Sometimes we engage something we are all too unfamiliar with as an adversary. Rather than take the time to learn, we skim authors who purportedly represesnt this other side. We draw some conclusions. We rally our base. We offer some lectures. We attach our famed reputation. We write a book. We base our criticisms on over simplifications and sweeping generalizations to the degree even those whom we write about would agree with such extremes (spoke with one who was criticized). We then must ask what is the point of the lecture and the book. Surely there is something to learn? Would dialogue be better than diatribe? Would conversation leading to understanding be better than criticism creating adversaries of what should be allies? Is this a form of condescending in order to alienate and control? Seen these things before. I hope the outcome is much different.
I’m not a bit surprised. But be of good cheer! I am now reading David Mills and getting more intrigued by the minute. If Carson hadn’t lectured I wouldn’t be doing that.
Let me know your thoughts on the matter.
I listened to the first lecture yesterday. I have to admit that it is a tough job to characterize a movement as broad as the Emergent movement, and I got the sense that he felt like he had to start somewhere.
He also had some good things to say about the valuable contributions being made. I also think it is the nature of “the establishment” to criticize those who wish to reform it.
In the end, D.A. Carson isn’t going to sway my thinking much on what is or should be going on in emerging circles.