Emerging Conservative

Um, how to start this review. Well, um, “Finding our way again” is the wrong way. How’s that to cover the jist of it?

I admit, I am not a Brian Mclaren fan but I have some people I respect that like him so I wanted to give him another look. Also, I have tried a couple of the books in the “The Ancient Practices” series and have found them to be…. well….um…. lacking. However, why not give it another look? This book was my answer to this question.

The statements, claims and beliefs of the author are so off base on the foundational truths that it’s hard for me to find redeeming qualities. Again, we have a voice saying they are a Christian by taking the way of Christ but rejecting the Biblical truth that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Again, we have someone who ice skates on thin ice of not conforming heaven or hell but doubt God would be so picky as to care what “path” you take to him. Again, we have someone who hints at thier points while trying to leave room to say “You just misunderstand me.”

I think the thing most annoying to me is this group of author’s who set up their points the way a magician sets up their illusions. They lay out their defined foundations to the points they are making as to make you feel you are wrong to not accept what they have to present. Often, I read about how they have been unfairly treated by those “other Christians” who attack them but thier claims of what is being said about them is different than anything I have ever heard anyone say about them or their teaching. I’d love to hear them respond to some of the real critiques…..

Their descriptions of the church who has “lost it’s way” is playing to those who are burnt out on church (and I have been hurt by churches before) but does not leave room for a majority of the church that are living it. There are a tons of fundamental churches that are loving, serving, and reaching out to the those in need. In other words, the author is claiming to be leading us back to something that was never lost for the most part. He claims to reclaim while picking and choosing from the map (Bible).

I know I’m not giving you a lot of details but there’s just not a ton of room for it all here. I have been given this book free from the publisher for an honest review and my honest review is this…. don’t buy this book. Don’t buy any books in the “Ancient Practices” series. I have tried three books in the series and I’m just painfully disappointed in them. There are many books that I have enjoyed that I didn’t agree with this point or that point but this…. it’s just not worth it. Sorry. I wonder what the Christian publishing houses printing these kind of books and authors are considering when they choose if they meet thier vision.