There were a load of comments on this blog about intellectualism in the emerging church. I think that comments have been taken out of context and I feel that they need to be re-framed in their correct context. The comments 'encouraged an engagement with deep thinkers that connect theology and culture' but were simply questioning whether this particular event was the right place for that to take place. My reading is that the comments were not anti-intellectual but were wanting an event to be more inclusive.
My response is that each blah... cannot aim to reach everyone - if it does then each one will lack definition and focus. Different blah's... reach different people and granted this one may only reach 'middle class intellectuals'. If this was the case for all of them I'd be concerned, but it is not.
Technorati Tags: Blah..., emerging church, mission
One of my struggles with organised religion is that many churches try to put on services that are everything to everyone, resulting in a kind of crowd-pleasing mush.
I don't want a James Blunt church. I want a church that covers Mahler, HIM, Pussycat Dolls, Led Zeppelin, John Cage, Shitmat and The Mamas & The Papas - but not all at the same time because not all of this appeals to me.
Blah... doesn't ring my particular bell most of the time as I don't hold any passionate views on the future of the so-called emerging church. Which is fine.
So let Blah be Blah. If we ran II to please everyone, we'd be playing U2 every time. Thank goodness we don't. (What's II? See www.fatroland.com.)
Incidentally, I DO have an problem with intellectualism, but only because it's often used as a euphamism for discussions wrapped in whatever theological jargon is 'in' at the time. If I hear another person say 'missional', I'll set Lynne Truss on 'em.
Posted by: Fat Roland | June 13, 2006 at 08:46 PM
Ben: thanks for this helpful clarification. Big respect for all that you do at sanctus1 and the BLAH events at Manchester...it's a great work and Pete Rollins' ideas sound genuinely fascinating and challenging. Please forgive any unintended denigration of the work of sanctus1 and IKON. I feel my comments about the nature of our inclusivity as regards intellectualism in the emerging church has been made and understood...I'll leave it to other people to take it further if they so wish!
Posted by: imagine! | June 14, 2006 at 04:35 PM
> If we ran II to please everyone, we'd be playing U2 every time. Thank goodness we don't.
Ah but Fats - someone did play some U2 last night (albeit sampled/ looped)! And that Lillie Allen crap. Seriously, which is worse? ;-)
Posted by: LauraHD | June 15, 2006 at 10:21 AM