Today I caught the last day of Brian McLaren’s appearances in Melbourne.
This morning and this afternoon were at Tabor College. Brian started the day by giving us a basic introduction to the three worlds we find co-existing and struggling with one another: premodernism, modernism and post modernism. It was helpful to reflect on the challenge the conservative Islamic nations and religious institutions see in the dominant modernist culture as seen in the United States. After lunch we explored the implications of moving into a post-colonial paradigm. He explored with us stories of Christian collusion in colonialism in Rwanda and in the United States. Our challenge is not to lay blame with previous generations, but to learn from their experience so that we can honestly and courageously work differently now.
This evening was hosted by Forge Missional Training Network at Retro Cafe in Brunswick St. Brian talked about the challenge of rethinking the heart of the gospel around the life and teaching of Jesus. What would happen if we stopped interpreting the ‘kingdom of God’ solely in terms of life after death and began to cooperate with God’s dream or economy right here on Earth?
It was good to see Forge mending the bridges that were damaged last year during the release of Don Carson’s book, “Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church’. Brian’s returning next year to speak at one of the Forge summits. It would be good to see if we can arrange a gathering in Queensland.
Thanks for the post, been reading lots of Brian’s books lately. Would have like to have seen him come to Queensland but understand he is a busy man. Wondering of there will be any MP3s of the talks posted on the net? Also wondering what you ment by healing damage as a result of Don Carson’s book, could you elaborate on that.
Cheers
Brett
Blackbutt, Qld
I’m talking about the response made by Hirsch and Frost to Don Carson’s critique of Brian McLaren, in “Becoming Conversant with the Emergent Church”. Alan and Mike tried to distance themselves and Forge from Brian McLaren and other USA Emergent leaders. However some conversation happened very quickly with the result that Brian was able to speak at Forge gigs in Sydney and Melbourne.