While thinking about emergent theology i think the concepts of modernity is incredibly important and agree with spofoid that evangelicalism and liberalism are both very modern concepts.

however theology wasn’t invented during the enlightenment, for me I see emergent theology as part of a greater global awakening, call it post modernity or whatever you like. I think of it as a political and religious awakening, focused less on empirical, scientific truth as disseminated by intelligentsia and scientists. More willing to connect with our respective heritages, our indigenous roots, a greater conversation across traditional boundaries which is being driven by technology and the Internet among other things.

I think the context in which, emergent theology is being developed is as interesting, if not more than the content of the theology itself. In fact perhaps the prophetic importance of emergent theology is not the discovery of new content or absolute truths but rather the effect which is had by the very conversation on individuals, groups, institutions and in turn the affect which this will/is have(ing) on the world.