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57 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faith Undone, August 30, 2008
This review is from: Faith Undone: The emerging church - a new reformation or an end-time deception (Paperback)
[[ASIN:0979131510 Faith Undone: The emerging church - a new reformation or an end-time deception]
Faith Undone has been written to warn the Church about a phenomenon called "The Emergent Church." Like the warnings of the prophets, peoples' reaction to this book will vary from alarm through indifference to offence.
Although the book is written in a popular style to be accessible to non academics, it does contain footnotes detailing references so the reader may check the veracity of claims for themselves.
After the introductory chapter, the author traces the origins of the Emergent Church from as early as the 1950s describing how an American business guru influenced a group of church leaders in the 1980s, which in turn gathered and influenced a younger generation of pastors in the 1990s. There was a belief that the church needed to change dramatically to meet the challenge of the post-modern world. Influences that were affecting and shaping the new perceptions of these people appeared to have their roots in New Age and Eastern philosophies. They were also able to gain backing from influential publishers to widely disseminate their views and vision. Like the New Age movement, the Emergent Church is a more a diverse network rather than an organisation.
The book goes on to describe characteristics of the Emergent phenomenon. There is a tendency to promote experience as being more authoritative than scripture, which is no longer held to be absolute truth. This appeal for experience leads to an emphasis on rituals, mysticism and multi-sensory worship. This is justified as a "return" to the practice of the early church fathers and re-discovering of "ancient wisdom." Contemplative prayer is promoted with "centering down," "visualisation," and use of repetitive "mantra-like" prayers such as "The Jesus Prayer." There is also a move from the traditional Protestant view of Holy Communion towards a Roman Catholic perception of transubstantiation and the worship of the Eucharist. Because the author supports a traditional protestant understanding of this subject, and questions the Vatican's possible motives in encouraging the Emergent church in this area, it is likely that some readers will be offended by Oakland's warnings.
Other characteristics of the Emergent Church include "Kingdom Now Theology" which will include a "Replacement Theology" of Israel by the Church. There is a re-defining of "Christ" reminiscent of New Age "cosmic christs." Some proponents of Emergent Theology are uncomfortable with the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, holding it as an example of sacrifice rather than a requirement of God's justice. There is a tendency to emphasise the social side of the Gospel to exclusion of correct belief. Some Emergent leaders are uncertain on issues such as homosexuality.
Throughout the book the author tries not to needlessly "name names" for its own sake, but where necessary identifies key protagonists with relevant quotes. Some of the names may come as a surprise and cause upset.
The author undoubtedly perceives the Emergent influence as a threat to Christian Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy, preparing the way for a lukewarm compromising church that would be open to the deception of end times. I believe Roger Oakland to be sincere in his concern, though others may feel that he is over reacting, seeing dangers where none exist. However the issues raised are important and need to be debated in an open and mature manner. This is an issue which will not go away and all Christians need to be aware of what is happening and will have to make a decision. I would recommend this book as a good introduction to the subject and a starting point for prayer, study and discussion.
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30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Best Reads on the Emergent Church, August 19, 2008
This review is from: Faith Undone: The emerging church - a new reformation or an end-time deception (Paperback)
Roger Oakland does an outstanding description of how old ancient worship practices and mysticism is invading the Christian Church. I have noticed this over the past decade as people are demanding experiences in their worship, thinking somehow that will make them more spiritual or give them a greater connection with God. I always get nervous when I see hundreds of people jumping around, hands raised, with a rock band going. I keep wondering if that is more emotional frenzy, rather than heartfelt worship.
The Emergent Church wants nothing to do with doctrine or dry bible studies. As Oakland explains, the Emergent Church believes they can't really know what truth is, so why fight about it? Their mentality is: let's sip coffee and dialogue about these issues. What a crock. The bible is quite clear on many topics... it's just that people don't like the answers. Well, tough.
I learned much from Oakland's description of silent breath prayers, candles, walking the labyrinth, lectio divina are all forms of playing God and legalism. Ultimately, they will lead us to towards an One World Church in which the true definition of Christianity will become so modified, it isn't Christianity anymore.
In general, we have a generation of Christians that are biblically illiterate. Oakland shows how we are commanded to grow in our faith and become more like Christ. We would be wise to start learning more about God and who he is through well-led bible studies rather than using unreliable emotions and experiences to form our belief system and worship practices.
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47 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST Read for Christians World wide, December 7, 2007
This review is from: Faith Undone: The emerging church - a new reformation or an end-time deception (Paperback)
A movement that has spread like wildfire through out North American Churches is challenged by writer Roger Oakland.Roger compares this movement to the Living Word of God and exposes it for what it is-deceptive,half truths,twisting God's Word and a road that goes quite wide(leading quite possibly to Hell for some) inviting all beliefs(religion)to walk together.Jesus Christ preachead a narrow road.Roger reminds us 1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at[a] His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry..Get back to the Bible to God centered theology not Man centered theology.The Emerging Church is exposed by the TRUTH.READ THIS BOOK.
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