A Friendly Note to My Critics
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Brian McLaren is often seen as the public face of the Emerging Church (Movement). This is due (perhaps) to the fact that he has written so many books on the subject. Likewise, he is often outwardly attacked more often than any other leader of the emerging church (perhaps for the same reason). |
In a recent post Brian has responded to his critics in a friendly yet firm manner. Now I have to admit that until lately I had not read or listened to much of Brian. I’m not sure why this is the case; but kinda felt uninspired and unmotivated. It’s interesting that while I was unwilling to read any of his works, I was not immune to the rumours that Brian was a “liberal,” “heretic,” “of the devil,” “Satanic,” and a “fundamentalist”. That many people are happy to form opinions on a subject (or person) without even engaging with the primary source is one of the issues Brian raises in his post (point 4), and Jordon Cooper continues and expands on (on behalf of Brian).
Anyway, recently (2-3 months ago) I heard a podcast on ‘Bleeding Purple’ where McLaren was being interviewed. As I listened to Brian speak I was taken back by his caring and pastoral heart. I heard in his voice, more than the words he spoke, a genuine love and concern for his listeners, his readers, his church, and his not-yet Christ following friends. Since then I have read his book ‘Generous Orthodoxy’ and again find a deep rooted love and concern for those who need to find Jesus. It is this same tone that I find in ‘A Friendly Note to My Critics’.
Brian may, or may not be many things – I don’t know. But I like and am drawn to that heart felt concern he has for those he encounters. It reminds me of a guy name Jesus who even when addressing his critics did it with love and compassion.
