…There is a certain ‘legitimacy’ to what you’re saying, depending on your own presumptions and what you’re looking for in a book (or in an author or spiritual leader, for that matter). Ignoring questions such as, “is McLaren advocating teachings which are congruent / incongruent with historical (biblical) Christianity”, some — as you have — might very well find a “restoring, helpful, uplifting” [sic] series of spiritual books. There could be any number of reasons for this, and for most of those reasons I understand why one would be especially attracted to McLaren or other ‘emergent’ authors. ‘The church’ appears to be outdated, outmoded and unable to cope with the advent of contemporary culture (whether you want to call it ‘modern’ or ‘postmodern’).

If, however, you’re looking for a book that teaches an authentic Christianity (by biblical standards) while also teaching a ‘new way’ of doing Christianity (i.e. adapting to surroundings, new issues and facts of life, etc.). Then you probably aren’t going to find it in McLaren, Bell, Pagitt, Jones, or any other ‘emergent’ authors / pastors / spokespersons, etc. The few legitimate concerns of the emerging church (I see no distinction between emerging and emergent), which do warrant action, are squandered on what is little more than ‘liberalism 2.0′.

At the end of the day I’m concerned with truth and the ‘Christian narrative,’ which I believe is authoritative no matter the person (a meta narrative, if you will — the only entirely true one, when speaking of God). The truth I concern myself with might bring restoration, or it might not; it will assuredly be helpful, because it’s true; it may be uplifting, or it may not be, and it may not be contained within a ‘spiritual book’ (though I admit that looking for ‘spiritual truth’ usually leads one to ‘spiritual books’).

I would have to agree with myself then. If our concern is biblical belief about Christ and His teachings, then McLaren is on dangerous ground, and teaches some dangerous things.

with love!
/Nick