Jeremy Fackenthal, a presenter from Vincennes University, discusses the impact of the emergent church within the context of open and relational theologies. He delves into the dynamics of the American church's role in global imperialism and the necessity for epistemic humility. Fackenthal emphasizes the need for innovative communal practices that address colonialism and racial reconciliation. He also explores the evolving nature of rituals like communion and the challenges of navigating plurality and authority within diverse faith communities.
The podcast discusses how Timothy Murphy critiques the emergent church's role in perpetuating global privileges while advocating for epistemic humility.
Participants emphasize the importance of balancing traditional authority with new expressions of faith to foster relational authority in the emergent church.
Personal narratives shared during the session illustrate how lived experiences shape theological insights, emphasizing community engagement in faith practices.
Deep dives
Overview of the Emergent Church Session
The American Academy of Religion session on the Emergent Church featured a series of papers and responses from notable theologians discussing their perspectives on open and relational theology. The structure included three pairs of papers, with three prominent responders aiming to facilitate a rich exchange of ideas. A particular highlight was the contribution from Timothy Murphy, who centered his discourse on Tony Jones and Brian McLaren's perspectives, emphasizing the emergent church's role in addressing post-colonial issues in a globalized context. This session demonstrated a mix of familiarity among the participants, showcasing voices that have been influential in the Emergent Church conversation.
Critical Analysis of Theologians' Perspectives
Timothy Murphy's critique of Tony Jones focused on the need for emergent churches to recognize their role in perpetuating global privileges while suggesting an epistemic humility that acknowledges the dominance of the American church context. This analysis noted that Tony tends to overlook the privileges of church membership, which is critical in understanding the broader implications of his work. Conversely, Brian McLaren's approach was identified as more expansive, advocating for transnational collaboration and mutual learning, urging churches to engage with global issues such as environmental concerns and social justice. The tension between these two figures exemplifies the divergent paths within the emergent movement regarding cultural engagement and responsiveness to global challenges.
Conversations on Pluralism and Authority
The dialogue about the nature of authority within the emergent church was another critical theme, particularly the balance between maintaining tradition and embracing new expressions of faith. Many participants noted how emergent expressions often challenge conventional hierarchies, advocating for relational authority rather than a rigid institutional approach. The discussions touched on the historical context of Christianity, exploring how traditions both shape and are reshaped by contemporary cultural dynamics. The importance of recognizing the diverse voices within the Christian landscape was underscored, as leaders strive to understand their roles as facilitators of dialogue in a pluralistic society.
Impact of Personal Experiences on Theological Understanding
Personal narratives played a significant role in the session, as speakers shared how their individual journeys informed their theological insights. The emphasis was placed on how experiences within their faith communities influence doctrinal interpretations and practices. For instance, some highlighted the importance of community engagement and lived experiences in shaping faith expressions that resonate with contemporary societal challenges. This approach advocates for a theology that evolves from the ground up, reflecting the complexities of lived spirituality rather than solely relying on historical texts or established doctrines.
Diversity of Thought within the Emergent Church
The session revealed a tapestry of diverse thoughts within the emergent movement, reflecting both critique and appreciation for traditional institutions. Discussions fluctuated between appreciating historical roots and advocating for innovative, inclusive practices that resonate with contemporary believers. The importance of acknowledging differences while seeking common ground was highlighted, indicating a desire for constructive engagement rather than separation. This ongoing conversation about the emergent church's identity illustrates the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation within Christian communities.
Future Directions for the Emergent Movement
Looking ahead, the emergent church faces the challenge of maintaining authenticity while navigating the complexities of institutional affiliations and societal expectations. The discussions suggested that embracing relationality and recognizing the interconnectedness of faith practices is essential for the movement's evolution. The potential for renewed relevance hinges on leaders' ability to engage constructively with both tradition and diversity, cultivating a theology that is responsive to the needs of their communities. The session concluded with a shared commitment to continue exploring these themes, emphasizing the need for unity amid diversity to foster a more inclusive and transformative church.
Last year in Baltimore the Open and Relational Theologies session took a look at the Emerging Church.
This session involves three conversations, with three participants in each. These conversations pertain to papers written by participants, but there will be no formal reading of the papers. The conversations explore issues in the emergent church as they relate to open and relational theologies.
Presiding:
Thomas Oord, Northwest Nazarene University Presenting:
Jeremy Fackenthal, Vincennes University Process Theopoetics and the Emergent Church: Inviting Collaboration and Relationality [pdf] Callid Keefe-Perry, Boston University Theological Epistemology in The Emergent Church: A Form of Paul Ricoeur's Relational Attestation Responding: Diana Butler Bass
Presenting:
Sara Rosenau, Drew University Becoming Emergent: Theorizing A Practicing Church Timothy Murphy, Claremont Lincoln University The Emergent Church in its Planetary Context [PDF] Responding: Bo Sanders, Claremont School of Theology
Benjamin Cowan, Claremont Graduate University John R. Franke, First Presbyterian Church The Pluralist Reformation: Open Theology and the Practice of Emergent Christianity Responding: Philip Clayton, Claremont School of Theology
