DeYoung and the Restless

I am thoroughly enjoying reading "Why We're Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be)" - by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck.

In chapter 5, "Doctrine: The Drama is in the Doctrine", DeYoung confronts the tendency of some emerg*** leaders to question the importance of doctrine. I've always pictured such people as sitting on a high branch and sawing away at it on the trunkward side of their own position; you get the picture. Each generation has its restless elements who are not content to abide in the tried and tested wisdom of their elders. It's merely rebellion. DeYoung and Kluck, having grown up in the postmodern era, may have flirted with some of its seductions, but they have reached that place where they can say ,"Been there, done that - got the T-shirt..." etc.

DeYoung responds to Doug Pagitt's emergent rehash of the old liberal canard that "The good news is not informational...but an invitation to a way of life..." (remember the roots of the social gospel in that last century?). In doing so, DeYoung himself harkens back to an earlier era when J. Gresham Machen was battling liberalism, and draws a parallel with many in the emerg*** church, as follows:

"Here is found the most fundamental difference between liberalism and Christianity - liberalism is altogether in the imperative mood, while Christianity begins with triumphant indicative; liberalism appeals to man's will, while Christianity announces, first, a gracious act of God." - Christianity and Liberalism (Machen)

If we get this order wrong, whether as liberals or as emerg***s - if we put deeds before doctrines, so to speak, we shall eventually end up in pious legalism, and be in danger of having trashed the grace of God by which we are both saved and sanctified.