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I have come to conclusion that is quite easy to adopt the model of being emergent and this feature will be an easy-to-use guide for anyone wishing to reach this vital target market.
By following these simple guidelines, you'll get instant cred and can now call yourself "pomo" as much as you like (keep reading to find out what that means). It's convenient for our purposes that in their efforts to separate from the culture of Christianity, they have created their own wee ghetto.
REIMAGINE YOUR LANGUAGE
The language that you employ is vital to walking like an emergent. After all, what you say matters much more than what you do, so this will give you a quick and easy way to fit in.
POSTMODERN: You needn't actually BE postmodern or even necessarily understand it. You needn't be aware of the entire world view of being postmodern that has been "emerging " (<--- there's a good word!) for about 50 years and influencing/changing everything from history to relationships to art to philosophy and, of course, church and people. Nah. That's too much work. It will work much better if you use it as a way to describe why you light candles at your church, occasionally pray liturgically, and have a pierced nose. Tattoos also help here. Then you can slap the postmodern label on everything you think and do. Oh, and try to wax philosophic about communion while you're at it.
ANCIENT: If you want to give something instant credibility, call it ancient. After all, there is nothing pomos hate more than the modern way of doing things (Note: Modern = Evil). Therefore, as a way of showcasing their contempt for the modern, they embrace anything you describe as Ancient. Really it's easy to do. Just find things written and/or done during the early church or by the Early Church Fathers or some nuns or monks or even, say circa-1972. They also have a huge appreciation of all things Catholic and are unable to think critically about it. As long as it didn't happen in the 80s or beyond, they'll eat it up with a spoon.
VINTAGE: See Ancient. Just a cooler word.
RELEVANT: The tough thing with Relevant is that you probably shouldn't use it when talking about yourself or your own stuff. Try to convince other people to tell other people that you or your church is relevant. However, be warned. If you do need to use it as a descriptor (and you know you will), it will become your favorite adjective. "Relevant Preaching. Relevant Worship. Relevant Offering. Relevant Special Music. Relevant Ushers. Relevant Childcare. Relevant Parking." The possibilities are endless, wouldn't you say?
EMERGING: This is the easiest word to use to slap on your service for 20/30-somethings. If you want to have a special service just for this group (after all, you don't want these tattooed and pierced people actually showing up in your real service), it's best to call it "Emerging" (or the equally valid "Emergent").
SOCIAL JUSTICE/RESPONSIBILITY: You get to use this one when you realize that there are poor people in the world. You needn't actually do anything about it because the awareness is what counts. If you could also slap a "One Campaign" logo on your blog or MySpace account, that's equally effective. Talk passionately (especially with non-Christians...oops. I mean "the unchurched") about where the modern church has missed it and how the church collectively has fallen down on the job. Blame the moderns every time. Please note that if you read "God's Politics" you'll get an extra 10 bonus points (or if you say you read it, that'll do).
REIMAGINE: Instead of saying "We screwed up, and we are trying to figure out something else," use this word. It implies that you are deep and creative because you aren't just "evaluating" or "analyzing" or even "thinking it over". No, sir. You are IMAGINING. And by tacking on the RE to the front, you easily imply that you are much cooler than the cats who imagined it in the first place.
COMMUNITY: Don't ever use the word "church" or "friends" or, God forbid, "Bible study." It's much more organic and village-friendly to use the phrase "community."
EARLY CHURCH FATHERS: You don't actually have to have read the Early Church Fathers (note the capitals...) or developed a critical opinion of them (i.e. where they were right on and where they were mad as hatters). Simply drop the phrase into your conversation and you'll get instant cred. After all, all pomos know that the Early Church Fathers were infallible and never wrong. You know, like Jesus.
“RE”: Much like "REIMAGINING", tack "RE" onto words to make yourself look like a revolutionary (<---see another good word!). As in RE-PAINTING, RE-WRITING, RE-DISCOVERING and so on.
Here are a few others that may come in handy:
• The Church (with a capital "C")
• Revolution
• Orthodoxy
• Liturgy
• Culture
• Art
• Candles
• Atmosphere
• Sacred
• Spiritual
• Journey
• Matrix
• Story
• Experience
Reimagine Your Look
There is a certain style to embrace in your quest for emergence.
• Thrift store-esque t-shirts. These needn't actually be purchased AT a thrift store but can usually be found these days at most major overpriced retailers (Abercrombie and Fitch, anyone?). They ought to have smart-alecky or retro type images or text. They should look like they've be worn by at least 16 people before they found their way to you.
• Loose, many-times washed jeans. Much more preferred if you can sleep in them for a few nights and then wear them.
• Flip-flops or birkenstocks
• A tattoo or two or three. Maybe some Hebrew lettering, perhaps? Just make sure you check it out before you tattoo it on there. Many an emergent has been taken in to believe that their ultra-cool tattoo reads something like "Redeemed" or "Faithful" or "Yahweh" when it actually means "water rat" or "devil spawn". (I think tattoo artists have a sense of humor, those ungodly heathens.)
• Piercings.
• Messy looking hair. (Go to bed with your hair wet and your t-shirt/jeans on and when you wake up in the morning you're all set!)
• Don't own a suit.
• Have super white teeth. Something that resembles a row of Chiclets is preferred.
• If you wear glasses (or even if you don’t), choose thick chunky frames in a rectangle shape.
• If you choose to grow a beard to be closer to Jesus, a “soul spot” on your chin that resembles a bit of food left clinging is a wise choice.
• Maybe a ring on your right ring finger with a cross in it or some Hebrew lettering.
Oh, and one more thing:
• Be a white male.
Things You Need To Think Are Cool and/or Spiritual " (in no particular order).
• The Catholic Church (Infallible. You know, like Jesus.)
• The Pope (Another example of perfection.)
• Traditional denominations (i.e. Presbyterians, Anglicans etc.)
• iPods
• The Internet (wireless will earn you extra points)
• Candles at church
• Communion (wax rhapsodic about communion and everyone will think you get it.)
• Wine (it wasn't Jesus' first miracle for nothing, people)
• Beer snobbery (no Molson's or Bud Light for us. We need the good micro-brew stuff, baby. Otherwise you're just a poser.)
• City living (everyone knows God can't exist in the suburbs)
• People who blog (extra points if you blog yourself. But we'll take away points if you have too many "Here's what I did today" posts and not enough rantings about the state of the Western church.)
• Being Liberal/NDP in Canada (Democrat in the States or Labour in the UK works well as well).
• Sojourners (the consummate opinion generator if you want to be a social liberal Christian like the rest of us.)
• Brian McLaren, Tony Campolo, Doug Pagitt, Dan Kimball (pretty much all the ironic white guys)
• Ancient/Eastern spirituality
• People with accents – not counting Southern United States. (Obviously they're much smarter than we Canadians.)
• Living in community (A pox on thee that need alone time...)
• Podcasting (Gone are the days of "teaching tapes" my brethren.)
• Poetry (you don't actually have to read it. Just pick one or two and you can fake it pretty well.)
• Literature (again, you don't actually have to read it. Merely display it nicely in your downtown flat above the pub. Which leads us to ….)
• Pubs - the coffee house of the emergent.
• Pseudo-indie music. You know, the kind that everyone listens to but just isn't on Top 40.
• The Lord of the Rings/The Matrix movies.
• Organic food.
• Adherence to the teaching of high priest Bono.
So now you are set! Go forth boldly. Reimagine your ancient/vintage, spiritual community that is revolutionizing The Church through social responsibility, candles, and relevant atmosphere for a postmodern generation with the teachings of the Early Church Fathers and telling each other's sacred stories for those people in your culture that are still on the journey.
Granted, you’ll probably have a lot of people from the Baptist church down the street show up every week (and they won't tithe because you're not technically their "storehouse") but hey, at least you've got a crowd so you feel like you're effective.
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Excellent. Now to finish that rant I've been meaning to post on my blog. You know...the one about the state of the Western Church...
Great post. I laughed and was also dismayed.
Ouch!
Hello Sarah, I will have to say it is an interesting article. I was referred here by Natty Balderson. Some of what you have to say is good. I have spoken with Natty often about the value of reading early church history. Not that it is cool, but it helps one grasp a deeper understanding of the origins of Christianity. I am not a believer, but I do think it is important for young people to understand the roots of their faith, especially when some dedicate their entire lives to it. Anyway, The problems you address here are valid, but overly specific. I am not concerned with the kids with flip-flops, ipods, or hebrew tattoos. I worry about people of faith who are offended when you say they are religious. I mean, I say it to most, and the response is like I have called them SATAN. I am quickly corrected, "I am not religious, but rather have a relationship." A simple game of semantics, all for the ability to be 'more relatable.' It goes further, to the removal of the cross from most church buildings, or even, the removal of the word 'church' from it's name (Tree of Life, Baptist Fellowship, ect.). The desire to be different, or a light in the darkness, or the salt of the earth, is no longer something people of faith desire. This quest for popularity/relate-ability is not as direct as Peter denying Christ, but it is still a subtle backhand to faith in Christ.
Sarah, as accurate as you describe the youth of the modern church, the biggest problem is... the church is no longer different from mass society. It looks like most other buildings, it isn't even called church, it doesn't even have a cross...and to boot...there are just as many messed up people there (which includes pastors) as there are in the 'world' (a nice church term for the article).
The responsibility does not just fall on the youth, it falls on the majority of Christians, who have been more concerned with being popular in a world that is ever drifting from biblical standards. Soon, calling yourself a christian will mean nothing, like calling yourself a college graduate.
I am glad to see a believer scrutinizing the modern pool of believers, but, like you said prior...is this 'talk' or a 'cool' thing to do...or what solutions can be brought to the table, one cluttered with technology, one competing against dysfunctional families, and one in a world riddled with problems of over population, climate change, and religious/corporate wars?
Keep up the diligent quest. Continue to push the ones around you, and hopefully, a difference of change will be made...good luck. e
Question: Is a parsonage emergent/relevant or too modern?
Beth - A parsonage is just a good deal. :)
Erik: Thanks for the encouragement. I'm sure you know that by the specifics, I was simply being extreme for the sake of the sarcastic argument. Nor do I see it as "youth" issue but rather the exact thing you mentioned: the lack of any real differentiation of truth. And that crosses all ages. By packaging it "differently", we are sometimes lulled into believing that we're actually making a difference. I am merely taking a small (albeit inadequate) snapshot. When I first came across this community of people in 2003 that were questioning the same things that I was, I felt like I had come home. I could have wept with joy at finding that I wasn't the only crazy one that was looking at most Christianity/churches and saying "Surely this isn't it. Because if it is, never mind." So I've been a part of the conversation you're referencing for a while. There has been a lot of truth in my life as a result of some of those things listed above (Early church writings, authors I reference, liturgy etc.). But when they become the end in itself or a method rather than a leading of Jesus, then I feel like it's being packaged and marketed rather than organically lead by the Spirit. It just struck me over the years how much we have become this "target market" of folks that truly don't get it. They don't get that maybe those outside accoutrements are there but the core of it is a deeper quest. And solutions...now there's a tough word. And one that I am pursuing along with many other believers that are deeply entrenched in their worlds, being salt and light. I think it's easy sometimes to look at the loudest (i.e. the usual American evangelical) and paint all of us with a broad stroke though. There are a lot of us that see this and are saddened that Christianity has been co-opted by the American dream for too long. As a result, I agree that most churches don't look much different than the world or much different than any other good organisation. And I suppose that's what I grapple with. I do believe this truth so what does that mean for society? Doesn't it mean that Christians should engage with the world? How can you be light unless you are in the darkness? Is it really the Gospel if you can't preach it everywhere? Good thoughts. I think we agree on many points.
Chorkling here!! You make me laugh when you get sarcastic! Here's hoping all we pomo emergent types can have a good laugh at ourselves! Oh ... one word I don't remember you using is "unpack" .... I nearly barf when I hear someone say "let me unpack that idea for you" NO! I think my favorite word is "vinatage" ... sounds so nice!
I am glad to hear you are involved with a group of people who are defining themselves by a standard to which they believe, and I think it is hard for "good" christians or "true" men/women of God to do, especially these days. Most people do look at the loudest, most obnoxious christian, muslim, democrat, or what have you...and make a generalized assumption. They do say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, maybe the attention too.
As far as bringing the message to the people or being the light in the darkness, I would encourage believers to follow the example of Jesus. He didn't use the newest things, the most popular items to convey a message... rather, he told stories with common, recognizable objects. I am sure you know this, but for the believers who think the clothes, the toys, or friends, make the message...I would refer them to their bible. This style of story telling is perfect for todays' mindset, as the TV becomes more and more powerful, and the audience sits waiting for a simple, heartfelt message. And with a simple (this being key) message, I think people would be ready to listen. Anyway, it is an easy way to be light in darkness, and I think there are many other opportunities for the modern, yet creative, church to take advantage of... (i.e. video evangelism/tracts)
Well, Being a non-christian, I do find myself involved in many conversations about God, church, religion, and all... I figure, the church is one place that offers hope, and it would be sad to see it destroyed, not by the hands of its enemy, but rather by its own. I encourage you to seek truth, and if your search is pure, many will see that light we are speaking of... e
If I may say so...you sound a bit bitter.
Also, many of the problems you've outlined for 'emergent' folk are inherent in any church, anywhere I think. It's very easy to adopt one's own culture within a church, complete with a unique language, customs, and styles of dress.
I tend to see all churches inflicted with the same disease: Humanity. Now, if we could just get rid of all the Humans in church, it would be PERFECT! :D
[Hope you don't take this too hard..]
Hi Liz:
Thanks for commenting! No hurt feelings here at all. I appreciate your insight.
I am not a bitter person nor am I overly cynical...or at least, I strive not to be! ;) I was definitely writing with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek.
Thanks, S.
FREAKING CRAP! HOW DARE YOU LABEL ME! I AM PISSED!
Haha. Clever article. Now if I can just stop being a white male, studying ancient religion, listening to indie-ish music and podcasts...
Thank God I have bad teeth and own some suits...
But, maybe I should really start ACTUALLY doing something about Social Justice (its a really valid challenge)...
Sarah,
You are living proof that God makes intelligent insightful and intellectually keen females with gifts of discernment in today's world. Be careful, you might start a movement and then we would all need to bow at your emerging feet.
Great insights with that bit of humor on top. Delicious!
Gary Hinchman
you are living proof that God makes intelligent insightful and intellectually keen females with gifts of discernment in today's world.
hahahahahahahahaha! well, sarah, looks like the little lady has been blessed as the exception to Mr. Hinchman's world view.
Sarah,
I hope the piercing in your tongue and cheek didn't hurt too much.
John
OMG. That's my church you're describing! Great post.
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Excellent. Now to finish that rant I've been meaning to post on my blog. You know...the one about the state of the Western Church... Posted by Gina | Posted at 12/03/2007 9:31 AM
Great post. I laughed and was also dismayed. Posted by Mary | Posted at 12/03/2007 9:44 AM
Ouch! Posted by Kevin | Posted at 12/03/2007 11:21 AM
Hello Sarah, I will have to say it is an interesting article. I was referred here by Natty Balderson. Some of what you have to say is good. I have spoken with Natty often about the value of reading early church history. Not that it is cool, but it helps one grasp a deeper understanding of the origins of Christianity. I am not a believer, but I do think it is important for young people to understand the roots of their faith, especially when some dedicate their entire lives to it. Anyway, The problems you address here are valid, but overly specific. I am not concerned with the kids with flip-flops, ipods, or hebrew tattoos. I worry about people of faith who are offended when you say they are religious. I mean, I say it to most, and the response is like I have called them SATAN. I am quickly corrected, "I am not religious, but rather have a relationship." A simple game of semantics, all for the ability to be 'more relatable.' It goes further, to the removal of the cross from most church buildings, or even, the removal of the word 'church' from it's name (Tree of Life, Baptist Fellowship, ect.). The desire to be different, or a light in the darkness, or the salt of the earth, is no longer something people of faith desire. This quest for popularity/relate-ability is not as direct as Peter denying Christ, but it is still a subtle backhand to faith in Christ.
Sarah, as accurate as you describe the youth of the modern church, the biggest problem is... the church is no longer different from mass society. It looks like most other buildings, it isn't even called church, it doesn't even have a cross...and to boot...there are just as many messed up people there (which includes pastors) as there are in the 'world' (a nice church term for the article).
The responsibility does not just fall on the youth, it falls on the majority of Christians, who have been more concerned with being popular in a world that is ever drifting from biblical standards. Soon, calling yourself a christian will mean nothing, like calling yourself a college graduate.
I am glad to see a believer scrutinizing the modern pool of believers, but, like you said prior...is this 'talk' or a 'cool' thing to do...or what solutions can be brought to the table, one cluttered with technology, one competing against dysfunctional families, and one in a world riddled with problems of over population, climate change, and religious/corporate wars?
Keep up the diligent quest. Continue to push the ones around you, and hopefully, a difference of change will be made...good luck. e
Posted by Erik Forni | Posted at 12/03/2007 12:31 PMQuestion: Is a parsonage emergent/relevant or too modern? Posted by beth | Posted at 12/03/2007 2:10 PM
Beth - A parsonage is just a good deal. :)
Erik: Thanks for the encouragement. I'm sure you know that by the specifics, I was simply being extreme for the sake of the sarcastic argument. Nor do I see it as "youth" issue but rather the exact thing you mentioned: the lack of any real differentiation of truth. And that crosses all ages. By packaging it "differently", we are sometimes lulled into believing that we're actually making a difference. I am merely taking a small (albeit inadequate) snapshot. When I first came across this community of people in 2003 that were questioning the same things that I was, I felt like I had come home. I could have wept with joy at finding that I wasn't the only crazy one that was looking at most Christianity/churches and saying "Surely this isn't it. Because if it is, never mind." So I've been a part of the conversation you're referencing for a while. There has been a lot of truth in my life as a result of some of those things listed above (Early church writings, authors I reference, liturgy etc.). But when they become the end in itself or a method rather than a leading of Jesus, then I feel like it's being packaged and marketed rather than organically lead by the Spirit. It just struck me over the years how much we have become this "target market" of folks that truly don't get it. They don't get that maybe those outside accoutrements are there but the core of it is a deeper quest. And solutions...now there's a tough word. And one that I am pursuing along with many other believers that are deeply entrenched in their worlds, being salt and light. I think it's easy sometimes to look at the loudest (i.e. the usual American evangelical) and paint all of us with a broad stroke though. There are a lot of us that see this and are saddened that Christianity has been co-opted by the American dream for too long. As a result, I agree that most churches don't look much different than the world or much different than any other good organisation. And I suppose that's what I grapple with. I do believe this truth so what does that mean for society? Doesn't it mean that Christians should engage with the world? How can you be light unless you are in the darkness? Is it really the Gospel if you can't preach it everywhere? Good thoughts. I think we agree on many points.
Posted by Sarah Bessey | Posted at 12/03/2007 3:23 PMChorkling here!! You make me laugh when you get sarcastic! Here's hoping all we pomo emergent types can have a good laugh at ourselves! Oh ... one word I don't remember you using is "unpack" .... I nearly barf when I hear someone say "let me unpack that idea for you" NO! I think my favorite word is "vinatage" ... sounds so nice! Posted by Jill | Posted at 12/03/2007 3:58 PM
I am glad to hear you are involved with a group of people who are defining themselves by a standard to which they believe, and I think it is hard for "good" christians or "true" men/women of God to do, especially these days. Most people do look at the loudest, most obnoxious christian, muslim, democrat, or what have you...and make a generalized assumption. They do say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, maybe the attention too.
As far as bringing the message to the people or being the light in the darkness, I would encourage believers to follow the example of Jesus. He didn't use the newest things, the most popular items to convey a message... rather, he told stories with common, recognizable objects. I am sure you know this, but for the believers who think the clothes, the toys, or friends, make the message...I would refer them to their bible. This style of story telling is perfect for todays' mindset, as the TV becomes more and more powerful, and the audience sits waiting for a simple, heartfelt message. And with a simple (this being key) message, I think people would be ready to listen. Anyway, it is an easy way to be light in darkness, and I think there are many other opportunities for the modern, yet creative, church to take advantage of... (i.e. video evangelism/tracts)
Well, Being a non-christian, I do find myself involved in many conversations about God, church, religion, and all... I figure, the church is one place that offers hope, and it would be sad to see it destroyed, not by the hands of its enemy, but rather by its own. I encourage you to seek truth, and if your search is pure, many will see that light we are speaking of... e
Posted by Erik Forni | Posted at 12/03/2007 5:54 PMIf I may say so...you sound a bit bitter.
Also, many of the problems you've outlined for 'emergent' folk are inherent in any church, anywhere I think. It's very easy to adopt one's own culture within a church, complete with a unique language, customs, and styles of dress.
I tend to see all churches inflicted with the same disease: Humanity. Now, if we could just get rid of all the Humans in church, it would be PERFECT! :D
[Hope you don't take this too hard..]
Posted by Liz | Posted at 12/04/2007 11:15 AMHi Liz:
Thanks for commenting! No hurt feelings here at all. I appreciate your insight.
I am not a bitter person nor am I overly cynical...or at least, I strive not to be! ;) I was definitely writing with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek.
Thanks, S.
Posted by Sarah Bessey | Posted at 12/04/2007 11:46 AMFREAKING CRAP! HOW DARE YOU LABEL ME! I AM PISSED!
Haha. Clever article. Now if I can just stop being a white male, studying ancient religion, listening to indie-ish music and podcasts...
Thank God I have bad teeth and own some suits...
But, maybe I should really start ACTUALLY doing something about Social Justice (its a really valid challenge)...
Posted by M.joshua Cauller | Posted at 12/04/2007 2:43 PMSarah,
You are living proof that God makes intelligent insightful and intellectually keen females with gifts of discernment in today's world. Be careful, you might start a movement and then we would all need to bow at your emerging feet.
Great insights with that bit of humor on top. Delicious!
Gary Hinchman
Posted by Gary Hinchman | Posted at 12/12/2007 2:22 PMyou are living proof that God makes intelligent insightful and intellectually keen females with gifts of discernment in today's world.
hahahahahahahahaha! well, sarah, looks like the little lady has been blessed as the exception to Mr. Hinchman's world view.
Posted by ann larrow | Posted at 07/15/2008 3:34 AMSarah,
I hope the piercing in your tongue and cheek didn't hurt too much.
John
Posted by John Henry | Posted at 09/19/2008 11:03 PMOMG. That's my church you're describing! Great post. Posted by Ron Koustas | Posted at 10/08/2008 6:16 PM