The October 30th North Dallas Cohort (NDC) meeting was thought provoking and enjoyable highlighted by a great crowd and stimulating discussion. Jimmy Cramer, a friend of the Brummet's, joined us for the first time. As always, there was no shortage of interesting discussion and unique perspectives!
Due to the upcoming holidays, we decided that we would meet one more time this year - Thursday, November 20th. The first meeting in 2009 will be Thursday, January 29th. Both meetings will be at our usual gathering place.
We began by discussing and contrasting two of the leading emergent writers and thinkers - Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne. Their books and contributions have had a major impact on the development of emergent thought and for many of the North Dallas Cohort. Their messages are very similar and kingdom focused. Brian was seen as a more eloquent, persuasive, almost academic contributor with a very moving and inspirational approach. Shane's writings and message are equally motivating, stimulating and thought provoking, however; his style was viewed as more of a social activist.
The NDC also discussed the challenges facing today's the traditional church. We agreed that the reference to 'church' carried with it a certain amount of negative baggage. To some this implies an institution, a specific dogma or doctrine, uniformity, a building, and the primary place of worship. Unfortunately, a location, where we spend only 1-2 hours each week (at best). We also discussed how the traditional church at times appears to be incorporating Christian and American democratic principles as a unified theology that lures people into a political correct view of church. In some cases, placing more emphasis on politics and national interests than Christ's teachings. Consumerism was also cited as a key contributing factor to this co-mingling of religion and politics. Racism was also noted as a subliminal, almost unconscious factor also shaping our church views and practices. We agreed that we needed new language, new rituals, inclusion, and emergent practices to realize Christ's kingdom message.
As we adjourned, we agreed that the key topic for the November 20th meeting would be ..."when it is appropriate to resist the Empire".
Peace,
Due to the upcoming holidays, we decided that we would meet one more time this year - Thursday, November 20th. The first meeting in 2009 will be Thursday, January 29th. Both meetings will be at our usual gathering place.
We began by discussing and contrasting two of the leading emergent writers and thinkers - Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne. Their books and contributions have had a major impact on the development of emergent thought and for many of the North Dallas Cohort. Their messages are very similar and kingdom focused. Brian was seen as a more eloquent, persuasive, almost academic contributor with a very moving and inspirational approach. Shane's writings and message are equally motivating, stimulating and thought provoking, however; his style was viewed as more of a social activist.
The NDC also discussed the challenges facing today's the traditional church. We agreed that the reference to 'church' carried with it a certain amount of negative baggage. To some this implies an institution, a specific dogma or doctrine, uniformity, a building, and the primary place of worship. Unfortunately, a location, where we spend only 1-2 hours each week (at best). We also discussed how the traditional church at times appears to be incorporating Christian and American democratic principles as a unified theology that lures people into a political correct view of church. In some cases, placing more emphasis on politics and national interests than Christ's teachings. Consumerism was also cited as a key contributing factor to this co-mingling of religion and politics. Racism was also noted as a subliminal, almost unconscious factor also shaping our church views and practices. We agreed that we needed new language, new rituals, inclusion, and emergent practices to realize Christ's kingdom message.
As we adjourned, we agreed that the key topic for the November 20th meeting would be ..."when it is appropriate to resist the Empire".
Peace,
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