The History of Emergent Part 5

My favorite part recently read in this book talks of Tony and Doug (Founding Pastor of Solomons Porch) going to meet with who I presume is John Piper because he is referred to as a “well known calvinist mega church pastor”. What is great about this is imagining Tony and Doug with their respective books in hand . . .each signed I am sure with a bible verse that emphasizes the free will of man . . . . going to meet this popular pastor. This is comical if only you can imagine the restraint it took both Tony and Doug to behave themselves during this encounter. We are left to imagine they did. And how ridiculous the conversation most certainly had to have been . . . .

Doug: John, Doug Pagitt, here is my book on preaching. I signed it.
Tony: I signed mine too . . here you go
Piper: I did not bring any of my many books.
Tony: thanks for meeting with us, you know us Emergents believe in an incarnational theology and therefore we would like to be in relationship with you and then argue with you.
Piper: I do have some concerns about the particular beliefs of Emergent
Doug: would you like to partner with our church in reaching the homeless in the city?
Tony: that would be a great idea
Piper: Depends on if they or you for that matter are part of the elect.
Doug: What about prostitutes downtown?
Piper: No thank you.
Doug: I mean would you like to partner with Solomons Porch to care and minister to the prostitutes?

Piper: Like I said, no thank you.
Tony: We would like to be in relationship with you at some level instead of having this ridiculous tit for tat battle of words.
Piper: Words are important. Therein lies the truth. Do you guys believe in Truth?
Doug: What about going with us to Guatemala this year?
Tony: of course we believe in truth.
Piper: did you just say “truth” with a small “t”?
Tony: I don’t know, I said it. I did not write it.
Doug: What about fighting against sex trafficking?
Tony: Why did you bring your Bible?
Piper: You should never preach

I could only hope that is the way it went down . . . .

There have been a number of historical corrections due to my waxing eloquent about my version of the Emergent history. Among them, the following

Tony said I need to look harder to find Brad Smith’s name in the book. Working on it. By the way, this book is brilliant. Let me go on record with that. I am five chapters in and I have to say it is the best Emergent take to date in my view. I think you need to buy it, read it and tell me if you like it. He will be at Barnes and Noble in Dallas March 20th signing books. I will be sitting at the table with him signing chapter two as well. Tony, arrange for two chairs.

Mike gave us the update on Jeff Bailey (married + two kids + professorship) and gave us the actual quote by Mark Driscoll at that ridiculous conference at Mclaren’s church –

“I just want to go on record as saying that I think this whole conversation is complete shit!” – Pastor Mark Driscoll

Tim Conder answered my question about his sincerity. Doh, did not think he would read my “insensitive” remark . . . thanks for the comment Tim.

And apparently CECIL HAS A BLOG. Or it is someone pretending to be Cecil. He links this blog so the blog itself is legit on its own. He won’t get a link here until he comments.

el mol