New Article: Emergent Theology: The McLaren Method of Interpretation

Next Wave has published an expanded and revised version of one of my recent blog entries. In it I lay out McLaren’s theological method and offer a fourfold critique. The article, “Emergent Theology: The McLaren Method of Interpretation” can be read at Next Wave, along with a recent interview with McLaren.

When you check out the articles, take the time to rate them and/or leave a comment.

18-25 Yr Olds Least Likely to Attend Church

A new study from LifeWay Research reveals that more than two-thirds of young adults who attend a Protestant church for at least a year in high school will stop attending church regularly for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22. Lifeway cites “life change issues” as the primary reason for this decline in church attendance. Life issues includes work demands, moving, off to college.

I can’t help but think that the church is largely to blame for this. In an incredibly mobile society people need a sense of purpose and belonging, not a show and a speaker. If we cultivate community that is on mission, this age group may be more likely to stick with “church” because it becomes a social network in which human longings for purpose and relationship are found.