Emerging Thoughts

Below is a link to an article about a book (that I have not yet read) about the Emerging Church. The book is written by two guys who fit the typical “Emergent Church demographics” and yet refuse to follow the “trend.” I would encourage you to check it out. I’m in the process of organizing my thoughts about the movement and will hopefully have the first set of them posted before the weekend (no promises, though).

The emerging church is something I’ve watched for some time now, and while I can appreciate a lot of what it is about, there is much danger in a lot of the doctrines “emerging.” More to come on that later. For now, read the article — I’d love to hear your thoughts (via the comments feature or my email address if you have it).

Why Two Guys Who Should Be Emergent Aren’t

Mercy and Truth

If ever there were polar opposites, this would be the pair.

On the one hand, we see Truth
He stands tall and erect
And like Lady Justice,
Remains unflinchingly sure and strong.

On the other hand abides Mercy
Sitting graceful and compassionate
And like Grace,
Extends herself to the most undeserving.

Both, when isolated, create monsters.

Truth ever pushes his way through
(Often in the most direct way possible)
Removes other options
And disdains all figures save his own.
In his path lies salvation
But without Mercy, without care,
There bodes destruction.

Mercy comforts those around her
(Often to her own neglect)
She so cares for others
That she forgets her friend Truth
And settles for other options.
In her path, many are made glad
But without Truth, without light,
They are brought to destruction.

This, then, the paradox:
Truth – strong, obstinate, right.
Mercy – compassionate, soft, honorable.
Truth, without Mercy, often presents himself in ways too harsh.
Mercy, without Truth, often misguides and misdirects.
Only when the two are coupled – married – together
Can they bring unity, joy, fulfillment.
For Truth without Mercy is harsh
And Mercy without Truth, deceptive.

A paradox? Yes. But a hopeless union? No.
For only when they abide together
Do they bring out the magnificence of the other.
Mercy is the beautiful companion of Truth,
And Truth the valiant protector of Mercy.