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McLaren Shines On Eve of Emergent Convention

Mclaren_and_king

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.

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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.


Emergent '05 - Checking In

Ec05_1 This is it!  The third and final Emergent Convention to be held in direct partnership with Youth Specialties.  It's both exciting and sad at the same time -- exciting, in anticipation of what lies ahead; sad, because the YS staff have done such an excellent job putting on these first three years worth of conventions.

Emergent_05_bag Well, our gang from Paradox arrived in San Diego this afternoon and, of course, we went to the convention center and checked-in right away -- anxious to see what this year's "bag" looked like.  Well... here's a pic to wet your appetite.

Our hotel rooms are great (parking and high speed internet are free)!  And in a few hours, we'll be headed off for dinner and a chance to study the convention line-up of seminars and stuff.

And in case you haven't guessed, "DesertPastor" will again be blogging his way through this year's event -- so be sure to visit Paradoxology each day for a full compliment of  reporting, commentary, interviews, and thought-provoking questions (whoa, I guess I'd better not let you all down).

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P.S. for Lisa -- I brought the cookies.