A Node in the Web of the Emerging Church

Emerging Theologians Group

Posted Jul 18, 09:24 AM | 39 comments | by Emergent Village | Link

Who

Emerging Theologians exists to produce scholarly thought that will shape Christian discourse, galvanizing women and men from a variety of ethic and geographic backgrounds who find themselves alienated within modern Christianity. Emerging Theologians hopes to facilitate the process of exploring a variety of theoretical and theological perspectives in order to help us understand and intervene within our local situations. Emerging Theologians is comprised of individuals both inside and outside of the academy who are committed to rigorous academic investigations, and have committed to submit at least one scholarly article annually for peer review (see below) and publication, as well as the reading and responding to at least six of these articles a year, and have committed to the virtues of reciprocal generosity and intellectual humility.

Emerging Theologians is an outlet for theologians who are emerging, and while authors may variously identify with the emerging church, Emerging Theologians is not principally talking to or about the EC, nor attempting to formulate a theology for the EC, but is a place to investigate theology and culture according to each author’s location and situation.

Emerging Theologians is committed to fostering relationships between contributors and academic mentors to help facilitate the next generation of theological innovators who may, or may not be, in the process of formal education and academic credentialing. This mentoring will be alongside, or in some places instead of, traditional dissertation committees, depending on ones area of work.

Content:

Participants of Emerging Theologians are posting several different types of content:

  1. Extended (2500- 8000ish words) essays or articles which have undergone a peer review (see below) and collaborative process.
  2. Thoughtful explanation and/or exploration of themes pertinent to the emerging church and/or apologetically related to the modern Christianity we feel alienated from, and the culture in which we are situated (500-1000 words with possible documentation).
  3. Reading notes on books that the contributors have all agree to read (because being able to summarize, explain, and engage closely with the arguments of others is a vital discipline).
  4. Airing and sketching of ideas for future research (hopefully collaborative research).
  5. Conference papers and presentations.

When:

We will begin post reviewed papers in September along with other content. The papers in the queue range from investigating the relationship between Trinitarian Theology and Missiology, to Redeeming Reason and Phenomenology, to Liturgical Theology and Politics.

Peer Review

The goal of the peer review process is that we would learn the virtues of close, yet generous reading of each others work and the cultivation of intellectual humility (through giving and receive criticism). Rather than the harrowing and dismissive nature of much of academic peer review (via journals and even blogs these day, via comments), we hope to redeem this practice as a means toward mutual education and collaboration, and the excellence of our work.

Part 1 of Peer Review Process

We will circulate papers under review with participants self-selecting as reviewers. The readers will review the paper for clarity and persuasiveness in argument, helping the author make the most compelling case for her ideas. This will happen off-line.

Part 2 of Peer Review Process

After the initial review process we will engage in a communal time of critique, extension, and application, drawing from all the resources of the participants. This is the moment of dialogue and conversation, and will happen on-line through blog posts and comments.

Participants:

Archer, Ken

Bronsink, Troy Atlanta, GA

  • Bi-Vocational church planter, singer/song writer
  • Interests: mission, aesthetics, and emerging communities of innovation. He is currently working on a book with the provisional title, “Church as Art: a Missional Aesthetic for the Churches in Writers Block.”
  • EmergingPheonix
  • Church As Art

Dwight J. Friesen Seattle, OR

Holsclaw, Geoff Chicago, IL

Kinser, Dixon Nashville, TN

Rankin Zaher, Holly

Samson, Will Lexington, KY

  • After political consulting and work with Fortune 500 companies,
  • Will is currently a graduate student in Theology and Sociology
  • Interests: Theology, Politics, Simple Missional Living. Will and his wife are the authors of the upcoming book, Justice in the Burbs.
  • Willzhead
  • Relational Tithe

Scharen, Chris New Haven, CT

Smith, Anthony Charlotte, NC

  • Government Employee (it’s a secret)
  • Interests: Theology, Philosophy, Critical Race theory, History, Politics, and Black religious history, and pursues all this in relationship with his wife (Yashica), children (Isaiah, Israel, Abraham, and Deborah)
  • Emergent Cohort Organizer (Charlotte, NC)
  • Engaged in Racial Reconciliation ministry (Bridge Building) @ Warehouse 242 (Charlotte, NC)
  • Musings of a Postmodern Negro

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Welcome to the Reader's Forum

1Don Heatley Aug 5, 04:16 AM

This is a wonderful idea. However, I cannot seem to find on this page how one becomes a participant or how to submit a paper. Any advice?

2Will Aug 9, 12:51 AM

Don,

Good question. We are still trying to figure this out. There is a small group of us that are already involved in the project and grateful for the support of Emergent. As time moves on we will open the group up to a wider audience. Keep watching this area of the site for more information.

3Shaun Turner Aug 9, 07:24 PM

Like Don above, I too find the prospect of an Emerging Theologian Group a wonderful idea. Please be sure to update the site when you are prepared to open up to a wider audience. Until then,
Shalom

4Nathan Blake Aug 10, 05:43 AM

I would also be interested in being involved….....writer/minister/seminary student, Weirton, WV (just outside Pittsburgh)

5John Aug 15, 11:07 PM

I just listen to Brian McLaren talk about his thoughts on the Iraq war on the podcast, and of course this was before the war. But what amazes me is how it seems Bush did all he pointed out, I have heard the Iraqi death tolls. It seems one of the primary purposes of the war was to free the iraqi People. The war was over in a matter of days, but over the last year it was been a issue of policing the place, because the terrorist are continually klling their own people left and right. To it looks like the war was the most loving thing to do for the Iraqi people, and there are lots of reports to show bylarge, there are now tons more hospitals, schools, freedom of religion and so on, and most of the people I know who have been to Iraq where almost worshipped by the Iraqi people, for most Iraqi people are very thankful to America. This was a different kind of war, Bush went a long time and went through all the proper proceders and have has proven time and again, his concern for the Iraqi people, but his strong intent to remove the terrorist. This is the hard part of it and what is taking so long. But what America did for Iraq in my opionion was by far the most loving thing to do. And if we Americans someday are supressed and abused by a crazy dictator, I would hope another nation would have mercy on us. It is a good thing we were not passive in WW2. It is a pure scary thought to think if we were, it would have been the most unloving thing we could do for the world.

6Simon Aug 23, 08:15 PM

Hi John!

I’d love to have a conversation with you about this somewhere, but I’m not sure this is the right place. Can anyone recommend somewhere?

S

7ashleybunting Aug 24, 11:02 PM

Yes! You can:

1. Go to “weblog” on the lefthand side of the screen.
2. Type “peace and war” into the search tool. The link to Brian’s talk will come up.
3. Click on that, and below the audio links is the blog where there are only two comments, and we’d love to have more!

Thanks! ashley

8Kevin John Davis Sep 22, 10:54 PM

I would love to be a participant in the emerging theologians group. How can I get involved?

9Kev Davis Sep 23, 07:16 AM

I would love to be a participant in the emerging theologians group. How can I get involved?

10Nate Dawson Sep 28, 10:24 PM

I would love to be involved in the reading and possible writing of articles / reviews.

11Andrew Dow Oct 1, 04:25 AM

I would like to lend my voice in saying I too an interested in the Emerging Theologians group. Keep us posted!

12anomalous4 Oct 1, 11:34 AM

An exciting project—and a much-needed one in light of the rampant general confusion about what the Emergent “movement” is all about. Far too many observers these days—including some prominent figures in the Christian world who really ought to know better—are calling any church that worships in a “contemporary” style “emerging,” regardless of its theology and the way it puts its beliefs into action. I’m looking forward to seeing this project go forward, and I sincerely hope it will serve as an effective “antidote” to the prevailing misconceptions. God bless you all!

13Steven Bill Oct 4, 07:38 AM

Hey guys, just did a search on emergent church grad schools. Wondering if there are any schools you guys are aware of that might offer correspondence courses on the topic of the emergent culture itself. If you have any ideas, please drop an email.
thanks a bunch.

14Stephen Torr Oct 9, 05:50 PM

Hi, I’m currently doing post graduate work in the Theology Department of Birmingham University, England. I’m currently part of a free church congreagtion but would love to be involved in this. My area of interests are dialogues between Christianity and postmodern philosphy and practical theology in Charismatic settings with a particular interest in approaches to suffering and healing. How do I get involved?

15Rev. Santiago Villarreal Oct 10, 06:07 PM

Hi my friends from Argentina!
I m a baptist pastor very interested in emergent phenomena and his consequences here in Southamerica. Particularly, as a profesor in the International Baptist Seminary of Buenos Aires, devoted to Ethics and Philosophy, my eyes are so open to see what it means to moral comprehension, moral decision making, and ethics implicances to eclesiology.
Can somebody tell me something about?

16Gustavo "K-fé" Frederico Oct 13, 08:23 AM

Hi, all. You wrote “When:
We will begin post reviewed papers in September along with other content.” Well, September is gone… When will we see the good papers?
cheers,
GF

17David Beck Jan 11, 01:23 PM

Count me in when you are contacting future participants. I am a pastor with a PhD in theology, so this sounds like a great community to be a part of.
Thanks!

18Rich in Canada Jan 16, 12:54 PM

I coach a young House Church network, and am finding fewer fewer things in common with the traditional church. I want be in dialogue with people who feel like the drunk who staggers between the ditches, but eventually finds his way home.
Do you think that attendance at the conference in April, where Richard Kearny and Jack Caputo are the keynotes would be helpful? I read Richard’s book…it was half over my head. Talk to me!

19Josh Feb 12, 05:46 AM

Very interesting idea, but I am just dropping a note about the location of seattle….its WA (washington) not OR (oregon)

20Andrew Boone Feb 13, 09:48 AM

Love to be involved. I’m in the middle of writing a book on abstract communication; the nuts and bolts of loving each other through all mediums.

21Les Feb 14, 01:57 PM

I am keen to learn more about this endeavour. I am an ordained Baptist pastor, theologian, counselor and gardener in Newcastle, Australia. Any news on the project would be greatly appreciated.

22Louis Boccio Feb 15, 01:21 AM

I would like to introduce you to a Christian dialog web site: The New York churches of Christ, producers of “Focus On Truth” TV programs, maintain a video library of over 475 TV programs (most in English, some in Spanish).

Over the last 20 years “Focus On Truth” TV programs have been used as an evangelistic tool for the churches of Christ worldwide. The discussion and interview formats are designed to address everyday problems and resolve those situations through Christian dialogue and Bible study. www.focusontruthonline.org God bless your ministry-Lou Boccio PLEASE SEE LIST OF TV PROGRAMS BELOW

BIBLE TEACHING INSPIRATIONAL
Baptism: The Essential Decision Becoming A Spiritual Man

The Purpose Of Life The Search For Personal Peace

Renewal Through Bible Study Facing Our Fears

Putting God First In Our Lives Dealing With Guilt

We Have An Enemy Expressing And Dealing With Anger

Examine The Word Healing Depression Through The Bible

The Fruit Of The Spirit Coping With Stress

Seeing The Face Of God The Holy Spirit As Counselor

Depression: Causes And Effects Against All Odds

PROBLEMS WITH SIN RELATIONSHIPS

Our Struggle With Purity Forgiveness Leads To A Healthy Life

Counseling Drug Users Becoming A Spiritual Wife And Mother

Seductive Sins Families Are Forever

Is Abortion Ever Right? Divorce Recovery

Saving Homosexuals Words That Hurt

PROGRAMS IN SPANISH/ PROGRAMS EN ESPANOL La Biblia Ensenando La Biblia El Poder De La Biblia
23Scott Tovey Feb 22, 10:15 PM

Will Wrote
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Will Aug 9, 12:51 AM
Don,

Good question. We are still trying to figure this out. There is a small group of us that are already involved in the project and grateful for the support of Emergent. As time moves on we will open the group up to a wider audience. Keep watching this area of the site for more information.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From the perspective of one called and ordained to preach, I to think that this is a good idea as I have written articles that is contrary to some of the end time doctrines that are taught by the traditional church.

It is not difficult to set a membership and submission process up on a website. If you were willing to pay me for the time I would be willing to help you with this. I plan on relocating as soon as my Federal and State income taxes arrive. I know, money is always an issue and I have been told by numerous Christians that I should not try to make money off the church, however, being homeless prevents me from being able to volunteer my time and talents to any ministry.

24Ruth Horton Mar 13, 10:49 PM

Hi, I’m currently doing a PhD on congregational singing in worship, particularly looking at its seeming demise in the Emerging Church. Any help is always appreciated, in particular the views of those who believe that it’s ok to just get rid of singing!
Also, the college i’m studying at does an MA in Emerging Church http://www.cliffpostgrad.org.uk/ if that’s of any interest to anyone!
Blessings, Ruth x

25carol wimmer Mar 25, 09:16 PM

Glad to know the Emerging Theologians group exists. As an Independent Researcher, I too am interested in such an outlet. Member of SBL/AAR but my field of inquiry combines the science of light energy, color and optics with the formation of hermeneutics. Such non-traditional methodology is a bit ‘cutting edge’ for the SBL/AAR at the present time. Please let me know when this group is ready to open up to a wider base. My research could have a direct impact on the Emergent Conversation. Blessings!

26Lily May 18, 04:02 AM

I need to find a scholarly type leader / teacher to come to Moody Bible Institue (820 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610) on one Tuesday, 1-2pm, 6/2007, to explain Postmodernism and the Emergent Church view for the modular course graduate students. Would you please give contact information for appropriate candidates (full name, title, organization, email, phone #)? Thanks!

27Rich Jun 5, 03:33 AM

How novel, the theologian as Student. Thank God we can get past subjectivity into the possibility of true community.
Richard in Nashville

28Mike Clawson Jun 8, 09:17 AM

Lily (#26), did you find someone to help you out with that class? In the Chicago area I would recommend Geoff Holsclaw (listed above).

29Thom Aug 3, 01:10 AM

Is this ever going to happen?

30Rev. Bruce Wright Aug 15, 07:27 PM

How does one participate and contribute writings?

31Kalah Sep 12, 08:53 PM

I’ve been researching for the past month for free peer reviews. I’m working on my master’s thesis (on the emerging church)and have found this to be an incredibly difficult task! I would love to see this idea take place. Does anyone have any other ideas (in the meantime) where I can get some resources?

32Adaddm Nov 23, 05:58 AM
33Blayne Waltrip Jan 24, 08:26 PM

My name is Blayne Waltrip. I am a teacher at the European Theological Seminary in Germany and a Ph.D. student at Fuller Theological Seminary. I am currently doing my studies with Ryan Bolger on the Emerging Church (or an indeginous equivalent) in France and Germany, which I have not had much success. Does anyone know of a group or emerging community/church in France or Germany? I would really appreciate it!

34Pete PIllinger Mar 23, 03:20 AM

I’m a core team member of Fresh Expressions an Anglican – Methodist initiative in the UK dealing with similar things to some of you on this site. I will be in Denver at the conference in April so will be glad to talk to some of you.
You might also be interested in ‘Share’ – a learning networking site at www.sharetheguide.org Learning networks and Share are part of an attempt in the UK to build a knowledge bank relating to fresh expressions of church, emerging church and other similar aspects of the Holy Spirits work in the world (and the church!) today.

35Chad Mar 23, 04:11 AM

Glad I found this posting. I too would be very interested in being a part of such a group (I have not read all the comments so forgive me if I missed pertinent info!) I will keep checking in but I may be reached at my blog: www.chadholtz.wordpress.com

peace,
Chad Holtz

36Michael Mar 23, 08:41 AM

I am a Clinical Director at a faith based treatment program near Pensacola, Florida. I have an undergraduate degree in Theology and a Masters in Psychology. I am currently working on my Master in Theological Studies.

My main areas of interests on on spiritual formation, the encounter of the the Church with culture and contemplative prayer / psychology.

37Robert Jones Mar 29, 01:37 AM

I am political science faculty at College of Southern Nevada and interesting in joining the group. How can I do this? I have an institutional email at robert.jones@csn.edu

38John Vest Mar 29, 01:55 AM

I’m a pastor serving youth at a Presbyterian Church in Chicago. I’m also working (very slowly at this point) on a PhD in biblical studies (focus on Hebrew Bible) at the University of Chicago Divinity School. I’d love to get in on this once it takes off.

39369 Apr 21, 03:34 PM
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