Parchment & Pen Blog

1. Vance says:

   June 11, 2007 at 10:11 am

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   Great show, one of the most lucid I have heard (wait, that sounds like a “backhanded” compliment, but not meant as such!). I think you guys provided very focused and solid answers.

   Michael, I have been listening to the program from the beginning and I am wondering whether I am correct in feeling that you, yourself, have been evolving in your approach to these “ecumenical” issues. With the focus on essentials, the open approach to the varieties within the “non-essentials”, etc, I sense a subtle movement and growth. Am I just imagining it, and different questions bring out different aspects of your approach?
2. vangelicmonk says:

   June 15, 2007 at 1:26 pm

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   I wanted to thank you guys for these “Theology Unplugged” series. I love them.

   They are very informative and you guys crack me up.

   Personally, I came to the view of Unity through essentials/distinctives through
   personal experiences, prayer, meditation on scripture, and just thinking
   through these issues.

   I agree that we have totally abandoned our history and thus tradition in
   Evangelical Churches. However, I don’t think the Emergent answer is to
   throw up some “iconic” pictures, play lip service to “Traditions” and sympathize
   with Eastern Orthodox Theology. The answers are a bit more complex. Thanks
   for being part of the “Greater Conversation” about the Christian Church.
3. C Michael Patton says:

   June 15, 2007 at 2:41 pm

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   Thanks Vangel,

   You comments are encouraging. Glad we could bring some humor to your life!!

   The issue of essentials and non-essentials is important today. We can see even the SBC dealing with this issue this week, struggling to say “What are the distinctives that we must hold on to and what are the things that are negotiable. While this has been hard on some of the more conservative in the convention, it has been valuable.”

   Concerning the Emergent or emerging answers, I understand what you are saying about some emerging churches, but we must be careful not to lump them all together. They are as distinct as they come with one common mission, to be missional to our generation.

   Thanks for the comments, I look forward to hearing more from you!

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