Tony Jones was asked a question that I continually hear: "What is the difference between 'Emerging' and 'Emergent?' I have never had a very good response for all of those who seek my opinion/input about issues of ecclesiology but Tony has an :: OUTSTANDING reply :: that I suggest all read. Thank you Tony for giving my reply that I could not articulate.
Matthew 5:38-48, NASB
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
6 comments:
whew...glad that's cleared up. After reading your friends post, I have a very clear understanding...
hahaha
As always my friend I will be the contrary voice.. lol
Of course I would have to agree with Tony's point!!!! But as several of the comments pointed out, (in my opinion) there needs to be something more than just a borderless boundless way of understanding reality. I value the postmodern critique in this aspect, but I am also very afraid of it. I long for the thing beyond... whatever that is.. lol but yes I enjoyed that post, thanks for that friend!!!
lee.
i'm glad tony's comment cured you of your sarcasm. whether you realize it or not, you really do get it. you do? yes. that's the point. if there is a point.
joe.
lee is moderately funny which deserves only a "haha" rather than a "hahaha." easy.
steb.
are you assuming that reality has borders and bounds? if so, could you describe those for me?
The "emerging" vs. "emergent" debate makes me want to stab myself in the thigh with a rusty fork. Sooooo... I've got that going for me.
Well I guess my point isnt so much that reality has all these neatly defined borders(although there seems to be at least some kind of porous boudaries and distinctions) My point is that I see much value in haveing abstract even artificial distinctions that we impose simply to aid our understanding of reality in some aspect. This of course understands that these abstractions are never intended to suggest the entirety of the immediate reality, but simply are a tool, that is useful in some place but then not in others. As with all metaphors they open some door and close others. The point is that they are useful because they "open some doors".
But also I understand that there are those who simply are waiting for a metaphor or definition of any kind simply so that they can quickly categorize and exclude without further thought. But our FEAR of these types of people should not prevent us from speaking the truth and offering useful metaphors to those who are seeking a deeper understanding, but understand that the metaphor does not off the totality of reality... just a thought from my frustrations............
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