OneNewsNow reports claims that Emerging Church leader Brian McLaren is fulfilling the biblical prophecy that in the latter days men will not put up with sound doctrine – according to II Timothy 4:3.
Brian McLaren recently addressed 650 Anglican bishops attending the Lambeth Conference, a meeting he says was characterized by “a loving atmosphere” and “a deep spirituality centered in Bible study, worship, and prayer.” McLaren tells ChristianToday.com that he envisions a new era for Christianity, which “is more about the Christian way of life than it is about a rigid and polemicized systems of belief.”
Tom McMahon, president of the The Berean Call ministry, says McLaren is obviously ashamed of the biblical gospel and is bent upon making it accommodate his own ideas about Christianity and “the Christian way of life.”
“Once you throw off biblical doctrine, what do you have to guide you? This is to me a reflection of what Satan did with Eve in the Garden – this is Genesis 3:1, “Yea, hath God said?” In other words, if you undermine what God had said, then what have you got?” he questions. “Well, you’ve got Proverbs 14:12, ‘There’s a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death’ — or destruction.”
McLaren also tells ChristianityToday.com the future of Christianity will also require Christians to “join humbly and charitably with people of other faiths — Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, secularists and others — in pursuit of peace, environmental stewardship,” and other things that quote “matter greatly to the heart of God.” But McMahon argues that what matters most to the heart of God is that individuals receive salvation on “his terms…through his gospel.”
“And that’s what people of the world, people of faith desperately need,” the leader concludes.
McLaren has joined the Matthew 25 Network, a liberal political action group of Catholics, Protestants, Pentecostals and Evangelicals seeking to get Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) elected president.
6 Comments, Comment or Ping
Sheeple
I checked out your blog. Great site, I wish you all the best!
Aug 3rd, 2008
tony
Nice title !
Aug 4th, 2008
Tony
I’ve looked quite a bit into the emergent movement. I am intrigued by the missional aspects because the traditional churches have become so consumerism based.
There are many emergent people\churches that adhere to the Gospel. Most will make the point that it’s not just about where you spend eternity but the Kingdom is here now as well. This is the missional message and there is nothing wrong with that if the Gospel is not tossed out (or redefined as McLaren likes to say).
I read one of Brian McLaren’s books, The Secret Message of Jesus. I think your right based on this book, McLaren seems to focus completely on living and serving like Jesus but avoiding the topic of sin, faith, and redemption. It’s like he’s thrown out the baby with the bath water. I posted a book review on Seeking Above. I gave him the benefit of the doubt in some areas but this article fits my concerns.
On the other hand, as I noted above, there are plenty of people\churches that might carry the “emergent” label but still teach the Gospel along with the missional message - which is basically, your work, your neighborhood and your schools are the mission field. Get to know people relationally and share your faith.
Tony
Aug 4th, 2008
Tony
The reason I am not a fan of McLaren is due to this interview that I blogged about here: http://imablogger.net/2008/07/14/emergent-leader-brian-mclaren-interviewed-by-leif-hansen/
besides that I have looked into a number of his teachings and just can’t accept the guys thinking, or the whole “Kingdom Now” mindset. I am sure there are “emergent” churches that are preaching the Gospel now, but for how long. This movement has a lot of momentum and people tend to “jump onto” movements rather than the unchanging Word of God. Thanks for commenting Tony, I love to read your well thought out responses. I gotta check out your blog now!
Aug 5th, 2008
Tony F
Tony C -
Good article in the link above. It confirms all of my concerns about McLaren’s teachings.
Thanks. Tony F
Aug 5th, 2008
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