There are many excellent resources on the "Emerging Church" movement
available to educate God's people on this rapidly growing phenomenon.
We have gathered several of them together on this simple little web site
to make it easy for you to research the subject.Let's start with a few excellent & short articles from
Dr. John MacArthur, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church
in Sun Valley, California, commenting on the importance of sound
Biblical doctrine - especially in these "postmodern" times:A Call Back to Truth - John MacArthur
And, an introduction to the "Emerging Church" movement (ECM )
by Pastor Steven Cornell, of Let Us Reason Ministries:The Emergent Church - A new wave of evangelical identity
An important examination of the Emerging Church and its major authors
Exposing the Flaws of the Fad-Driven Church
by Phil Johnson, Executive Director of Grace to You:Emergent Church Spreading Spiritual Cancer - Marsha West
"Post Modernism" - Life Productions
Here are several Baptist Press articles on the "ECM":
Leaders call 'Emerging Church Movement' a threat to Gospel
Baptist scholar sounds a warning to ‘emerging church'
Is a 'Generous Orthodoxy' truly orthodox?
The myth of the apolitical evangelical
Albert Mohler, Professor of Christian Theology,
"What Should We Think of the Emerging Church?" Part 1
and President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, writes: :"What Should We Think of the Emerging Church?" Part 2
"A Generous Orthodoxy"-- Is It Orthodox?
Donald A. Carson, research professor of New Testament,
at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, writes:D. A. Carson on "The Emerging Church"
Very revealing PBS story on the ECM, with comments from Prof. Carson
Dr. Carson has written the definitive book on the subject:
Generally known to be an even-tempered and even-handed scholar, Carson has
been particularly vocal in his criticism of McLaren's doctrinal views, saying "I have
to say, as kindly but as forcefully as I can, that to my mind, if words mean anything,
both McLaren and [Steve] Chalke have largely abandoned the gospel"
(D.A. Carson, Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church, (2005), p.186)
John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, in Minneapolis,
professor, author of over 20 books, and heard daily on the Desiring God
radio program:What would Athanasius have said about the ECM?
The Supremacy of Christ and Joy in a Postmodern World
Pastor Ken Silva, Apprising Ministries - excellent, up-to-date articles:
BRIAN MCLAREN: EMERGENT INFECTING CANADA
Brian McLaren: The Emergent Church Cult Leader
Brian McLaren: Turning Aside to Myths
Brian McLaren: An Evangelical?
Paul Proctor Two recent articles on the Emerging Civil War:
This is a Global Spiritual Catastrophe in the making!
The Shepherds' Fellowship - Introduction to the ECM:
Rev. Jerry Falwell - on the "Emerging Church":
The 'Emerging Church': Straying from the Gospel
The Christian Research Service - well-researched articles on the ECM:
Calvary Chapel, of Costa Mesa, rejects the ECM:
"Parson to Parson" - May 20, 2006
Pastor Gary Gilley - articles and research sources:
The 9 Marks Overview - articles on the ECM:
The Lighthouse Trails Research Project, of Silverton, OR - several articles:
Actual QUOTES by Emerging Church Leaders
Brian McLaren - Coming Out of the Contemplative/New Age Closet
Emerging Church Database - Click on the "down" arrow
The Apologetics Coordination Team, of Pearl City, HI, - several articles:
Deception in the Church articles
Berit Kjos Ministries, in California - several articles:
ECM: From Gnostic Roots to Occult Revival
Jeremy Muncy - recent "Upholding the Truth" article:
Emergent Church: Do doctrine and truth matter?
David Kowalski - Apologetics Index 17 chapter in-depth study of the ECM:
Appropriate Response to the Emerging Church Movement
Understanding the Times International, Santa Anna, CA - several articles:
Revival or Return to Darkness?
We should emulate the Bereans - Acts 17:
Open Letter to the President of the Southern Baptist Convention
Some brave souls are transcribing some of the "NOOMA" videos. Many thanks to you!
Dr. Douglas Spinney's take on the one of the primary books
of the "emerging church" movement:
Brian McLaren
- the most well known proponent of the "Emerging Church Movement" -
- and one of the most prolific writers on the subject -Brian McLaren Archive - from Pastor Ken Silva
For book reviews of McLaren's three most recent books promoting the ECM,
click on the cover images:
- - - -
- - - -
Another review of "A New Kind of Christian" - from the Christian Research Institute:
Another review of "A Generous Orthodoxy" - from Critical Issues Commentary:
The sequel to "Secret Message of Jesus" is nearing completion. McLaren has decided to change
titles. He's dropping "Jesus and the Suicide Machine" for a number of reasons.... the new title is "Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises,
and the Revolution of Hope."Have you ever seen such an arrogant, proud and condescending letter as this one?:
Open Letter to Chuck Colson - from Brian McLaren
See this Post-Biblical Theological Seminary Website report on Brian McLaren.
Something that few people seem to know about; his endorsement of a book that imagines
a homosexual Jesus, giving a homosexual interpretation of Jesus in the Gospels
(actually, it's one McLaren's "favorite" books from 2006). :McLaren's unbiblical view of homosexuality
The leadership of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches
gives a full endorsement and hearty "Amen!" to Brian McLaren's
teachings. They have granted him their stamp of approval.
They have even declared that they consider his aberrant writings to be
ORTHODOX!
I kid you not!CLICK HERE for the full scoop:
Canadian Baptists going down "Emerging Church Road"
Visit the "CABC Churches and the Emerging Church Movement" Facebook group!
John MacArthur has just released a powerful book on the
"Emerging Church Movement"
discussing, among other things, so-called church "leaders"
who do not protect their flocks from the dangers of such heresies.
Book Review: Looking for a good book on the importance of fighting for and defending biblical truth? Look no further.
John MacArthur's The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception is just what you need. When those like the Emergent Church leaders are claiming we cannot know for sure what the Bible teaches, that we cannot be certain whether things like homosexuality are sin, MacArthur shows how the Bible is not ambiguous about these matters at all. And further, the Bible warns that we would see false teachers claim such things. The fact of the matter is, the church is warned often by the writers of the New Testament, and Jesus Himself, that wolves in sheep's clothing would come.
The Truth War has eight chapters, which are all prefaced by the introduction "Why Truth Is Worth Fighting For." Right off the bat, MacArthur explains why truth is important to defend. Each following chapter deals with an important aspect of the battle: "Can Truth Survive in a Postmodern Society?" (Chapter 1); "Spiritual Triumph: Duty, Danger, and Guaranteed Triumph" (Chapter 2); "Constrained into Conflict: Why We Must Fight for the Faith" (Chapter 3); "Creeping Apostasy: How False Teachers Sneak In" (Chapter 4); "Heresy's Subtlety: Why We Must Remain Vigilant" (Chapter 5); "The Evil of False Teaching: How Error Turns Grace into Licentiousness" (Chapter 6); "The Assault on Divine Authority: Christ's Lordship Denied" (Chapter 7); and "How to Survive in an Age of Apostasy: Learning from the Lessons of History" (Chapter 8). All this great discussion is followed by the appendix: "Why Discernment Is Out of Fashion."
An important theme MacArthur takes up in the book is Postmodernism, the philosophical engine that drives the Emergent Church movement. He is right when he says "Postmodernism is simply the latest expression of worldly unbelief," and that it is "proud rebellion against divine revelation" (p. 25). While false teaching masquerading as biblical Christianity has always posed a threat to the church, "most Christians nowadays simply don't care about the prevalence of false doctrine, nor do they take seriously their duty to fight against apostasy" (p. 47).
The real problem, as MacArthur sees it, is that the true church is battling apostate teachers who are espousing corrupt teaching. "They frequently remain and continue to function as preachers, teachers, or authors. Certainly they pretend to be Christians. They cover up their defection with subtlety. They profess faithfulness to the truth even as they try to undermine its foundations" (p. 66). "[A]postate religion is dynamic in the same way gospel truth is---but it produces exactly the opposite results. It intensifies sin's bondage, multiplies sin's pollutions, and magnifies sin's consequences" (p. 122).
The level of apostasy now in the church is not helped by the amount of people filling our pews who may not be genuine Christians. "Churches today are filled with people like that. They drift from church to church. They are often more concerned about whether they like the music than they are about whether they are hearing the truth. They are usually absorbed in religion for self-centered reasons. They want a better life. They are 'recovering' sinners looking for fellowship. They are therefore susceptible to anyone who promises to meet their 'felt needs.' They are the first-line victims of false religion" (p. 182).
The Truth War is must-reading for all Christians. It reminds us of the essential fact that Christianity is a matter of truth. And truth is always worth fighting for.
– Ray Hammond, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Why are some church leaders so unconcerned about the dangers of the ECM?
Even if our "shepherds" and "watchmen" are asleep on the wall, the Bible says
we each bear an individual responsibility to to check everything
in the light of God's eternal Word - to be like the Bereans (Acts 17). Only then,
can we make proper decisions on what to believe as truth.... the kind of truth
that Francis Schaeffer calls "true truth". And to not be blown around by every
subtle wind of heresy and deception.As a member of the Body of Christ, you can be instrumental in helping to call
our leaders and denominations back to Bible standards. Why not write a letter,
tonight, to people in leadership positions expressing your thoughts? You might
also direct your friends to this simple, little web site to help them do some research
on the Emerging Church Movement. Presented here is a collection of many reliable
sources of information on the subject."There's nothing new under the sun." The ECM is simply the latest version of liberalism
that has plagued the Church for decades. And "post-modernism" isn't really new either.
It's simply the old philosophy of relativism, re-defined. The teachings of Brian McLaren are
a subtle, yet persuasive, "Christian" agnosticism, and are antithetical to the faith
once delivered to the saints. It is our fervent prayer that the Lord will cleanse His Church
and call (all) His children back to a deep respect for His Word.We want to thank all the pastors who have contacted us with words of encouragement
and their many suggestions for additions to this little web site. We would also ask those
who are angry about these articles being made available to take some time to
prayerfully actually consider the information contained therein.
AUDIO PRESENTATIONS
Here are several audio presentations on the subject. They are in MP3 format,
and should play on your computer. They may take a few moments to download: Phil Johnson - on the Emerging Church (MP3) - - TEXT of Phil's seminarMore audios by David Wells, Mark Driscoll, D.A. Carson, John Piper, and others. (MP3)
PS: One last word... on Mark Driscoll, who had been heavily involved in the ECM,
and is friends with its main movers and shakers.
Mark states: "I eventually had to distance myself from the Emergent stream of the network
because friends like Brian McLaren and Doug Pagitt began pushing a theological
agenda that greatly troubled me. Examples include referring to God as a chick,
questioning God’s sovereignty over and knowledge of the future, denial of the
substitutionary atonement at the cross, a low view of Scripture, and denial of hell..."
Read the whole article HERE
Some timely Scripture references:Jude 1:3; Romans 1: 16; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Colossians 2: 8 - 14;
1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 4:1 - 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Titus 1: 9 - 11
Soli Deo Gloria!
Disclaimer
Take Back Canada makes no warranties or representations with respect to the websites for which hyperlinks are provided on this site. TBC is not responsible for the entire content contained in any such site. The hyperlinks provided are for informational purposes and do not necessarily endorse the linked site's contents contained therein.
