10 Terms I'm Dumping Along with "Emerging Church"


Brother Maynard sums up the issue better than most.

The term "Emerging Church" is dead. Good riddance, I say. Too misunderstood. Too much reading into it. Too ill-defined. Too much having to defend the term against what it isn't.

Here are 10 other terms that are too misunderstood, too ill-defined, requiring too much of my time and energy to defend them against naysayers and detractors.

I'm therefore dumping all of 'em:

1. Jesus

2. Christianity

3. Atonement

4. Justification by Faith through Grace (along with "Justification," "Grace," and "Faith")

5. Sin

6. Righteousness

7. Cross

8. Bible

9. Disciple

and, of course...

10. God

I might have some trouble communicating from here on in in. Pardon me if my posts become a little vague while I try to come up with different terms to express theses concepts.

It's all for the greater good.

[Still working on this one] and Peace,
Raffi

Comments

MistiPearl said…
Ahhh....he finally cracked...someone call 911!!! I mean, I would call on Jesus, but that might not be what you would want because my Jesus and your Jesus may be two entirely different things...and besides, God wouldn't be able to figure out what we are trying to say...you know, being so limited and all that...What?...Wait a minute...God could understand? ...We are the mixed up ones??? ...You want me to apologize and humble myself in this matter??? Make an effort to communicate and elucidate with grace and love??? Perish the thought!

Words. Words are powerful...your post is excellent! In the name of tolerance...to avoid confusion...to avoid confrontation, we avoid words...The Word. It is frustrating at times. I didn’t even know the term “emergent church” existed until a few months ago and now, I am trying to gain a solid definition/understanding of it, which like you pointed out, can be a tad difficult, if not wearisome.

I like your blog and I look forward to your book.
Smiles and Blessings,
~mp:)
October 5, 2008 at 11:29 AM
MistiPearl said…
After catching up on my reading and reading your article at OOZE, I thought you might be interested in checking out www.ijm.org (if you haven't already). It is a fantastic social justice organization that needs lawyers - considering your background, this may be something for you to prayerfully consider. I am just throwing it out there (with a little prompting...I do not mean to be presumtious)
Sincere Blessings to you.
~mp
October 6, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Raffi Shahinian said…
Misty,

Thanks for the feedback; I think you hit the nail right on the head with the first comment. And thanks for the IJM link; I was not aware of the organization, but it looks like they're doing some terrific work. I'll keep my eye and heart on them, and who knows what God has in store...

Grace and Peace,
Raffi
October 6, 2008 at 12:40 PM
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