Have you heard of this movement? I don't know all that much about it--but I have looked into it just enough to realize that the name fits. They call it "emerging," or "emergent." Very aptly stated. It springs out of the ground, or the earth. It is of the earth, and it seeks to accommodate those of the earth.
The true religion, conversely, is not "emergent." Instead, it is heavenly, from above. It is "descendent," (or even "condescendent").
Actually, nothing of any spiritual good ever comes from the earth. All truth, grace, mercy, love, and goodness comes *down* from above, to the earth.
Therefore, in layman's terms, it is rather easy to critique the emergent church movement. But in doing so, let us be glad that even this (latest fad to come along) seems to grasp the intrinsic and inherent need of community--God's community in particular. Perhaps those who get worn out with this most recent effort will not become totally discouraged, but will rather look to the "old paths," the places of true rest, worship, peace, and plenty.
These good things are only to be found in Jesus--and He will administer them only in His own way, which always includes church officers, membership, accountability, and doctrine.
The Forum for Ecclesiocentricity is designed to educate Christians and non-Christians alike to understand the Biblical teaching concerning the Church (the "Puritan" church in particular), with regard to its principal role on the earth. When this is achieved, it is hoped that the Church would then be in a better position to convey Christ's redemptive virtues to the civil government (state), and the family. (You may email me at: markjhenninger@gmail.com)
