McLaren Shines On Eve of Emergent Convention

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.

Comments

[Mike]

I just commented over on my blog. Sort of. I really don't want to criticize anyone - too much of that going on. I will say I agreed with the caller who made the comment on Jakes and Brian... and I think we need a new name.

[Aaron O.]

Too bad I missed it. I'm glad to hear it went well.

[Benjy (groovythpstr)]

It was really hard to stomach the LaHayes. Nothing personal.

[Bob C]

Reminds me of a favorite Texas-ism: the tallest pygmy basketball player

[Jon]

DP, I copied the image you used for my own post.

[Karl Thienes]

"T.D. Jakes..."

Oh, please tell me you realize how heretical his Christology is? Pretty please? :)

[Chris]

Karl, some would say that Jakes' Christology is still "in process."

That said, I do conceded there are some serious concerns there.

[Marty]

It was a good time to look at the differences among evangelicals. Too often, we are all painted with the same paintbrush.

Brian and Jakes did a good job of giving another perspective while still remaining respectful of the other guests and their views.

Their concerns were broader in scope and more responsive to the culture of tolerance that we find ourselves in today.

It should not surprise us that the older guests, even Graham were more singular in their focus. That approach has worked for them in the past, they will not discard it so easily now.

[Adele]

I missed the broadcast and only read the transcript. I agree Brian was beautiful in what he did get to say. I am not a huge fan of prosperity-bound Jakes, but he certainly was better than the LeHaye's and Graham. The LeHaye's and Graham could only offer pat answer rhetoric instead of relational authenticity. It's like they have memorized a script and can spew it off, instead of engaging the script, their role, and the other characters they are supposed to interact with. They are like a machine gun, cocked and ready to spew out their bullets of "truth" instead of engaging people, listening to them. They have to be "RIGHT" all the time. God loves them, i know, but their "methods" are antiquated and worn out and more often than not, fall on deaf ears. I rather be accused of being tolerant rather than be right all the time.

I'd like to hear more on why it was a difficult process for McLaren. I am glad someone was able to encourage him.