Comments on: Missional Journal Vol. 2 No. 4 and No. 5 – Missional, Emerging, Emergent: A Traveler’s Guide

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:17:28 +0000

Thank you for this helpful post. I like your distinctions.

A question (for reflection or discussion): Where do trinitarian ecclesiologies fit into the mix? While not a direct response to postmodernity, trinitarian theology and ecclesiologies coincide with the relational turn (in philosophy, theology, anthropology, etc.), which affects our understanding of person, soteriology, and church.

I’ve pondered a slightly different version: (1) missional, which includes sociological and theological/missiological (i.e. missio Dei, etc.) strands; (2) emerging/ent, which includes philosophical strands (it is these people that tend to interact with Derrida, etc.); and (3) Trinitarian (esp. social trinitarianism) strands, in which relational categories are fundamental (diverse here: Barth, Bonhoeffer, the Torrances, Volf, Grenz, etc.).

In light of your post, I need to re-think (2). But, I’m wondering: how do you account for (3)?

By: len

len — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:12:38 +0000

A little more thought on this last night and I’ll post another update on Thursday..
http://nextreformation.com/?p=2239

By: len

len — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:25:56 +0000

Dave, yes, in fact I posted a lengthy update on the ALLELON journal on the progress toward a missional order .. out of conversation with alan r.. just about a week ago. And then a couple days ago I posted a response to your “Travelers Guide” on the Missional Journey blog )

Here is the link.. http://www.allelon.org/missional_journey/?p=115

By: len

len — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:23:45 +0000

By: Dave Dunbar

Dave Dunbar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:55:29 +0000

Len,
You are probably aware that our friends at Allelon are working on developing a missional order patterned somewhat after the Northumbria Community. So, yes, it could be an interesting ride.

By: Dave Dunbar

Dave Dunbar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:50:13 +0000

Keith,
Thanks for a helpful comment. I think you are right in your observation.

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:08:43 +0000

Dave,
I think you did a very good job of showing the differences. The one point I would make regarding those in the emergent movement is not only are the reacting the liberalism-fundamentalism poles of the 20th cent. I believe they are also reacting against the more Calvinist-Reformed theologies.

When I listened to several of the leaders of the emerging church, a few years ago at the Emerging Pastors event in Nashvile, I noticed most of the conversation/reaction was to a Calvinist mindset. As a Methodist within the Wesleyan theological area I found them to be addressing issues/concerns that we have not faced. (I’m not talking worship syle here; but issues of social outreach, etc.)

By: andrew

andrew — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:19:13 +0000

its great Dave. REally appreciate it. probably no comments here because we had forgotten (or didnt realize) that you have a blog. i will put a link to it now.

By: len

len — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:04:07 +0000

David, helpful I think, and I’m interested in asking one more question as a consequence. In short, I’m interested in the confluence of three streams: missional, emerging and monastic. It seems there is a synergy here, and if Homer-Dixon is right about the power of synergy to bring dynamic change, we have an interesting ride ahead If I have time tonight I’ll write a blog entry pursuing this one..

By: Don George

Don George — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:48:27 +0000

I also am wary of drawing lines but I also see the need to understand the dynamics of a group before I am willing to be identified with it. It is not to be judgemental but for the sake of being clear where I stand. I found this article very helpful. It is true that Brian M’Claren can leave one guessing. There is a great interview with him on the Allelon site.