Brian McLaren

Synod 2006 June 11th, 2006

Last night, Brian McLaren spoke to the entire synod (and quite a large number of community visitors). Of course, it wasn’t a surprise that there was a large group there - Brian McLaren is a world-famous speaker, author and post-modern guru.

A year ago I read his book entitled: A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I Am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished CHRISTIAN

Yes, the WHOLE thing is the title! I’d recommend it; it’s a good introduction to the concept of “postmodernism” and very accessible to any reader willing to put the time into it. On top of that, I think it’s fair to say that A Generous Orthodoxy has become one of the “industry standards” of postmodern thinkers. Some have suggested that McLaren is a universalist, in disguise…I don’t think so at all. He calls us to look beyond some of the historical practices and divisions in the church and to faithful, Christ-centered ministry in a very different world than our forefathers and foremothers experienced.

That said, last night wasn’t particularly exciting. I’d hoped he would go further than the book but, instead, gave a weak introduction to A Generous Orthodoxy. Too bad. I think he has a lot to say….

Oh well.

Grace and peace,
`tim

One Response to “Brian McLaren”

  1. ann Says:
    June 11th, 2006 at 10:15 pm

    Hey Tim,
    Any thoughts about Synod conducting business on Sunday? Doesn’t that cross a whole bunch of commandments - keeping the sabbath day holy, having no other gods before me…

    Anyway, I’m glad you’re in Pella. I hope that you’re enjoying your time there.

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