Friday, March 16, 2012

Theological Word of the Day


Emerging Church

The “emerging church” is a representative designation for a growing ethos or way of thinking among many dissatisfied Christians (primarily those in Protestantism). While there is no primary leader or credal unity among those in the emerging church, there are certain characteristics that stand out among “emergers,” as they are called. These characteristics are not necessarily found in all emergers, but are representative of the emerging ethos.

1. Epistemologically, they are less optimistic about our ability to come to know “the” truth, but find value in many perspectives.
2. Theologically, they are prone to questioning traditional theological dogma.
3. Politically, they call for change and social activism and often a disassociation with the Republican party.
4. Sociologically, they call on the church to reach out to those in need with love and compassion.
5. Missionally, they focus on “mission” as the everyday role of Christians that should permeate every aspect of their life.

The Barna Group - Five Myths about Young Adult Church Dropouts

The Barna Group - Five Myths about Young Adult Church Dropouts

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Theological Word of the Day



Cognitive Dissonance

The condition when some of a person’s beliefs are in contradiction to other beliefs they hold or to the way they live. Often people’s habitual patterns do not harmonize with their intellectual convictions. In Christianity, it is often the case that people attempt to live according to a Christian worldview due only to traditional bents without ever personally experiencing a true cognitive or intellectual conviction about such. This can produce a dichotomous life of dissonance or inconsistency in their beliefs and practices.