At this point, I've only read John Franke's Foreword, the Introduction, Chapter 0, and Chapter 1. So I'm cheating in reviewing this book before even finishing it. I just got so excited at what I've learned from this book so far that I needed to say something about it.
As my novice class approached the end of our fall term of study, we engaged in a discussion about orthodoxy and heresy. This was a difficult conversation, which became heated at times when we seemed to be unable to hear each other, and talking past each other. It felt a little to me like the issue was with crossing the chasm between liberals and conservatives, but at the same time, I saw plenty of places where we were bridging this gap successfully. But after reading the Preface to this book, which has some clear working definitions, I could see where the issue lay. It wasn't a liberal/conservative thing, and it wasn't a catholic/evangelical thing. It was a modern/postmodern split... and I was on the postmodern side.
I was a little chagrined to learn this. Postmodernism and the Emerging Church movement seem to be getting all the buzz lately -- and for some years now -- and now I find out that I'm part of it. So much for avoiding the trendy stuff! It does come as a great relief and blessing for me to learn more about this school of thought and its movement. The characteristics that define postmodernism, according to Mr. Franke's Foreword include
- strong ecumenical interests
- a desire to move beyond the liberal/conservative divide
- a willingness to think through old questions in new ways that foster the pursuit of truth, the unity of the church, and the gracious character of the gospel.
I still haven't quite come to terms with the concepts of orthodoxy and heresy, and I suspect that will be a lifelong pursuit. But now I know why that conversation in my novice class was so difficult, and that little bit of knowledge is powerful stuff.
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