The Transformation of the Emerging Church
Four Part Series by Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries, 1/06
The Transformation of the Emergent Church: Part 1
"....In this next series I will present conclusive evidence that there are those in and around Emergent-US who have found the emphasis on “Christian” mystic traditions–a core doctrine of the theology of the Emergent Church–fertile ground in which to plant neo-pagan spiritual elements absolutely hostile to the historic Christian faith. We have already discussed the repugnant spiritual ramifications inherent in the panentheism of the New Light theology taught by Brian McLaren’s good friend Leonard Sweet. Now we begin to look further at McLaren’s involvement with the “living spiritual teacher” Alan Jones, who has been connected to this Emergent “conversation” through his decided influence on McLaren’s theology. You will begin to see how the “enlightenment” of Buddhism is going to figure in the theological agenda of the Emergent Church.
“ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men’ ” (Mark 7:6-7)...."
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The Transformation of the Emergent Church: Part 2
"....As we resume our look at a theological agenda which is likely being pushed by some within the leadership of the Emergent Church, and most particularly Brian McLaren, I am truly amazed by the response to my work in this area. In Part One we touched on the base of mysticism upon which the Emerging Church movement is being erected. As Lighthouse Trails Research so aptly put it: “Without contemplative spirituality, the emerging church would be nothing more than couches and candles.” And based on my ongoing investigation of this movement–whatever it may originally been intended to be–I would also add that it is fast becoming little more than a haven for third-rate “teachers” who couldn’t carve out a niche in the Church elsewhere, and have thus found a home in this nebulous emerging “Church: Have It Your Way.”
“They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.”
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The Transformation of the Emergent Church: Part 3
"...In Part Two of this series I began to show you more about why the work of “living spiritual teachers” Alan Jones and Marcus Borg figure into the theological agenda being forged by Brian McLaren and other leaders in the Emergent Church to use it to transform the Christian message. And yes I am aware of a bit of over-kill regarding the use of the ridiculous and pompous title “living spiritual teachers.” However, I feel I am to use it until influential leaders within the Evangelical community that McLaren also ministers in come to their senses and ask: What could an instructor of pastors in the Christian Church ever want with fools who would claim such a useless title? Unless he is going to follow their corrupt theology concerning the true nature of God and some alleged Global Family.
Where Is McLaren Headed?
And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.
As we begin I wish to point out that I am aware that most who read this series will accept this information without such meticulous documentation. However, it is my prayer that these articles might also touch some who are involved in the Emergent Church. As such then I am attempting to provide more than enough material to overcome their most likely objections. And for those who are somewhat familiar with the law you will know that a circumstantial case such as the one I am building against Brian McLaren being considered as an Evangelical Christian must be carefully and methodically laid out."
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The Transformation of the Emergent Church Part: 4
"....The other day on Emergent-No Andrew Jones made a comment along the lines of articles such as these I am writing are little more than “six degrees of Matthew Fox.” His implication is actually quite common among those who pledge blind allegiance to an organization or more specifically in this case the Emerging Church movement. Anyone following the extensive documentation I have been providing will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that with much of the leadership within the Emergent Church we’re a whole lot closer than six degrees way from teachers of the New Age like Matthew Fox...."
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