by Diana Peyton

Created on: September 13, 2008

The emerging church (EC) is abandoning dated philosophies; however, people of faith attend church to worship God, God being the operative word. The worship of God is not a dated philosophy; its most notable characteristic is man's humble recognition of his Creator and gratitude for His mercy on man. Man was created to give glory to God.

When a neighborhood church changes its name to avoid the use of the word "church" on its marquee, or any reference to its denomination, know that it is going down the progressive path of pandering to the postmodern parishioner. No longer will you enter the double doors of a sanctuary, the euphemism is now "worship center."

Follow the bright lights and the beating drums to the stage, (formerly the altar, or podium) from which a pastor, (now a person in a flowered Hawaiian shirt) stands before a group referred to as "Christ followers," no longer called Christians. A mega projection screen dwarfs him in the background, the on screen outline likely purchased from a "mother-EC" church website.

In addition, he will invite the "seekers" to join the church yet avoid the deeper discussion of the gospel message of sin and the need for salvation. The emphasis is on making the seeker feel comfortable, so they will come back next week; but come back for what is the question.

EC groups seem to worship God, but under close examination focus on the experiential participation of their members, pandering to how one feels about the worship experience rather than how the One they worship may perceive their adoration. Humility is hard to distinguish amidst star-quality singers who call themselves worship leaders, church bands who pound beating drums at 8 a.m. services and pastors who chat with their audiences as if they were all at the same movie theatre last night, using characters and situations from current flicks to make points in their messages.

Many of the churches who are embracing the EC philosophies once held fast to the bible as their guide to establishing a local church. In the new movement, truth is relevant to what feels good, sounds good, and gives one a sensory experience. Experiential faith is replacing faith based on the truth of the bible.

EC churches are moving from biblical principles to mystical philosophies, replacing simple prayer with mantras renamed "contemplative prayer." Much of their new practices and philosophies are from very old traditions. In his book, "Faith Undone," Roger Oakland gives a comprehensive explanation of just how these ancient practices, which appear to be new, are becoming common in the EC.
Yes, the EC is abandoning something; the central truth of the bible for what makes one feel good. God help us all.

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