The article actually paints emerging churches with a very broad brush. I'm familiar with several that would fall into the "emerging church" category. They are quite sound theologically and would certainly not say all beliefs are valid or true.
I think the big difference is for these types of churches, the gospel isn't about sin management but about the invitation to the kingdom.
Unfortunately many conservative evangelicals preach nothing but a brand of faith that produces "converts" who seek a "get out of hell free card" and a lifeless intellectual assent to some facts.
- Kevin
As we enter the 21st century, a vital new expression of Christianity is growing in the United States and worldwide. This movement even has a name. It is called "the Emergent Church."
Now we know what Rick Morron's,....Purpose Pushing Emergent Crutch is really about?
/sarcasm
I am struck by the rejection expressed to contemporary Christian music and services. Perhaps this is a bias projected by the author. Or I wonder if some people aren't just seeing that style of service as sometimes "slick packaging" that is too much akin to the popular music and culture (even though the words are scriptural). The article doesn't say why the Contemporary style services are not liked.
Personally, I prefer a more reverent service featuring traditional music and liturgy, but I thought it was because of my middle age status and what I was brought up with. I kind of feel that the contemporary praise music seeks to manufacture a level of emotional involvement that feels manipulative to me, but that's my personal opinion. Others love that style of music and it works for them. To each his/her own.
Is salvation (get out of hell card) not a free gift of God? If it is not free, then what obligations must a sinner fulfil before God will give the sinner a "get out of hell card"?
"I'm familiar with several that would fall into the "emerging church" category. They are quite sound theologically and would certainly not say all beliefs are valid or true. "
I'm glad to hear that.