Usually I try not to comment on the developments of the evangelical community in the US. I think we're already too heavily influenced by what goes on over there anyway. Nonetheless, a recent development got me thinking a little bit. Why? Probably because the main movers and shakers of this development have quite a considerable following and influence here in Malaysia. And one of them is scheduled to be in the country this October for the Klang Valley Bible Conference.
I'm talking about the recent Gospel Coalition conference held at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (see Google's Blog Search for more chatter on this). This is a conference that was birthed out of a theological colloquium held last year and led by D.A. Carson and Tim Keller to redefine a clear center for evangelicalism based on a broadly reformed evangelical confession of faith initially drafted by Carson. Participants in this conference ranged from folks like John Piper, Mark Driscoll and Philip Ryken and a foundational document was finally hammered out outlining their beliefs and vision for ministry (PDF download here).
Darryl Dash shared some pertinent background perspective on this:
For years, a lot of us have sensed that something's wrong. Two of the most vocal groups have been the emerging and Reformed movements, who have shared many of the same concerns over evangelicalism, but who have come up with very different solutions to the problems they see.
He adds that there's ..
"a lot to like about the Gospel Coalition's approach, which comes from the Reformed side of the equation"Having read the scuttlebutt that's been floating around online, I tend to agree with Darryl. I also share his hopes that:
As for me and my house - well, at least me and the dogs - we're encouraged. I've long had this dream that older and newer forms of the church could join together in tackling the issues of effective Christian ministry in our day, and this document makes an important contribution.Will it be accepted within evangelicalism? Not by everyone, but I hope its impact is felt. We could use more churches like Redeemer (Tim Keller's church - note is mine). Will it be rejected by newer forms of the church? Maybe - but I hope they see lots of common ground and don't reject it prematurely. There's too much that's really good in this to pass by it too quickly.
The Reformed perspective is primarily engaged in Malaysia via The Agora, a ministry initiated by City Discipleship Presbyterian Church in Subang Jaya. I still am on the fringes of The Agora although my direct involvement in the discussions have essentially been zero for quite a few months. I do find myself agreeing and in sympathy with a lot of what is discussed despite not being convinced about the comprehensiveness of Reformed theology.
Nonetheless, I also share some of the concerns that Kevin Jamieson, who attended the conference, shared in response to Darryl's post:
You might be right, but I don't feel like the Gospel Coalition is out trying to find a "centrist" position. Carson made it clear that their goal was to develop a coalition of reformed churches who placed their emphasis on the Gospel as it has been understood in the reformed tradition. No doubt Carson rubs some people the wrong way at times (including me, and I tend to agree with him) but their goal is to help define a large section of the currently undefinable category of "evangelicalism".Unfortunately I feel like you are correct in stating that there is going to be little difference between the Gospel Coalition and together for the Gospel...except that the Gospel Coalition has Driscoll instead of MacArthur.
So what are my short thoughts about this development. Personally I think it'd be a good point of convergence for the various groups; especially those who are associated with the two main school of thoughts - Emergent and Reformed; who are concerned with what seems to be happening to the Evangelical expressions of the Church and are seeking a more comprehensive and holistic expression of the Gospel.
However, my concern is how this could degenerate into another partisan holy huddle determined to reinforce the notion that Reformed theology IS the Reformation and by extension orthodox Evangelicalism. There is a distinct danger that by taking such a particular theological framework as central to its expression, it will remain as exclusive and "pedestalic" (for lack of a better term) as other attempts by the various evangelical expressions in presenting their agenda and concerns.
So what might happen is not that the "newer forms" of churches and believers associated with these "newer" expressions rejecting this development but that they get rejected by default for not embracing Reformed perspectives whether in totality or in part.
If you liked this post, consider buying me some coffee. Suggested price is $1.00 for a cup and $10.00 for a 1 lbs bag (personally I am a big fan of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe).
Categories: Faith
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Comments (7)
Bob K said:
The Hedonese from Agora has responded to this post here. I hope to clarify that my thoughts are generally about the Gospel Coalition based on the reflections of those who were actually there for the conference.
They were not meant to imply that I shared the same fears about The Agora or that this particular forum shares the same sociological characteristics. In contrary, The Agora generally has shown itself to be more inclusive; to a certain extent; even if a lot of the main participants tend to come from a more Reformed perspective and is definitely one of the better models out there for critical dialogue and reflection within the Christian community in Malaysia.
My post was also not meant to be a critique of the Reformed faith and theology. I may have my own reasons not to embrace it but similiarly I do not reject it in totality. I admit to having developed my own bias having being brought up within a Wesleyan tradition and later spending many years in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles; which probably made me wade pretty deeply in the waters of the Arminian perspective. I have, however, come to realise the inadequacies of that perspective as well and maybe come to terms with the fact that while there might be a "Total Truth" out there (to poach a term), our various explanations of that truth, taken in isolation, has yet to be totally adequate.
I am still optimistic of seeing some point of convergence between the various expressions of the Evangelical community that are genuinely concerned about how badly compromised our faith has been with the world. Unfortunately, for the time being, I don't see it happening yet; whether among those who would call themselves Emerging or those that would call themselves otherwise.
But since it's the Pentecost anyway, I have hope and trust in the Holy Spirit to bring about miracles even when humanity has run out of ideas :)
Posted on May 28, 2007 5:00 PM
Bob K said:
Ahh .. having re-read my post above, I see where I could have been miscontrued to have been attacking Reformed theology or the proponents of the Gospel Coalition and hence incurring the ire of the organisers of The Agora. The problem lies in this paragraph:
I should have reworded it to say:
as I'd probably share similiar concerns as the ones I voiced above if that framework was Arminianism, Preterism, Pre-millenialism, Open Theism or any other -ism that's out there. This doesn't preclude the importance of a theological framework but I still am personally convinced that none of these frameworks; when taken individually; represents the truth in totality.
Posted on May 31, 2007 4:05 AM
Alex Tang said:
Bob K,
I share your reservation about the Gospel Coalition. Not about the qualification of the people involved, or Reformed theology, etc. My concern is the motive of the Coalition. Is it going to be a dialogue or a confrontation? Is the reformed movement gearing up to confront the emerging movement? This is my main concern.
The reformed movement has great potential for growth (reformed and reforming) as has the emerging movement. The danger is when some leaders want to dig in instead of advancing. That is what I am interested in Presbymergent. I believe that the reformed and emergent movements have more in common than they know.
Posted on May 31, 2007 11:31 AM
Bob K said:
Dr Tang,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I think you have articulated a lot of what we fear about not just the Gospel Coalition but also other similiar groupings, including some that would be ostensibly bearing the "emergent" label.
I suspect you may be right, there's more commonality in the various perspectives than we'd like to admit. The unity of the body is there somewhere if we'd only care to look.
Blessings,
Bob
Posted on May 31, 2007 12:41 PM
Hedonese said:
yeap, I'm a "Convergent" - bringing the best out of all the worlds :)
Here are some links to some dialogues on the clarifying convergence, divergence and submergence of recent dialogues:
http://theagora.blogspot.com/2007/05/converge-diverge-submerge.html
Posted on May 31, 2007 3:24 PM
Eng Jee said:
Hi Bob & Dr Alex,
Greetings of peace to both of you!
While I think we happen to share similar concerns on the direction of the Gospel Coalition, I think it may be a bit premature to speculate eventual outcome of the entire endeavor.
This is especially so, since it is based upon the past apparent reputations of folks like Carson and Piper.
I am not sure about you, but I find many things I can agree with wholeheartedly, in the statements published in the foundational documents.
Perhaps the real concern here is whether folks will be able to discuss with each other gently with the genuine desire to learn from one another and work together for the glory of God.
I am certain that we have grown tired at seeing boundaries drawn tighter and smaller, folks adopting a defensive stance to protect one's turf and religious sacred cows, most visibly characterized by hostile smugness and biting sarcasms. We can all agree that these are negative traits we can do without.
Nevertheless, I am glad to find you (Bob) "agreeing and in sympathy with a lot of what is discussed despite not being convinced about the comprehensiveness of Reformed theology."
May I now suggest some areas of common collaboration worth exploring?
Perhaps these could be on the areas of integration of faith and work and works of justice and peace. The picture of unity manifested through the pooling of resources resulting in efficient works of love would be a very strong statement to anyone who are watching on the sidelines.
Presbymergent? Sounds good to me.
Warm regards!
Posted on May 31, 2007 4:29 PM
Bob K said:
Yo EJ,
Long time no comment :)
It would be good to be able to find areas of common collaboration, as you suggested. I have been trying to find avenues to work with folks, whether Christian or not, to engage some of the more pressing issues of justice and peace. It's not been easy but by God's grace, opportunities have been opening.
It's way too easy to pick a fight; especially so when we're Malaysians and can do so in various languages ;). It is sad when believers of Christ find themselves more ready to pick the wide gate of confrontation rather than the narrow gate of reconciliation and peacemaking. In our history, we have the various Crusades as a blemish, or the various attempts to "contend for the faith" by standing ON the Word rather than UNDER the Word.
Lord have mercy.
Posted on June 2, 2007 6:03 AM