audiobook Emergence Christianity: What It Is; Where It Is Going; and Why It Matters by Phyllis Tickle in History

Review

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Overview and Current State of Emergence ChristianityBy AnimalSomewhat academic; Tickle gives a bird's eye view of Emergence Christianity. She begins by introducing the premise that there is a major shift in Christianity every 500 years; that can easily be observed over the past 2;000 years. Ironically; Brian McLaren refers to this in "A New Kind of Christianity". Today; this shift into a post-modern world and the ideologies that accompany it is called the Great Emergence. Tickle then gives a historical overview of Emergence Christianity; both the good and the bad. Surprisingly; Emerging Christianity is not a new term nor a new ideology; but its genesis can be found in the late 19th century and continues to evolve over a 100+ year timeframe to this day. Tickle then proceeds to define what Emergence Christianity is; what it is not; and the direction it is currently headed. Tickle explains that there is a distinct difference between Emergence and Emerging Christianity which is quite often mistakenly used interchangeably. Emergence is separate from any mainstream (or mother) denominational group. Whereas; Emerging is often still attached to a denominational or mainstream group; but often venturing to the outer edges and embracing some elements of Emergence. The best way that Tickle defined Emergence Christianity is found in the subtitle of Brian McLaren's book; "Generous Orthodoxy" which states: Why I am a missional; evangelical; post/protestant; liberal/conservative; mystical/poetic; biblical; charismatic/contemplative; fundamentalist/Calvinist; Anabaptist/Anglican; Methodist; catholic; green; incarnational; depressed- yet hopeful; emergent; unfinished Christian. This indeed is the confession and manifesto of Emergence Christianity. Finally; Tickle ends the book on her thoughts about the future of Emergence Christianity; including some self-reflective questions. For example; what will be used as the authority for Emergence Christianity? What potential struggles await? If we are truly seeing a major shift; how can the old and new orders fit together? Tickle gives her best estimation on each of these questions; and more.Overall; this is an excellent book. Tickle tries to remain objective throughout this book to which she does a terrific job. But; she did take license in labeling some things as being "Emergent" where I am not so sure they are in fact "Emergent" (i.e. Azusa St.; Pentecostalism). She also believes the rise of New Calvinism in recent years is a pushback or resistance to the rise of Emergence Christianity; which I too am not convinced is the case. Nevertheless; this book is an outstanding overview of Emergence Christianity and I highly recommend it to all who want to know what exactly it is and where it is going.9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. One of the worst books I've ever readBy Walter Mark VogelIt flits from topic to topic using a mix of journalistic and academic hyperbole. I'm still not sure I understand what Emergence Christianity is (although apparently it is different from Emergent or Emerging Christianity). Try this paragraph on for size:"But the Hyphenateds are conduits; and conduits; by definition; flow in two directions. While they may be carrying the ancient; the tried; and the exquisitely honed into Emergence thought; they are also infusing into their natal traditions the sensibilities; contextualized theology; and reinvigorated praxis of the Emergence Christian community that they likewise refuse to leave. It is; as a result; defensible to contend; as many observers now do; that it is the Hyphenateds who ultimately may prove to be the unique group. They move with no animosity toward either what has been or what is becoming. The result is an impunity that grants them effectual credence in both camps. Nothing could be more singular than that; or more laden with possibilities."I'm now reading Brian McLaren instead.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great ReadBy K. Franke HillPhyllis Tickle is a master at putting the present moment and its challenges in the context of Western history and its rhythms. This book looks specifically at the changes Christianity is undergoing in the late 20th and early 21st centuries - how it started; the key elements; where things might be headed; and why we're changing. Very helpful. Very clear and easy to understand. Valuable; articulate scholarship.