Brian D. McLaren. A Generous Orthodoxy. Zondervan (Youth Specialties Book), 2004.
By contrasting and outlining the different emphases/streams of the Christian tradition, Brian McLaren seeks to fill out our understanding of what it means to be Christian. Too often we have viewed what we believe in terms of "either/or." This perhaps is one of the reasons we prefer to define "orthodoxy" as "right belief" and then to narrow that "right belief" to coincide with our particular, and sometimes peculiar, theological opinions. However, there may be a better definition for this day and age.
Generous is a good word. It has to do with accepting and loving the gifts others bring. It also speaks to an appreciation for all that God has done in God's working in the world. Unfortunately, it is not a word used much in Christian apologetics. But we might be enabled to use that term if we define orthodoxy as "right glory." Right glory belongs only to God. It would call us to love and acceptance of all that which ultimately gives glory to God. And, there is the possibility that we may discover within the various strands of our Christian Tradition that the differing approaches of others might actually enrich our own traditions.
McLaren apparently reacts to interpretations of the faith that are solely ____________ (you fill in the label), but especially what we usually describe as fundamentalist. Taken in its original context and familiar usage, as one who holds to the fundamentals of faith, there is little wrong with the word. But restricted to the hook-line-and-sinker of rigid dispensationalism, then it is as unacceptable as it is unaccepting. Where it fails is in its generosity, its refusal to accept and love others in their pursuit to give God right glory.
McLaren, a leader in the emergent church, can boldly proclaim where his position leads him. His subtitle says it: Why I Am Missional + Evangelical + Post/Protestant + Liberal/Conservative + Mystical/Poetic + Biblical + Charismatic/Contemplative + Fundamentalist/Calvinist + Anabaptist/Anglican + Methodist + Catholic + Green + Incarnational + Depressed-Yet- Hopeful + Emergent + Unfinished CHRISTIAN. Each of these, plus a few others, offers a needed side street in coming to offer God what is truly God's.
For a good review of this book go to Circuit Rider's Review by clicking here.
3/22/05