I am very new to both emergent theology (if we can label it as such) and this site. I, therefore, ask for grace from the readers of this post.

As I read though the many posts on this site, I am struck by what appears to be an overwhelming assumption on the part of emergents: Evangelical, Orthodox, Fundamental, (your favorite here) theologies are 1. Based on false assuptions. 2. Interested only in preserving the traditional lines of thought. 3. Are hopelessly outdated and incapable of reaching a post-modern world.

I realize that I have grossly oversimplified what qualifies as “emergent”, however, it seems that much of the movement is fixated on “better answers” or “no answers”.

It seems to me that the relationship between emerging and evangelical theology is, or should be, a deep desire to know the truth, even when we do not like the truth.

Emergents and evangelicals also share another common trait: We tend to exhalt what we believe above truth (it is a happy day when what we believe IS true). Once we are invested in a certain line of thought, we usually will defend our dogma to the end (I know that some will point out that one of the marks of the emerging church is that it is less certain, implying that it is less dogmatic, however, a dogma of “uncertainty” is, nevertheless, still defended).

It seems that every honest persuit of God must begin with a simple persuit of truth. We should ask ourselves: 1.Do I believe this is true. 2. If so, why do I believe this is true. 3. Am I justified in my belief? 4. If this is true, what should my reaction be?