To borrow a phrase from the early 90′s TV talk show host Arsenio Hall, there are things over the blogland recently that are curious, odd or just plain absurd if we just took the time to think about them. They make me go hmmmmmmmm.
Like:
1.) Chicago is the least churched city in USA? I can’t believe this. But if this is true, how can hundreds of conversions be happening in this megachurch in Chicagoland, along with all the other happenings in Chicagoland, home of some of the most respected megachurches in N America, and Chicago still become the least churched city in U.S.? Either we’re playing musical chairs or this just ain’t true. It makes me go Hmmmmmmmmm.
2.) Blogging Book Reviews Losing Street-Cred? Recently Bro Maynard “was discussing blogged book reviews with someone who suggested that there seems to be a dearth of books about which everyone can blog excitedly and/or favorably – at least for those of us in the emerging/missional conversation, and it was wondered whether all the blogging about books we aren’t passionate about was negatively influencing the conversation.” I know I’ve been asked to review alot of books lately on this blog. I’m honored. But I am also swamped. And I have to wonder whether blogging is being absorbed by the marketing machines of corporate publishing. I have to wonder whether people are even reading the blogger’s book reviews now that they are sensing that this is corporate marketing? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
3.) What’s New about Calvinism? Time Magazine called the New Calvinism the third biggest idea changing the world right now. I just don’t see how there’s anything new here (NOT THAT THAT”S A BAD THING) And I find it odd that (Southern) Baptists became Calvinists, and the attack on the NEW Perspective on Paul (and NT Wright) is somehow called new. I admit I have an axe to grind here. It still makes me shake my head (and go hmmmmmmmm).
4.) Insulting Brian McLaren has never been easy. He’s too charming. But when I read this recently I decided to confess my sin and recommit myself to never talking (or writing) about any one PERSONALLY no matter how badly I disagree with him/her. I recommit to addressing only someone’s writings or their public comments (which are game for conversation and discernment), and to never take a deliberate shot at someone for insult value. Because in statements like this, what’s being accomplished (for Christ)? Again makes me go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. (Thanks to my friend up north for the link)
5.) What Evangelicals Can Teach Rush Limbaugh. When Rush Limbaugh said “he hopes Obama fails” and challenged him to come on his radio show and debate I shook my head. I thought about a lesson I’ve learned from the pastoral ministry. Never go into an argument for the sake of winning it. Go for the purpose of discerning the Kingdom together. If the mentality is “to win” only guerilla logic results. Especially if you are on the other guys turf which as Christians we most often should be. Unfortunately evangelical churches have little to teach Limbaugh on this score. We often argue in the same pathetic way (even worse since we try to be loving and “Biblical”) that Limbaugh does and it brings down the church everytime. Who models the mode of Christain discernment more: Limbaugh and his Christain followers, or Obama and his? Makes me sick to my stomach and go hmmmmmmmm.
6.) Kudos to Michael Spencer on an issue I believe will only become more relevant (I have a book forthcoming 2010 The End of Evangelicalism? Discerning a New Faithfulness). Thanks IM.
Just some thoughts that make me go hmmmmmmmm .
I’m off to Toronto the the Evolving Church Conference to participate and enjoy. Please stop by and say hello if you’re around.
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1) I hope someone informed Driscoll that Seattle is no longer the least churched city in the US.
3) Some Southern Baptists are Calvinists. They are still a small minority though they’re increasing in influence quickly. However, I’m sure the mob bosses in charge of the convention will find an excuse soon enough to purge our institutions of them as well.
“Never go into an argument for the sake of winning it. Go for the purpose of discerning the Kingdom together.”
I very much agree with your first sentence. If the conversation is “to win” it’s not really a conversation at all and it’s really all about oneself.
That said, how does one reconcile the second statement with interfaith discussion? Do we exclude eastern religions, humanists, atheists, existentialists, from the conversation?
Good collection of blogging “hmmmm”s.
btw – a few people from our team said you were the highlight of the Evolving Church Conference. I told them I wasn’t surprised.
Tim, good to see you at “Evolving,” keep up the writing and pass on to me any good tips you’re learning along he way!
David, was in your workshop at evolving church – thanks for the insights and making a dialog out of it… and the great straight up questions during the panel!
peace
Hi David
Regarding point 1 – I’ve discovered that all cities are the least churched in their prospective nations, especially when it comes to trying to get money to start churches in those cities.
Also wanted to mention how much I enjoyed your workshop at the Evolving Church Conference. I really love the way you involve people in the dialogue; makes for a more interesting and productive time. I just wish your workshops were longer. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Hi David,
Also appreciate the chance to hear you in person at the Evolving Church conference. 3 of us from our church plant – Awaken – in Calgary made the trip and for the two of us who attended your workshop, it made the long journey very much worth it.
Appreciate the ‘master signifier’ concept as a means to deconstruct some of the assumed labels we spend some much time and energy on that really do not lead to any sort of kingdom reality or kingdom growth.
Great list.
I often wonder how accurate the whole “least churched city in the US” thing is anyway in terms of a viable first century ministry outlook. I used to live in a small town that had 16 churches in a very small area, yet there was as much despair, moral failure, corruption and general spiritual malaise as anywhere else in the world I’ve been…maybe even more.
What is the least served city in the US? Or the least served neighborhood in the city? Or the least served house in the neighborhood? Or the least served person in the house?
Bring the church to them.
T. Michael Cart
1. everybody is beginning to make this claim. like its a badge of honor. ive heard it of seattle portland and pretty much all of vermont. now chicago?
2. i see that happening. i wont read reviews online unless they are from friends.
3. new calvinism is just old calvinism in torn jeans and concert shirts.
4. calling anyone a palm pilot is just mean.
5. no one can teach rush limbaugh anything.
6. that was a good read and true in a grand sense.
You comment “Who models the mode of Christain discernment more: Limbaugh and his Christain followers, or Obama and his? Makes me sick to my stomach …”
Boy, if that’s not the truth. Neither Limbaugh or Obama control their followers. Considering the mean-spirited and ad hominem attacks the followers of both use, we should consider our tone. Often those on the left rail in their “righteous indignation” and those on the right in their “moral outrage”. Unfortunately one had to listen pretty hard to hear the cry for civility against those on the left attacking GW and Palin this last fall. One wonders what the effect of one’s political leanings has on one’s public discourse.