At the conclusion of Chapel last week our President mentioned a book written by two guys who are not emergent and should be. Honestly, the emergent conversation has been the last thing on my mind, so I figured I’d get back in the game. 

While I waited for a flight to the east coast I thought I would be able to catch a few chapters of this book, Why we’re not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should be. The book’s cover is just as I would expect any smart marketing team would put together for an emergent title. Grungy graphics with an appeal for any “hip” 20 something, apple computing ministry leader. (yes, I’m a 20 something with a mac) As I cracked open the book, I found a very intriguing and honest introduction. Two guys who have every reason to be in the throws of the emergent movement (the look and age). Yet they are both reformed in their theology. One being a journalist and the other being a seminary grad and pastor.

I appreciate the two writers and their differences, both their insight and writing style. Kevin Deyoung, a pastor at University Reformed Church at East Lansing, Michigan offers a more theological and scholarly engagement while Ted Kluck, author and journalist offers an honest, conversational and cavalier observation. The two together make for a read that really kept my attention and turning the page. With insight into several of the current leaders many would point to as contributors of the emergent “conversation”, the book offers a critical look at key works by the key players and attempts to “nail the Jell-O to the wall”.

If you’re looking for an emergent bashing or shooting range. This might not be your book. Though many of the teachings of the movement are false as the authors point out. The book deals with the topic honestly and with a certain kind of care that seeks to critique “Christians as Christians”. Check it out if you’re into the emergent movement. I’m sure you’ll appreciate their contribution to the conversation.