So who are these two guys who should be Emergent but arent? Kevin DeYoung is the senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan and Ted Kluck is primarily a sports writer whose articles have appeared in ESPN the MagazineSports Spectrum to name a few. Both of these men seek to tackle one of the controversial topics surrounding the modern Evangelical church the Emergent church movement. They alternate chapters in this book: Kevin gives the play by play and Ted gives the color commentary (to give a sports analogy; Im sure Ted would be pleased). In other words, DeYoungs approach is to evaluate the teaching of the Emergent movement theologically and Klucks approach is more observational and editorial in format.
DeYoung and Kluck do an excellent job of addressing many of the key issues synonymous with this polarizing movement and they do so with a very bold, yet gracious manner. Both acknowledge some of the good points the movement tries to make concerning the contemporary Evangelicals shortcomings especially in the area of reaching the post-modern generation. However, the ways and the theology that guides this movement are corrupt at its core.
Both authors take on some of the more troubling teaching coming out of that movement, such as: God is ultimately unknowable; the rejection of many of the key biblical propositions (e.g. Jesus is the only way); and the rejection of Hell as being real and eternal. Listen to this troubling quote by the grand master of the Emergent movement, Brian MacLaren, I dont believe making disciples must equal making adherents to the Christian religion. It may be advisable in many (not all!) circumstances to help people become followers of Jesus and remain with their Buddhist, Hindu, or Jewish contexts" (pp. 201-202). So much for the Great Commission! (Matthew 28:18-20) DeYoung addresses the different Gospel espoused by this movement in this apt quote, Our cursed world needs more than a plan for refurbished morals. It needs a Savior because it is so full of sinners. I just cannot understand how the gospel as a call to become a disciple for the good of the world is richer, grander, and more alive than a gospel that announces Gods grace, forgiveness, and the free gift of salvation. The Emergent gospel is another gospel. Paul gives this jolting commentary about those who propagate a different gospel, I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:6-8, ESV).
With a winsome, highly-informed, and biblical approach, DeYoung and Kluck offer one of the best evaluations of the Emergent movement. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a better understanding of how to navigate through its dangerous doctrines. DeYoung and Klucks definition of an Emergent on pages 20-22 is worth the price of admission. Note: The Emergent church is to be distinguished from the emerging movement although similar in some ways, there are many in the emerging movement who seek to reach post-moderns but with a decidedly biblical game-plan and mindset. -- Pastor Todd Burgett, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
