An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches

by Ray S. Anderson

If the emerging church movement is looking for a theology, Ray Anderson offers clear and relevant theological guidance for it in this timely book. Reaching back through time, Anderson roots an emergent theology in what happened at Antioch, where Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were set apart for a mission to establish churches outside of Jerusalem--among Gentiles who had to be reached in their own cultures. He shows how the Lord Holy Spirit himself revolutionized and inspired how the message of salvation was offered to others, and provided a model to follow. Explaining that an emergent theology is messianic, revelational, kingdom-coming and eschatological, this book adresses many of the concerns of those looking for a church that is contemporary, yet true to the gospel. If you wrestle with the challenges that face the church in these "postmodern" days, you will benefit from this book.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Church

236 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2006

About the author

aka Ray Sherman Anderson

Ray S. Anderson (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) was senior professor of theology and ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he had taught since 1976. He was also a contributing editor to Journal of Psychology and Theology.

He wrote many books, including Judas and Jesus: Amazing Grace for the Wounded Soul (2004), The Soul of God: A Theological Memoir (2004), Spiritual Caregiving as Secular Sacrament: A Practical Theology for Professional Caregivers (2003), Dancing with Wolves While Feeding the Sheep (2002), The New Age of Soul: Spiritual Wisdom for a New Millennium (2001), The Shape of Practical Theology: Empowering Ministry with Theological Praxis (2001), Living the Spiritually Balanced Life (1998) and The Soul of Ministry: Forming Leaders for God's People (1997). Anderson's articles and book reviews have been published in a wide array of scholarly and popular periodicals.

Reviews

[Joel Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains some very interesting stuff on defining the "Holy Spirit" as the "Spirit of Christ."

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book. Author distinguishes between the NT church at Jerusalem and the NT church at Antioch. He argues that the Jerusalem church was based on continuity with the Mosaic law and tended to look backward to determine and maintain its identify. The Antiochian church, however, took its identity from Christ and the Holy Spirit and was more future looking and emerged over time with a different theology, focus, and mission. The author argues that contemporary "emergent" churches should be looking to the Antiochian church for their identity and practice. An enjoyable, thought provoking, scholarly read.

[Drick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anderson makes a distinction between the Church of Jerusalem and the church of Antioch and builds and merging theology out of that distinction. He is writing for the new expressions of church he sees emerging in this day and tries to develop a theological framework to explain it. The theology is kingdom focused, future oriented, Spirit guided and exceedingly Pauline. See my notes in my journal for Feb 2008. It provoked many good thoughts.

[Brett Marko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget about whether this regards the emerging church or not, Ray Anderson puts forth a picture of how we should function as a Christian. What I enjoyed about this book was the focus on growing our relationship with both God and others around us and being "other" centered in our actions. Mr. Anderson places the context of this message in the context of the historical church as well as the writings of the Gospels and New Testament.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource on emergent theology. My eyes and heart have been opened to see that emergent theology is founded in Paul's writings and just how much Paul are the church in Antioch really are the first emerging church. I am so much more excited to be a follower of Christ, and I am seeking the Spirit's leading to a more missional and graceful and grace-filled life.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a very good theology book at all. I understand what he was attempting to do but his method was very poor. Many of his general points were good, but his support for them was bad.

[Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has some useful things to add to the "conversation." I find chapter 6 to be quite disturbing.

[April]

from J-term Campus Ministry Seminar

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

supportive and positive.
challenging and encouraging.