Tonight on Larry King Live, Larry invited a number of guests onto his program in response to the recent Time Magazine article highlighting "The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals."  Tim and Beverly LaHaye, Franklin Graham, T.D. Jakes, and Brian McLaren filled the 1-hour program.  And I've got to tell you, McLaren made us all proud!  He and T.D. Jakes in particular represented the heart and beliefs of many of us involved in the emerging church.  In fact, one of Larry's callers commented that McLaren and Jakes were the only ones she felt were "compassionate, open-minded, and understanding."

McLaren made many excellent points.  Of particular importance was how he drew attention to how Christians must redefine how we define "moral values" -- a term which must include issues such as the pursuit of world peace, helping the poor, and caring for the environment.  A little earlier in the program, Brian stated that he respresents a group that isn't comfortable with how evangelicals have involved themselves with national politics.  Additionally, he pointed out, evangelicals have been too narrowly defined as a group.

My final thoughts after the program concluded? McLaren and Jakes hit home runs; Graham hit a single; Tim and Beverly LaHaye both struck out.

If you saw the interview, I'd like to hear what you thought, and especially how you thought Brian McLaren did.

.

UPDATE (2/2/05, 11:10AM) -- I had the opportunity to speak with Brian this morning and tell him what a great job he did representing all of us (i.e. emerging church types).  He said the interview was a very difficult process for him, but didn't elaborate much.  He appreciated the encouragement though, and I was grateful for the chance to speak with him.