I have heard some people claim that traditional Christianity is on its way out and emergent Christianity is the only way forward. Traditional Christianity must change or die. I remain unconvinced. Traditional Christianity may have to change, but it does not have to become emergent. I believe that only a small fraction of Christians will participate in emergent forms of Christianity.
Having said that, I still think that it is important to understand emergence Christianity. A great resource for doing this is Phyllis Tickle’s Emergence Christianity. By “emergence,” Tickle means the larger group that includes both emerging and emergent Christianity. This book is extremely helpful. Tickle takes the reader on a tour of the history of emergence Christianity, looking at the major figures and events that have helped shape emergence Christianity. Tickle also helps the reader understand where emergence Christianity is at the present and where it may find itself in the future.
It should be understood that Tickle writes as one sympathetic with the movement and this is not meant to be a critical response to emergence Christianity. This does not diminish the value of the book. I believe that this book is helpful for both supporters and critics of emergence Christianity. If you are interested in learning more about emergence Christianity, I would also recommend Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger’s Emerging Church.
