Last time I blogged I wrote that I would be commenting on Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity and the ten questions raised in the book… So, here I go!
The first question McLaren raises is: The narrative question: What is the overarching story of the Bible? I like this question because it is such an important topic of discussion for the 21st century. For too long many in the church (and many not in the church) have treated the Bible as a book of do’s and don’ts, or as a manual of “how to do this or that”-which has never sat well with me.
The first thing that McLaren establishes is his interpretation of what the modern day gospel has become over the centuries. The traditional plot, McLaren suggests, has six elements: 1) humanity begins in the perfect condition of Eden; 2) humanity has fallen from that perfection into 3) a state of condemnation; 4) salvation provides an escape from condemnation to 5) eternal life; 6) but many, if not most, will experience ‘eternal conscious torment’ in hell. McLaren states that this pattern is not entirely Biblical. Rather, it is a combination of the Jewish narrative to fit into a Platonic model, which he gives good support for.
McLaren moves forward into a section he calls “Setting the Stage for Biblical Narrative.” He suggests a forward-looking approach to the story of Jesus, rather than a backward-looking approach through the lenses of church leaders such as Aquinas, Luther, Wesley, Billy Graham, etc. The Biblical narrative begins in Genesis with a “good” Eden, rather than the “perfect” creation inspired by Plato (see The Story We Find Ourselves In). The story follows the ups and downs of the humanity, and God’s continual interaction for the good of His people. A new paradigm comes along when Abram is called to become a notion to bless all the nations, as a culmination of all that has occurred thus far.
The story progresses into Exodus where McLaren states “the (second) narrative situates us in humanity’s oppressive, resistant world in which God is active as liberator – freeing us from external and internal oppression and forming us as the people of God”. The narrative moves forward to a “promised time” - a day of the Lord, “when oppressors will be overthrown, when corruption and infidelity will be replaced by virtue and integrity, and when blessing, justice, and shalom of God flow like a river and fill the earth as waters fill the oceans.”
Here one needs to “proceed with caution”- understanding that McLaren’s passion for social transformation, social justice, etc. might give the impression that he is solely seeking for changes in society; Likewise my passions might seem to advocate missions as the only way to change our world, so grace is given. McLaren cites passages from the Old Testament extensively as to illustrate that it is God’s liberated people who are to change the world for the better. He makes it clear enough here that the vision of social transformation, of a peaceable kingdom, is given to the people of God, and intended not as a certain historical outcome, rather a guiding principle – ‘an unquenchable dream that inspires us to unceasing constructive action’.
McLaren’s “overarching” story seems to omit the person of Jesus… Since question four is dedicated to Jesus I will withhold criticism until then.
Hey Mike, since i haven't read more, I don't know where you come down on McLaren and his views. He helps bring some points of discussion to the table and his point of view has helped to uncover some powerful weaknesses in the modern church's approach to Christianity. But there is much in his writing that is of grave concern to me and that I find fundamentally contrary to the gospel. If you are interested, Mark Driscoll wrote a really interesting book entitled: "Religion Saves: And 9 Other Myths". In it, there is a chapter on the emergent church, which deals with some concerns about McLaren's unbiblical views. It's worth a read.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Doug Spriggs
Hey Doug,
ReplyDeleteYah, I'm not a McLaren Kool Aid drinker, but I do appreciate much of what he says. I remember a seminary prof encouraging us to read authors who will challenge our thinking-McLaren sure challenges me!
Though I do like much of what he says, there are times that I disagree with what he writes too. I am wondering if you have had the chance to read any of McLaren's books? I hope so! I've read what many of his critics have had to say and find that most either haven't read him, or are looking to discredit him just because he thinks differently than they do. As I mentioned in an earlier post, they have caused me to think a lot, stretched my opinions, and challenged my way of doing things.
If you would like to come along side of me and work through these ten questions with me let me know!
Happy Easter!
Mike