(e)mergent Voyageurs

From the beginning, I have engaged the emerging church conversation because I believed it constructively and redemptively examined the influences on our lives and faith, both positive and negative. I truly believe that the church- largely Western Evangelicalism- with all its important and essential characteristics, has drifted from God’s intended purposes for His people, and I believe the emerging church has a significant part (and I stress, part) to play in calling and guiding us back.

However, I have become, like many others, somewhat frustrated by the general failure towards concerted action in response to this drift. Certainly there have been great strides made by some, but generally most of the praxis we have seen has been ecclesiological, specifically the Sabbath worship gathering. While these have been excellent and important developments, I feel as though there has been lacking a larger lifestyle transformation, especially by communities (as opposed to individual changes, which are important but overall inadequate).

Some would argue that true change only comes when first there is important and intensive theological examination, both a critique of current theological drift and the pursuit of authentic understanding. Out of this will come a stronger foundation upon which we can shape the transformed praxis. There is a great deal to be said for this, as I believe the complexity of theology needs to be engaged. However, the primacy of this endeavour is what worries me. As Miroslav Volf said:

As we examine the course of human history, such as the Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah, we find that the restoration from drift has been a pattern that has repeated itself before. I believe that there is a great deal we can learn if we are willing to examine the circumstances, realities and dynamics of these events and eras. In understanding how God guided His people back to His intentions in the past, we may discover important keys to our own restoration.

While some will dismiss this as inconsequential, an interesting thing emerges when you look at these eras. For example, in Jeremiah’s time, called the Axial Age (roughly the period between 800 BC to 200 BC) saw some stunning parallels with other religious traditions in unconnected regions. One key stunning commonality between these groups is the emphasis on an active spirituality that called people back to active holiness- not simply moral ethically living (for this was a result of holiness, not the substance of it)- but rather a commitment to creating communities committed to compassion, justice and peace. They had little patience for religion that was defined by adherence to a code of morality or commitment to dogmatic apologetic.

It should also be noted that these transformations occurred in times of turbulent and violent times. As their worlds seemed on the verge of tearing themselves apart, they responded to this tragedy by rejecting what the larger culture embraced as the inevitable reality. They called people to follow a “way”, a deeply praxis rooted lifestyle that sought to create in the world a reflection of what could be and should be. I believe that the Judeo-Christian expression of this tranformation was the supreme embodiment of this truth, with the others drawn, if imperfectly, towards this deeper truth hidden in their hearts.

Looking at this, one might see that postmodernity is exactly (or at least, largely) what I am describing- that is, a rejection of the drift of faith and the resulting impact on our lives, our churches and the larger society. However, where the critique may be consistant, I do not believe it has proven itself in calling and modelling the active, radical, transformative lifestyle necessary to truly bring change. This is why I believe postmodernity is a good critique, but not solution.

I truly believe that Jesus’ life and message embodied the sharpest and clearest example of what we are truly called to. While we can contextualize our incarnational response to this call- indeed, it is crucial that we do- it is this timeless example and message, made possible through His eternal sacrafice, that provides the true answers we need to respond to this tragic drift. Not the tamed, domesticated version of Jesus message, robbed of its revolutionary and radical nature, but the sacraficial call to pursue the impossible with faith in an infinitely powerful and loving God.

Therefore, if the emerging church wants to have its voice heard, its call and critique validated, it must be careful not to be distracted by the articulateion of its important (though limited) message, but rather to pursue, model and call people to a communal incarnation of Christlikeness. I fear that the over-engagement and (at times) infatuation with theological considerations come at the expense of this radical call to God’s way. This next season for the church in the emerging culture must resist an imbalanced emphasis on defending or arguing our position, deconstructing the theologies of others and development of contextual Sabbath worship expressions. These must be engaged and explored, but must be submitted to the higher calling to live as Christ in a world desperately needing Him.

Emerging Church

I read a lot of blogs, perhaps too many at times (but that is another issue), and so often find that I rush through the main post so quickly, I miss some of the other great features. Sidebars, for example, can be treasure troves of great stuff. It dawned on me, then, that most readers probably miss what is on my sidebar too. While there isn’t anything worth writing home about, I thought I would give you a quick tour. Here are the highlights:

My Book: My first book was published over a year ago, which was a huge milestone for me. It is a collection of chapters from various authors (including myself) which I compiled, editted and, in some cases, ghost wrote. It was intended to be an eclectic mix of writers and topics, designed to create the opportunity for Christian readers to interact with ideas and authors they might otherwise not, drawn by topics and writers they were familiar with. Whether it worked or not will be left to my readers, but I am very proud of my first book. (Note: I recently started my next project, a look at missional community as a product of the Gospel)

Other Books: While I am not going to give an overview of every book here, I want to focus on a few. First, let me just say that you will not lose with any book written by Scot McKnight, but Embracing Grace has been a repeated fav of mine and it is still fairly new. Several Catholic writers are worth giving your time to, such as Henri Nouwen (start with Return of the Prodigal Son), Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. Day’s life and writings were crucial in my life serving in the inner city. Take some time to check over the other titles.

Films: I just added this section tonight, but something long overdue. Film can be a powerful tool. Again, here are the highlights. The movie Wit is the film version of the award winning play, in which a John Dunne scholar fights with terminal cancer. I warn you in advanced, it is powerful, one of the few films to make me weep- not dry, weep. Again, several Catholic themed films have also been significant to me- Entertaining Angels being a brief introduction to the life of Dorothy Day (hard to find, but worth viewing); The Shoes of the Fisherman is the film version of the book by the same name (a must read, by the way); The Mission is probably my favourite film of all time, following the turbulent life of Jesuit missionaries in South America. Other films in the list you might not be familiar with are The Body and To End All Wars, both worth renting/buying today.

Please take some time to check out the goodies on my sidebar. If there are any books, films or links you aren’t familiar with and want more information, please do not hesitate to ask. Enjoy!

In 16th century Italy, a young and gifted countess emerged into the world of literature as one of the beloved poet.  Vittoria Colonna was a close and dear friend of Michelangelo, respected by other literary figures of her day to a degree unheard of for women in the culture and era.  While never leaving her Roman Catholic faith, she was a friend and supporter of many Roman Protestant Reformers.

Several generations later, this aristocratic family produced another literary star- Count Luigi Ricci of d’Avalos, Marquis of Pescara, Grandee of Spain of the First Class; Knight of the Royal Order of the Crown of Italy; founding member of the Dante Society; Professor at University of London, and Lecturer to the London Society for the Extension of University Teaching.  He published many works, including the First Italian Reader; Italian Principia; Dante’s The New Life; Machiavelli’s The Prince; Life of Giotto; Francesca da Rimini; Fair Women in the Divine Comedy; Beatrice; Italian Grammer for English Students; Italian Commercial Grammer; Le Cento Migliori Liriche; Life of Raphael; Life of Titian; and many others.

His son, Victor Ricci, established himself as a highly respected journalist in London, rising quickly to the editorial department of the London Times.  Drawn to North America with the promise of new ventures, Victor soon found himself in a small, but rapidly growing trading town in Canada where he started a newspaper to rival the exsisting paper.  It was so successful that, when he shop burned to the ground, he easily bought out his competitors.

Victor handed the business down to his son, Arthur, who in turn groomed another writer, Lenard Ricci, his son.  Lenard is my grandfather and was central to my own love of the writing.  For generations my family have been readers, writers and passionate connaisseurs of the written word.  Words, their meaning and their ability to convey ideas, images and emotion give me the biggest thrill.

So why am I giving you the history of the familia Ricci?  In this conversation of the church in the emerging culture, a great deal has been said about the uncertainty in propositional truth.  While I believe we must be very cautious and humble to claim we grasp more than we are able, I also want to affirm that propositions- that is ideas or beliefs that can be expressed with language- are things of beauty, power and importance.

Therefore, in our zeal to approach the great mystery of the infinite with humility, lets not overstep that which Jesus Himself found necessary for His Kingdom purposes.  And while I doubt I will ever achieve the craft like my forefathers & mothers, I hope that my words can help bring people hope and faith and whatever certainty is available to us all in our journey to know God.

 Emerging Church