REVrant 36.7 - "Lessen focus on eternity," McLaren says at Willow Creek Student Ministries Conference

Lessen focus on eternity, McLaren says at Willow Creek student ministries conference - News with a Christian Perspective.

From time to time, I’ve focused my attention on the growing problem of the “emergent” influence within the evangelical church.  This linked article references one of the most well-known Emergent gurus – Brian McLaren, in a recent appearance at a Student Ministries Conference at Willow Creek Community Church.

Here’s how the article starts – “The emphasis Christians place on the traditional Christian doctrines of hell and the second coming of Jesus inhibits believers from living effective lives of service in this world, according to speaker and author Brian McLaren.”

I’m not surprised.  McLaren would not be surprised that I’m blogging about this, either.  I’m sure he would place me in the “modern” category, and dismiss me as yet another old pastor who is blissfully living in the “modern bubble.”  I’m not where the action is.  But, of course, HE….and the younger pastors who understand post-modernity…are not only where the action is, but they are charged with the task of “coming up with new ways of thinking.”

That’s the part that concerns me – “coming up with new ways of thinking!”  I’m not ignorant of sociological, cultural, or philosophical shifts that are occurring in the 21st Century.  It happens in every generation.  As I read the comments McLaren made at the conference, and the quotes from his book, I kept thinking of Paul’s admonition to the Ephesian Elders in Acts 20.

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.  Be shepherds of the church of God which He bought with his own blood.  I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from among your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.  So be on your guard.”

McLaren is dangerous.  He mixes truth with error.  Some of the things he says are no problem for me.  But his underlying passion scares me.  He reminds me of the old school liberals when he writes or speaks of “serving society” and not being so focused on heaven or eternity.  Much of what he says is simply recycled liberalism from the early 20th Century….so much for “NEW WAYS of thinking!”  He is careful not to “distort the truth” too much – so he will still be invited to events like the Willow Creek conference – but he must be held accountable for what he says. 

My advice to you when it comes to Brian McLaren –> “So be on your guard!”

Comments

[Jeff Baxter]

Bill, Thanks for this warning against this heretical theology coming from the emergent church and their leaders. It is so dangerous for Willow Creek to be bringing in these types of speakers. Philippians 2 tells us that our "attitude" or "thinking" should be the same as Jesus Christ...who humbled himself...death on a cross. You are so right...this "new kind of thinking is dangerous"! I am going to need to write a blog on the imporance of "doctrinal boundaries" or our "theological certainties" in future days. Can't wait to see you! ~Jeff

[Sandy]

MHR,
I read the article you posted...the more I hear and read about this speaker and author, the more concerned I become. In the article, McLaren misinterprets key truths found in the book of Revelation...his comment re/ "a new heaven and a new earth" not actually being taught in this prophetic book, "but a new way of living is possible within this universe if humans will follow Jesus' example" is heretical as far as I'm concerned. As believers, it's true, we are called to follow Jesus' example, but that doesn't negate the fact that our Father will one day destroy the present heavens and earth and create things anew. As you said, MHR McLaren only gives us half truths, so I believe him to be a false prophet. I am appalled at his comment that "by going to the cross, Jesus committed an act similar to the Chinese student at Tiananmen Square in the late 1980's--he placed himself in harms way to demonstrate the injustice of a society that would harm a peaceful and godly man." There is SO MUCH twisted thinking in that statement that it would take hours to rebut. The thing that concerns me the most about McLaren is that young Christians(my kids generation) love this guy...they see him as being a fresh voice in a stale 21st century Christian church. LORD, HAVE MERCY!! I personally will sound the alarm regarding him and others as long as I live...MHR, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for doing just that!!

[betsyb]

MHR...I am disappointed to hear that a church as influential as Willow Creek chose to invite Brian McClaren present to not only its Student Ministry leaders, but to Student Ministry Leaders throughout the country. While I agree with McClaren on the importance of living out our faith...particularly when it comes to the stewardship of the envirnoment and social justice...I can't support his passion for abandoning anything sounding like doctrine or orthodoxy. McClaren and the Post Emergent movement try to be so inclusive and post-modernly sensitive that they are creating a very wide gate indeed.

[IAD]

MHR,

Good-on-ya for telling it like it is. I've only been learning about the emergent/emerging church movement for the last couple months, and the more I learn about it, the more of it I see around me. Kind of like buying a car -- I never really noticed how many red Siennas there are on the road until I bought a red Sienna. Now I see 'em everywhere! People like McLaren, Rob Bell, Mark Driscoll and others are trying to rewrite what the gospel really is. The "good news" isn't that because of Jesus we can make this world a better place through social action. The Good News is that because of what Jesus did, the penalty of our sin is paid in full, death is conquered, and we can have eternal life in the presence and service of Almighty God. Thanks for taking a stand. Hold the line!

[Rev F Orr-Ewing]

Hi Bill
great to read this Blog entry. Amy and I are involved in the discussions on emerging church here in the UK. Many people would identify what we are doing at All Saints, in our pioneering work as quite 'emergent', though we don't use the phrase for exactly the concerns you mention. Don Carson's book is good, and so too are some writers on 'Deep Church' in the UK which I could give you links to if you are interested. The critique of McClaren and others is based on a reaction to a stereotype of conservative Christianity which may occassionally occur in the USA, but is minute in the UK. Also UK evangelicalism is much more socially and community-action driven, and more nuanced so its worrying when he gains popularity here beaqcuse he is reacting to a type of Christianity we seldom come across!