Customer Reviews:
 Faith Undone August 30, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Faith Undone has been written to warn the Church about a phenomenon called "The Emergent Church." Like the warnings of the prophets, peoples' reaction to this book will vary from alarm through indifference to offence.
Although the book is written in a popular style to be accessible to non academics, it does contain footnotes detailing references so the reader may check the veracity of claims for themselves.
After the introductory chapter, the author traces the origins of the Emergent Church from as early as the 1950s describing how an American business guru influenced a group of church leaders in the 1980s, which in turn gathered and influenced a younger generation of pastors in the 1990s. There was a belief that the church needed to change dramatically to meet the challenge of the post-modern world. Influences that were affecting and shaping the new perceptions of these people appeared to have their roots in New Age and Eastern philosophies. They were also able to gain backing from influential publishers to widely disseminate their views and vision. Like the New Age movement, the Emergent Church is a more a diverse network rather than an organisation.
The book goes on to describe characteristics of the Emergent phenomenon. There is a tendency to promote experience as being more authoritative than scripture, which is no longer held to be absolute truth. This appeal for experience leads to an emphasis on rituals, mysticism and multi-sensory worship. This is justified as a "return" to the practice of the early church fathers and re-discovering of "ancient wisdom." Contemplative prayer is promoted with "centering down," "visualisation," and use of repetitive "mantra-like" prayers such as "The Jesus Prayer." There is also a move from the traditional Protestant view of Holy Communion towards a Roman Catholic perception of transubstantiation and the worship of the Eucharist. Because the author supports a traditional protestant understanding of this subject, and questions the Vatican's possible motives in encouraging the Emergent church in this area, it is likely that some readers will be offended by Oakland's warnings.
Other characteristics of the Emergent Church include "Kingdom Now Theology" which will include a "Replacement Theology" of Israel by the Church. There is a re-defining of "Christ" reminiscent of New Age "cosmic christs." Some proponents of Emergent Theology are uncomfortable with the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, holding it as an example of sacrifice rather than a requirement of God's justice. There is a tendency to emphasise the social side of the Gospel to exclusion of correct belief. Some Emergent leaders are uncertain on issues such as homosexuality.
Throughout the book the author tries not to needlessly "name names" for its own sake, but where necessary identifies key protagonists with relevant quotes. Some of the names may come as a surprise and cause upset.
The author undoubtedly perceives the Emergent influence as a threat to Christian Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy, preparing the way for a lukewarm compromising church that would be open to the deception of end times. I believe Roger Oakland to be sincere in his concern, though others may feel that he is over reacting, seeing dangers where none exist. However the issues raised are important and need to be debated in an open and mature manner. This is an issue which will not go away and all Christians need to be aware of what is happening and will have to make a decision. I would recommend this book as a good introduction to the subject and a starting point for prayer, study and discussion.
Faith Undone: The Emerging Church...a New Reformation or an End-Time Deception
 Disappointed with this. July 29, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I was disappointed with this book. I think the author has many very good points to make about the way the church is being rebranded for the 21st century. His claim that the Youth Movement in particular with its new forms of worship, its roots in Eastern mysticism, its subtle corruption by New Age philosophies, is off track and well away from being Biblically based can be proved by the thorough research he has done. I am in full agreement with many of his points. However, my disappointment with the book is based on his violently Anti-Catholic criticisms, his obvious hatred of Roman Catholic belief, and his assertion that meditative prayer like saying the Rosary is demonic. It hurt me very much as I am Roman Catholic, love the Church, and love the Bible as the true Word of God.
|
