,” McKnight attempts to articulate emerging perspectives, allowing the movement to “speak for itself.”
2) It’s nuanced. McKnight recognizes that the “emerging church” does not exist as a formal, unified entity and that there is no “emerging movement.” As such, any discussion must be pursued with knowledge of this ambiguity.
3) It’s popular. McKnight’s Jesus Creed blog is among the most widely-read of emerging blogs. Many others have linked to his PDF and adopted his definition of “emerging” themselves. Additionally, he’s the recipient of Andrew Jones’ informal “Emerging Church Blogger of the Year” award (much to the Kiwi’s consternation).
4) It’s accessible (content). McKnight assumes no foreknowledge and disarms hostile reception with stories and Mark Twain-isms.
5) It’s accessible (form). This lecture was delivered once, but has been preserved online as a PDF and a digital audio file (albeit Windows Media). The fact that anyone can read and discuss it enhances its utility.
I think you’ll enjoy it – his prose is delightful and full of wordplay. That said, grab your copy of the PDF or WMA and we’ll hash this out!
What is Emerging? (1)
- Posted by scott on January 16th, 2007 filed in conversatio, emerging
I got a bit ahead of myself by rushing into a discussion of epistemology, postmodernity, and whatnot. The series on Smith’s Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism will be on hold until we can lay some groundwork.
We need to define what “emerging” is (or better yet, “what is emerging”) before we can meaningfully discuss it, lest we find ourselves referring to entirely different ideas. I’ll be using Dr. Scot McKnight’s “What is Emerging?” lecture to inform this discussion for a several reasons:
1) It’s accurate. His emphasis on self-definition is refreshing. Rather than pigeon-holing “emerging,” McKnight attempts to articulate emerging perspectives, allowing the movement to “speak for itself.”
2) It’s nuanced. McKnight recognizes that the “emerging church” does not exist as a formal, unified entity and that there is no “emerging movement.” As such, any discussion must be pursued with knowledge of this ambiguity.
3) It’s popular. McKnight’s Jesus Creed blog is among the most widely-read of emerging blogs. Many others have linked to his PDF and adopted his definition of “emerging” themselves. Additionally, he’s the recipient of Andrew Jones’ informal “Emerging Church Blogger of the Year” award (much to the Kiwi’s consternation).
4) It’s accessible (content). McKnight assumes no foreknowledge and disarms hostile reception with stories and Mark Twain-isms.
5) It’s accessible (form). This lecture was delivered once, but has been preserved online as a PDF and a digital audio file (albeit Windows Media). The fact that anyone can read and discuss it enhances its utility.
I think you’ll enjoy it – his prose is delightful and full of wordplay. That said, grab your copy of the PDF or WMA and we’ll hash this out!
Leave a Comment