10.14.09
Deep Church – Reviews
I haven’t seen this title yet, but it is getting some intriguing press. Tim Keller writes,
“Jim Belcher shows that we don’t have to choose between orthodox evangelical doctrine on the one hand, and cultural engagement, creativity and commitment to social justice on the other. This is an important book.”
And Scot McKnight writes, “Deep Church is the book we need–it’s a genuine third way. Jim Belcher is poised like no other to evaluate the emerging movement…There are only two or three really good books about the emerging movement, and this is the best analysis I’ve seen.”
The Englewood review of books has an article HERE. They wonder whether Deep Church advocates for a religious community rather than an all-embracing polis. They write,
“It seemed therefore that the framework of Belcher’s description of deep church was more reflective of church as a religious community than as a real community. Consider the points on which he engages the emerging (and traditional) churches:
1. Truth and how theology is done
2. Salvation: How one “becomes saved†vs. “How he or she lives as a Christianâ€
3. Believing vs. Belonging
4. Worship
5. Preaching
6. Ecclesiology: Form vs. Mission
7. Tribalism vs. Cultural Relevance
If you read it, what did you think? Are we hearing the tension between a Reformed and a Radical (Anabaptist) ecclesiology? The Anabaptist vision is to form an alternative culture — a contrast society — from which we engage the wider culture.
Scott Armstrong offers a review HERE.
