Usually you post the first few lines of an article to peak the reader's interest, then direct them to the entire article for further reading. However, this time, allow me to post the LAST paragraph of this article by Tim Keller.
In this paragraph, Keller sums up his thoughts on how the reformed evangelical chuch already has some of the right resources to reach what he calls the "post-everything" culture, but also challenges us that we may not be engaging this culture correctly. He concludes his article by saying:
I see people who are desperately trying to reach the post-everythings who in their desperation are trying to throw out essential elements such as the substitutionary atonement, forensic justification, imputed righteousness, the Sovereignty of God, or the inerrancy of Scripture. Many of them are probably over-adapting to the post-everything situation. But while they do not have our theological resources, often we do not have their level of engagement with the people of the emerging society. To correct this, let us confess that we really have failure across all our parties to reach the coming
society, and let us resolve to use the premier resources of Reformed theology. If we can make these changes, then we may really start to see renewal and outreach, and we might actually be a resource for the broader body of Christ in this culture.Read the entire article here & let us know your thoughts - especially as we're approaching the "Church Emergentcy" conference in June (more details to come).
3 comments:
Um... so anyone want to discuss?
One thing that I was thinking as I read was that this will become less and less of a problem because WE are a part of the "post-everything" generation.
So I think that the problem will continue to be the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Gospel, rather than "how do we reach these people?"
And, in terms of "how do we reach these people?"... I think that our own personal living out the Gospel, living intentionally as a Believer and being ready give an answer (1 Peter 3:5) will become the most effective witnessing tool that we will have. I know that's kind of obvious, but it seems to work with Mr. Keller's thoughts of what will reach a "post-everything".
And Aaron, if you didn't mean discuss here, sorry! But now you all know what I think! :)
Thanks Desi - I certainly DO mean to discuss here. Maybe that's why this comment feature is here? You think? :o)
Good thoughts...I never really considered (since I'm a wee bit older) that you guys are this post-"whatever" generation - at least demographically, although not theologically.
So...you're kind of suggesting that you influence from within...on a peer level..."posts" to "posts" what a novel concept! Good stuff!
So... Is anyone else going to comment, or are Aaron, Lani and I really the only ones who read this blog? ;)
Post a Comment