On Emerging in Canada
For the last two days I attended the “Summon To Lead” conference hosted by the PAOC with Leonard Sweet as the keynote speaker. This afternoon, there was a panel discussion, which included Leonard Sweet, the infamous Brother Maynard (a self-described “ecclesiological vagrant”), Pastor Gerry Michalski and myself. It was a great conversation, part of an even better conference. One of the questions that was of particular interest to me was on how the emerging church in Canada might differ from the US. Bro Maynard & I had been discussing Canada’s unique voice (or potential thereof), so I thought I would weigh in here. (For those of you haven’t followed my blog for very long, I would encourage you to read my previous posts on the topic: Emergent Canada and More on Emergent Canada)
Much could be said on this topic (not to mention the inevitable difference of understanding from other Canadians), so understand that these are my own observations and should not be taken to represent any more than that. Additionally, over the next week, I will go into more detail on some of the points that I introduce here. The core issues where Canada does/could stand out are:
-Cultural Mosaic
-Less Protest
-More Naturally Postmodern
Following these, I will explore the question of where we go from here.
-Cultural Mosaic: The idea of a mosaic was developed in direct opposition to previous concepts of assimilation, such as the American concept of the melting pot. While the US concept has slowly broadened their understanding to be more multicultural, this concept is a key difference between these two nations. Cultural mosaic has a stronger emphasis on immigrant citizens maintain strong cultural and historical ties to their countries and cultures of origin. It is far more common, therefore, to hear Canadians refer to their cultural identities of their origin before they refer to being Canadian. This does not reflect a lack of patriotism to Canada, but rather is one of the truest expressions of Canadian patriotism. I believe that Canadian concepts of multiculturalism offer promising models for the emergent conversation in the United States. (*from my previous post, A Study In Contrast)
-Less Protest: While there is still elements of protest within the emerging church in Canada, our experience differs, in part, because we are free of some of the influences so prominent in American Christianity, specifically Evangelicalism. Because of the historical roots of religious nationalism in the US, linking political agendas (indiscriminately) with religious beliefs, the resulting polarization makes exploring emerging faith more sensitive, too often push both sides to unnecessary extremes. Canada has a great degree of freedom to engage in dialogue with traditional or (what Len Sweet calls) the “inherited” church without the same degree of division and conflict. (See more at my post Emerging Church & Nationalism)
-More Naturally Postmodern: Out of a complex dynamic of cultural development, Canada has naturally developed as a postmodern & pluralistic society. This has contributed, in part, to the statistical trend of the Canadian church shrinking. However, as a result, the remaining churches have been pushed by necessity into relationship with each other, thus creating space for dialogue. Combine this with other factors, including the lack of religious nationalism (and the resulting civil religion), and you have an environment well suited for the emerging dialogue.
Again, these are brief exploration of generalizations from my (limited) perspective. However, I believe they represent some of the more important strengths that Canada (potentially) brings into the conversation. However, all of this begs the question “Where do we go from here?”
I believe it is extremely important that those of us on the emerging journey here in Canada step out intentionally in this regards. However, while I think this needs to happen sooner rather than later, I believe that part of that intentionality includes a bold, but cautious consideration of how that is done- a “tempered radicalism”, if you will. We need to resist the impulse to over organize or formalize, especially given our national tendency to (intentionally or otherwise) mimic our good neighbours to the south, often lured by their “success”.
I imagine there will be very different perspectives as this unfolds, perhaps even a heated debate or two. I am not convinced that would entirely unhealthy. However, my hope is that wisdom (not just numbers) be the guiding influence as this plays itself out. Look forward to more on this topic in the days to come.
Sounds good. I remember hearing John Cobb (process theologian) lecture once on some of the ways they were trying to bring in all the relevant voices into urban planning discussions and the huge hurdles in the US with their own aboriginal communities. I think you are right there is a huge gulf between the US and the Canadian relations with their first peoples.
Frank,
Thanks. I plan to do a much more in depth article on indigenous theology and the emering church. I am continually stunned and humbled by what I am discovering in it.
Peace,
Jamie
For my own knowledge, is the First Nations/indigenous population greater in Canada than it is in the US? What would the percentage be?
Good points, though; I enjoyed this post.
Lukas,
While the US has a migher population of First Nations people than Canada, I still believe Canada is better poised to enageg this dialogue, for many reasons. However, I believe that where race is concerned, the US needs to (at least initially) put their emphasis on the gaping wound of African American relations. My comingpost on this will go into more detail.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie
Just for your information about the population of native peoples in the US (re-Lucas post) – the Navajo Nation is comprised of over 100,000 people. While many states have populations that number in the 100s, here in Arizona that is not so. In our town there are more Navajo children in the school system then other nationalities and they (Navajos) comprise a majority. The Navajo people are still very much practicing their original spiritual lives while many combine traditional practices with Christianity. Many, many Navajo families are Christian. The Hopi tribes maintain that it is their prayers that keep our world in balance. Many Hopi people who live and work in Phoenix or other cities, return to the Hopi villages on the weekends to continue with their spiritual practices.
Thanks
marty
I’m so sorry – that’s Lukas. Slap my hand and pay attention!
Marty (aka Auntie Marty),
It took me until just now to connect! Glad you found the blog. Thanks for the stats.
Peace,
Jamie
My goodness – I thought there was only one Marty in the world! About the stats – sorry they aren’t exact.
I enjoy these discussions – and especially the Canadian viewpoint. Living so far from the border – one would think that Canada was over in China!
Keep up the good work – I’ll keep tuning in!
marty
I like the feel of your site…no need to change. And the content is spectacular.
Kyle,
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the input. I am going to leave this as is for now. Like I said, I like the feel of your site. Have you thought about building a blogroll?
Peace,
Jamie
Heya Marty! *wave* Jamie can vouch that I’m one of your long-not-so-lost relatives hehe.
I only have two comments, Jamie. Canada is certainly lucky not having the same (almost overlording) influences as the US, however, I don’t agree where cultural diversity (and the embracing of it) is beneficial. Most often than not it leads to other religion stuff being brought into Christian worship.
Jezzy – interesting way of looking at it – "Most often than not it leads to other religion stuff being brought into Christian worship."
I see it the other way around as Jesus being brought into other cultures and him affecting/effecting the way they do their religion. Maybe it’s because I’m Canadian (lol).
McDLT, I’m a Canadian too (oh lucky me
) The way I see it, either way (whether it’s them affecting Christian worship – or Christian worship affecting them) it’s a matter of letting go of past religious ideas. I certainly wouldn’t encourage my new age neighbour to do yoga in an attempt to "access Christ", if you know what I’m saying.
Jez,
Actually, I firmly and deeply disagree with you on this one. By saying other cultures may bring in other religions, it reflects an assumption that somehow the dominant Christian culture (which is Euro-Western Caucasion) is the norm. In fact, we have brought much of our own cultural "religion" into our faith, both positively and negatively. Why should a First Nations person or an Iraqi person abandon their culture to take on yours?
Further, while we have to be careful not to accept religious beliefs that contradict right doctrine, we have to acknowledge that certain cultures are better poised to understand aspects of faith than others. Many First Nations cultures have traditional understandings of justice that are far more Biblical than the ones our culture and churches put forth.
As for yoga, that is another issue all on its own. I don’t think I’ll even go there in this comment (wink).
Peace,
Jamie
For a second there I was about to pass out – I thought you said you agreed with me! LOL Then I reread it.
Again, it’s a matter of words, I believe. When I think cultural diversity, I think multiple religions (buddhism, islam, hinduism, you name it). I’m definitely not assuming that I (being a Euro-Western Causasian myself) am the norm.
What I am saying is just what you stated in the first part of your second paragraph: we need to be careful that what people from other religions hold on to as sacred when finding Christ does not contaminate what Christ has called us to.
I was using yoga as an example. Let’s try another. I certainly wouldn’t encourage my neighbour to engage in divination as an attempt to "access Christ".
Jez,
I know we do mean the same thing, but our emphasis is different. You are more worried about religious ideas getting in. I am more worried about the continued exclusion that church is sadly known for.
I am of the belief that we have a lot to learn (without compromise) from other religions. I do not think they are as much of a threat to us as is often communicated.
Peace,
Jamie
Rock on! I can agree with that last paragraph!! WOOHOO! Write it down folks! Another issue Jamie and I agree about! LOL
And ya, we are a pretty exclusive lot, aren’t we? Now that I think about it, it IS sad.
Heya Jezzy!!! Wave – welcome to the family…..
I am bothered by what appears to be an evagelical bent to insularism. We have a fortress mentality regarding our faith. Allow me to "proof text" a little. Whatever happened to the promises of scripture reflected in the following texts? (John 3:31 15:3 1 John 4:4)
Oops. The texts should have commas between them. I meant John 3:31, 15:3ff, 1 John 4:4.