For most of the 20th century, American evangelicals became increasingly out-of-touch with something that served as one of the most important sources of theological cohesiveness for the previous 1,700 years: the historic creeds. Many Bible-believing Christians still seem to be spiritually allergic to them. There were a variety of reasons for this trend, and in virtually all cases the intentions were good. If only the results had been as good as those intentions. In 1955, … Continue reading
Category Archives: Emerging Church
(Originally printed in the Summer 2005 Issue of the MCOI Journal) In 1 Corinthians 14:8, the Apostle Paul drew a word picture for the Corinthian believers when he wrote: “For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?” This passage has been on my mind quite a bit lately. “But why,” someone may ask, “this short passage?” That is a very good question, and one which I have asked myself. … Continue reading
(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