Responding to the Out of Ur post, "RIP Emerging Church"

On the Out of Ur blog, there is a post entitled, “RIP Emergent” that spells out its demise. Lol, what is that … seriously?  Is “reformed theology” dead?  Is the charismatic movement dead?  What about the prosperity gospel … uhh, not sure what the noun is there btw?  Well is that dead?  Isn’t that a little rude, to wish death on someone else’s great interest (even if it is only a ‘term’)?  RIP? LOL  – I’m sure the writer didn’t mean it literally.  

I am sure that the writer is a good man who loves the Lord.  My criticism of the post is that he uses the term “emergent” and the movement it represents interchangeably.  Quoting Kimball (who later posts in the comments), and Tall Skinny Kiwi, I felt he either twisted or perhaps he misunderstood the intention of those words.  Who cares about the word, or the term?  Like Jones, I’ve heard other leaders of the “emerging church” say that perhaps “emergent village” will evolve or transform into something else years ago.  So if whatever is supposed to be announced soon is an extension of it – praise God, most emergents I know hold such things with open hands.   Sorry to say use a cliché here, but the whole idea of “emergent” does not believe it has arrived,  but journeying.  It pretty much is the idea of the word itself, right?

 I am not annoyed really, but I wonder if the mic is really on.  Please understand, that as far as I am concerned, the emergent brand can come and go as it pleases.   I believe most of my friends feel this way and they can speak for themselves.  But those interested in the conversation will most likely continue to dialogue.  Among the issues and topics that are discussed in the books, blogs, and yes, the conferences (as if the “emergents invented them and btw, they are pretty affordable comparatively speaking), there is also a very deep and rich friendship that is growing and all are welcome – even you.  I think this is why when I read the title, I kinda smiled.  To me it’s like asking, “Uhhh, so when are you two breaking up?”. 

For a better reply, check out Scot McKnight’s comment (about six or seven comments down) and the post on his blog.

And Doug Pagitt’s youtube video  discussing emergent/emerging church.