Responding To Critics: Honest Answers To Honest Questions
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I recently read about an exchange between an emerging church leader and one of its critics. The more I read, the more upset I became at how this EC leader was treated during and following this public exchange. The treatment was neither fair nor accurate, but was presented with an almost arrogant confidence and self-declared authority. (I will not name who I am specifically speaking about, as I do not feel it is beneficial for anymore attention to be given to such a poor example of a critic, despite how much attention they seem to get.)
Now, I am more than aware within the emerging church discussion (in which I place myself without reservation), many are equally as unfair in their treatment of critics and/or the established church. Grace and humility must be a mutual commitment from both sides of the discussion. Further, I deeply believe that the emerging church needs to honestly face the critics and examine the critiques, as there is much truth and wisdom to be found there. There are excellent examples of gracious dialogue (and even debate) that is beneficial for all.
However, when we come across the critics who seem determined to be unmoved in their rejection and/or condemnation of the emerging church I am not convinced that we are wise to engage them in conversation, at least not in the public forum. I am not suggesting that we ignore them completely, nor am I denying that there can be at times a fine line between those who fairly critique and those who are senselessly attacking. This is not simple matter.
When we realize that a person is not truly asking honest questions seeking honest answers- when they demonstrate that they will not be happy with anything less than open admission of sin and an acknowledgment of their position as the right position- I believe that we can do more harm than good by continuing to engage them on these issues. This is especially true in public forums, be it on blogs, radio or conferences.
Too often, in genuine and empassioned attempts to respond to the harshest critiques, we simply add fuel to the destructive fire that many of such situations present. This danger is very real and can as easily harm those who are within the emerging church as those outside it. This is especially true to those Christians with less maturity and experience who could end up mimicking our example. And this says nothing of the example it can set to those outside of the Church who might be watchng- and be sure, that are watching.
Honest questions, even where there is some deep differences in belief, deserve honest answers. By “answers”, I am not suggesting that, for example, should critics ask us to present a unifying theology or doctrinal statement, that we attempt to do so, but rather that we must endeavour to understand and be understood as best we can. We must listen and share with open hearts and minds, both each others wisdom and the leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit.
What do you think? Is this fair? Do the harshest critiques who are not open to being convinced deserve the attention so many of us give in response? Have you seen good examples of how best to deal with such issues?
