Faithful Friday: Why We're Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be)

Why We're Not Emergent book on white doily

Whenever I hear about progressive Christianity and its implications on believers today, I can't help but think of the book, Why We're Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be) by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck, published 16 years ago.

Even though this book is older, it still addresses foundational concerns with this overall movement. Although I can see why some Christians are grappling with better understanding their faith, I have definite concerns about the theological fidelity of this religious movement, which is not new and just sounds like a fancier version of what was considered emergent Christianity a few years ago. If the fruit of emergent Christianity is now the deconstruction of Christian faith, it should not be a surprise.

It's not that I don't think questioning or even doubting should occur in the Christian faith. It's more that the line of questioning with the emergent Christian movement seems to be without end, purpose, or meaning. It comes across as asking questions for the sake of asking questions. I realize this is a broad generalization that may not apply to all those who have been seeking, but the question needs to be asked: what are you ultimately seeking? The God who is or the God you want Him to be? After reading this book, I realized that I do not want a God who can be so easily formed by human opinions and conclusions. God has freely given us the ability to know Him and He is not so unknowable that we can never answer any questions about Him, and I want to know who that God is.

This book addresses theological concerns, but also the practical outcomes of emergent thought. Readers will appreciate the dual perspectives offered and the broad range of topics discussed, including doctrine, modernism, dialogue, and community. The last chapter on "Why I Don't Want a Cool Pastor" still resonates with me today, solidifying the continual need for biblical teaching within our churches.

Comments

Review: Singing Through Fire

I actually didn't know if I would be able to read this book in time for its release but from the moment I started, I couldn't help but keep on going until I knew the full story. Singing Through Fire by Lara Silverman is not only a captivating memoir, but it is so worshipful that I couldn't help but pray along as I read her story. If you're interested in this book before release date, you can visit Lara's form to receive the book order link on August 26, 2025. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What if you fall in love on the brink of death? Singing Through Fire invites readers into the Job-like true story of a young woman who loses everything—and dares to ask why a good God allows it. When Stanford Law graduate Lara Palanjian collapses on her dream job, she never imagines it will lead to four years bedridden—or to the love of her life. Enter Matthew Silverman: a witty, wise, and...

Review: The Call of Living Water - Refuge #1

Be still, my missions-loving heart! This is hands-down, one of the best fictional books I've read on this theme, and I cannot gush enough about it. The Call of Living Water by Alexis M. Melvin is a new book that will be released on August 23, 2025 and if I had to suggest a Christian fiction title that could make a difference in your walk with God this summer, it would be this one. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : tribal sacrifices, martyrdom Book Synopsis When the God of Living Water calls, will Suái be willing to risk her life and the lives of everyone she loves to answer? Deep in the jungle of Paraguay, Suái’s tribe worships indifferent gods who withhold the life-giving rain unless their worshippers make costly sacrifices. However, when a missionary arrives speaking of the loving God of Living Water, Suái’s curiosity leads her down a dangerous path. Thrust into a new life with p...

Review: No Stone Unturned - The Bluestocking Society #1

Seeing so many glowing reviews about No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde after it was released, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to still read a copy while it was available. Not only did the cover captivate me, I'm thrilled that its content was just as engaging as I envisioned it would be. Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground. Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman r...