Could it be that many who like to claim Christianity as their faith can only do so by minimizing God? In Christianity& Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen, Machen spends a fair amount of time addressing how liberal theologians in his day, who were “in search of the historical Jesus,” claimed to believe that Jesus is God – but only after they had refashioned Jesus to look more or less like themselves. He makes an intriguing … Continue reading
Category Archives: Brian McLaren
(Originally printed in the Spring 2005 Issue of the MCOI Journal beginning in page 10) By Peter Simpson What should the relationship be between the church and culture? How should the constancy of the church adapt to the fluidity of culture? The church must find some way to communicate God’s message within the cultural contexts in which it finds itself. These concerns provide impetus for thought-provoking conversation in today’s church. The emergent church claims many … Continue reading
I had a call last week from one of our supporters, wondering if I knew that Brian McLaren, Emerging Church leader and writer, is involved with the Wild Goose Festival. For those who do not know, the Wild Goose Festival is a gathering of the fallen away, eager to share and celebrate their apostasy with others eager to applaud them for having the courage to slap the face of God. I don’t follow the festival … Continue reading
(Originally printed in the Winter/Spring 2016 Issue of the MCOI Journal ) Though I no longer consider myself a Christian, I’m still keeping a space for God in my heart. I didn’t lose my religion. Instead, I’m creating my own. I don’t believe that we humans can live and function happily without any belief or faith in something outside of the physical world we live in. 1 These words from Keay Nigel near the end … Continue reading
Over the years we have observed a wide variety of groups who outright reject the Jesus of Scripture but somehow feel the need to attach His name to their group or cause in order to give them an air of legitimacy. It happens with world religions, cults, social causes and politics. Some years ago we took a group on a tour through a Hindu temple. One of our group, not familiar with Hinduism, thought he … Continue reading
I never really know when I start the day what questions, comments or challenges may come up but they are often interesting. This past week was no exception. On March 13 “Gary” posted a comment to Dr. Tom Howe’s blog, “Brian McLaren, ‘Is Jesus the Only Way to What?,’ Part 1” Gary’s opening line really caught my attention: As an agnostic, humanist, and naturalist, I am sure that you view me as the enemy. … Continue reading