Dialogue
Have Questions? If you'd like to send in a question for Brian to respond to, please send an email to anewkindofchristian@comcast.net. Every month or so, we'll select a few questions for Brian to respond to. (Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity)
Questions from 2006
Friends - Brian answered almost all questions in 2005, but in 2006 he will only be able to choose a few. Please be assured that he reads the comments and...Questions from December 2005 - Part II
Here are the Questions from December - Part II...Continue reading...
Questions from July, 2005
Read questions and answers from the month of July......Continue reading...
Questions from June 2005
Here are the questions asked to Brian during June......Continue reading...
Questions from April 2005
Read Questions and Answers that were asked during the month of April......Continue reading...
Is there a place for me?
Dear Brian, I work in full-time youth ministry at a Christian centre in XXX. I have been a reader/supporter of yours for about a year now, and......Continue reading...
Thank you for the encouragement you have brought to me, a woman from Oregon...
I have found a kindred heart. What a delight to discover God is teaching you some of the same things He’s been teaching me. I smiled......Continue reading...
Would you consider writing a book entitled "Who God Is?
You have been immensley helpful in contributing to the emergent dialogue. However, I've been gaining an increasing sense that the discussion has......Continue reading...
What do Stone-Campbell churches (Churches of Christ, Christian Churches, Disciples of Christ) add to the discussion of the emerging church?
Continue reading...
Thank you for being a catalyst!
"A new kind of Christian" was given to me as a gift, and I'm glad it was. Thank you for being so honest and transparent in......Continue reading...
I see lots of parallels between "The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association" and postmodernism. Is there a difference?
In response to a rumor posted to your site, you dismissed Universalism with......Continue reading...
I just got fired!
I don’t think you’ll ever know the impact you’ve made on my life. I have grown up in the Assemblies of God denomination (my dad is a pastor), and......Continue reading...
How would you respond to the following review on Amazon.com about Generous Orthodoxy?
Hi Brian, Saw this review of A Generous Orthodoxy at amazon.com. I have my ideas as to how I would respond, but I'm wondering how you would respond....Continue reading...
Do you know any biblical scholars who are taking these things seriously?
I just read “A Generous Orthodoxy,” and I wish I had written it--at least parts of it. What an amazing book! I resonated......Continue reading...
What if we substitute "Gentile" with Muslim or Buddist and substitute "Jew" with Christian?
I thank God for you daily. I have read three of your books, A New Kind of Christian, Finding Faith, and......Continue reading...
What about the "Lutheran Jesus"?
I hope you have good memories of your speaking to the Lutherans in Galveston. I very much appreciated your comments and candor......Continue reading...
Where are the African Americans that you speak about in emergent?
I read your annotation to the recent CT article about the emerging church, and I really appreciated your comments concerning......Continue reading...
Is Pacifism wrong?
My name is Kevin and I am currently involved with XXX mission agency. I have been directed to your site as a means for deeper spiritual and scriptural understanding....Continue reading...
Do you believe the bible is the inerrant word of God?
What do you believe about the Bible? Do you believe that it is the inerrant word of God? I appreciate......Continue reading...
Am I wrong to date a mormon?
I'm an 18 year old high school senior from PA. I'm attending XXX Univ. in the fall to study Christian Ministries. I'm passionate most about......Continue reading...
I like what you say about consumerism..
I have appreciated reading your books and wrestling with some of the ideas you are throwing out there......Continue reading...
I live in South Africa and would like to thank you for your books...
No question, so trust I am not wasting your time. I have only just been introduced to your writings......Continue reading...
I'm a youth leader and wondering how to make inroads with our Brown, Black and Asian brothers and sisters...
I have enjoyed your works immensely over the past couple of years. They have inspired me to become a better person and......Continue reading...
What's the deal with heaven?
I know that I should read the entire book before making comments, but I give a hearty amen to your view of......Continue reading...
Is scripture an open work?
My main question to you is can Scripture be more of an open work. It seems to me from your writings that you take a more ......Continue reading...
Maybe Neo was right...
It's amazing that I find in your books all of the things that God has revealed to me, and much more I assure you, but having someone else......Continue reading...
How do your views differ from the book How Now Should We Live?
Browsing your web site, I noticed an email exchange (below). Your questioner attributes......Continue reading...
How do ex-church-attenders and out-of-church Christians fit into the emergent and postmodern converstations?
I have visited your website and found that for the first time in years I can identify with something Christian. I live in the UK- I was a Christian for...Continue reading...
Aren't we Anglicans already doing what emergent is trying to do?
To the substance of my note: I read your Anabaptist/Anglican chapter in A Generous Orthodoxy with great interest. I was raised......Continue reading...
More Ready Than You Realize, A True Story
Brian, this just happened last night; I thought you'd get a kick out if it. Last night......Continue reading...
Would you please clarify this paragraph in Generous Orthodoxy?
I've read the same criticism over and over on different blogs and websites about A Generous Orthodoxy. It seems to me that these critics......Continue reading...
If God's compassion must be revealed through me, what happens when I have no more to give?
I just finished your book, "Finding Faith," and many parts I found helpful. One of the things that struck me closest to my heart was your description of how God......Continue reading...
Let your reputation be tarnished!
Go on and let your reputation be tarnished; the status quo, as you said, needs to be shaken up......Continue reading...
What book do I start with?
As the pastor of a traditional, but open-minded congregation, I want to begin a dialogue about the issues......Continue reading...
Why did the Southern Baptists cancel your talk at their local convention?
I just read in the Louisville Courier-Journal about the Southern Baptists canceling your talk at their local convention ......Continue reading...
It felt like you were reading my journal!
I have been reading your books for years - and enjoying them. My first take on New Kind of Christian was that you had been reading my journal....Continue reading...
Sorry about what happened to you at KBC...
I regret that the KBC disinvited you to their annual Evangelism Conference....Continue reading...
Albert Mohler writes that"McLaren suggests that we should embrace the existence of different faiths, 'willingly, not begrudgingly'. What would this mean?"
Albert Mohler wrote a review of your book, Generous Orthodoxy.....Continue reading...
How do you remain faithful to your postmodern convictions without alienating the "modern" minds in your congregation?
I recall you writing that your church is a mix of many demographics, including modern and postmodern....Continue reading...
What happens post to all the "posts"?
...for the thoughtful reflections, historical journeying, and provocative offerings made in A Generous Orthodoxy......Continue reading...
I'm a depressed Mexican pastor...
My name is Marc and I am a pastor of small church community that I planted in XXX, Ca a couple of years ago. I am a native......Continue reading...
You have made me think about faith, works, evangelism and...spiritual friendships...
A friend of mine was very excited at the opportunity of meeting you and maybe talking with you about, among other things, A Generous Orthodoxy......Continue reading...
Keep up the good work!
This is for Brian McLaren about the dis-invitation from KBC: Congratulations!...Continue reading...
I know we value marriage, but don't we value people more?
My name is Jeff and I live in Kansas City. I am primarily sending you this email because I would greatly appreciate any input you feel like adding to my...Continue reading...
Why bother with church at all?
I've got a question. Why bother with church at all? I have been involved in church since I was a kid and have come to a place where I just...Continue reading...
Just want to say Thank You!
Just a note of thanks. I appreciate people like you who are willing to dialogue in the church about issues that are tough and troubling for many......Continue reading...
Did you ever think of using the analogy of the settlement of the Old West to describe emergent?
Do you know of any kind of dialogue going on which applies the analogy of the settlement of the Old West to the postmodern spiritual experience?...Continue reading...
I have lots of questions for you!
Let me first say that i have enjoyed all of the books of yours that i have read. Of course this does not mean i have agreed with them all...Continue reading...
How to you relate being orthodox with being "emergent"?
I have a friend who has recently become orthodox. He's been talking to me a lot about some of the ideas of the Orthodox church and eastern philosophy......Continue reading...
What books would you recommend to help me understand how fundalmentalism shaped my thinking?
I'm new to emergent conversation in general. I did see you speak at Catalyst......Continue reading...
Why didn't you like the movie The Passion?
Recently read your article in Christianity Today about Hotel Rwanda. You expressed in the article “I was so frustrated by last year's promotional hype surrounding......Continue reading...
I'm an aspiring filmmaker and want to go to Sudan...
I'm not sure if I can quote you directly, but I am under the assumption that you believe this emergent conversation must extend to the global south......Continue reading...
I'm anxious to start more dialogue but...
My question is about Christians and disagreement......Continue reading...
My church doesn't believe women should preach...
Greetings from New York City, a place that I came to 15 years ago in part to get away from God......Continue reading...
I disagree with you...
I have wanted to write you ever since reading this song. A part of it touched me deeply -- how the glory of God streams into out lives. (This song...Continue reading...
Are there plans to make Finding Faith into a study book for those new to the faith?
Brian, What is your opinion on the best group discussion book for someone who has just made a decision to become a Christian or for someone who want to explore...Continue reading...
Since I have come to affirm that theology is being constructed within a context, it is a short step to take to ask the question whether God can just be socially constructed...
I've been a believer and involved in a high school ministry for many years now, and I have come to run into some road blocks that have......Continue reading...
Could you comment on Premodern churches?
A few years ago I converted to Orthodoxy from Pentecostalism. At that time I was very disillusioned......Continue reading...
What do I do when the guys on my soccer team invite me to Hooters after the games?
I am a missionary on staff with XXX at a multi-generational, multi-ethnic, multi-status church-plant in XXX. My wife and I came here after spending two years in campus ministry at...Continue reading...
What books influenced your writing of "Story We Find Ourselves In"?
I know you are very busy and may not get a chance to read this, but I thought I would give it a try anyway. I have read “A New...Continue reading...
What do you think of Rene Girard?
First off I would like to thank you very much for helping me out. I first read A New Kind of Christian a few years ago at the time that...Continue reading...
I just finished reading "Finding Faith"...
I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet you at the recent XXX Winter Conference in XXX....Continue reading...
Can you help me understand war vs. redemption?
On May 18, 2004 you responded to a question under the title, "Christian Reflection in A Time of War". I have a question parallel to the subject, and it deals...Continue reading...
I was proud of your example on Larry King Live...
I'm a regular poster at The OOZE and heard about you being on Larry King Live. I decided to look up and read the transcript....Continue reading...
I felt like I was losing my faith!
I'm not sure that this e-mail will even make its way to you, however you have helped God change my life, and I really wanted to tell you how much...Continue reading...
Is there any way to celebrate "faithful" gay couples?
I’m a gay man, in a long-term relationship (nearly 13 years). I am happy with my relationship and my faith and do not find them in conflict....Continue reading...
I'm 25 and have found my spiritual peace as a Wiccan..
It is a pleasure for me to be able to write you. After reading about you in TIME's article(top 25 Evangelists), I decided to do more research on who you...Continue reading...
Why have postmoderns given up using pulpits?
Why do "postmodern" communicators seem to like sitting on stools without pulpits or stands?...Continue reading...
Do you have others that answer your questions?
Does Brian have "underlings" that can give answers to the "interesting" questions of us "not quite interesting enough" question askers?...Continue reading...
Why is there so much hatred towards homosexuals?
I was watching Larry King Live tonight and saw you interviewed. My impression of you is that you have a more level headed way of thinking, and my hope is...Continue reading...
How do you reconcile traditional authenticity and missionary flexibility?
I don't necessarily want you to print this on your website, but rather I want "dialogue" in the strictest sense....Continue reading...
Good job on Larry King Live!
I just wanted to let you know that I saw you on Larry King tonight....Continue reading...
Is Overpopulation wrong?
I am a songwriter from Ireland. I read your books "The story we find ourselves in" and "A Generous Orthodoxy " as well as reading The Message, Some Phillip Yancey...Continue reading...
What's your perspective on the "local church"...
I haven't read any of your books (yet!) but have enjoyed and appreciated your answers to the questions that get asked on your site....Continue reading...
Thank you for your openness
Just wanted to say a quick thank you for your openness and willingness in dealing with many tough issues.......Continue reading...
Why did God allow this to happen...
First I would just like to say thank you for the books of yours I have read so far: Anew Kind of Christian, The story we find ourselves in and...Continue reading...
I'm afraid I'll be run out of town as a heretic...
My name is XXX and I am the pastor of XXX in XXX, Texas. I have been here for about 4.5 years and I am struggling....Continue reading...
Is Renewal Enough?
Well, I know that you receive more emails than I've ever thought about having, but I had to ask you a question.....Continue reading...
I read the Fire without brimstone article....
In the Baltimore Sun newspaper article on Brian/Cedar Ridge, the author writes:...Continue reading...
I've never written to an author before...
Brian, I am sure you receive these emails quite a bit (and some other view points as well) but I just finished your book "A New Kind of Christian" and......Continue reading...
I just started reading your latest book 'TLWATWAT"
I just started reading your latest book 'TLWATWAT". I usually don't write or give much input because i figure those that are in the spotlight have enough mail to read...Continue reading...
I read the entire NKOC trilogy in the last week...
Brian, I read the entire New Kind of Christian trilogy in the last week or so (no small feat: it’s the last week of class for the semester and I...Continue reading...
Thanks for saving my faith..
Hi Brian! I wanted to thank you for saving my faith!...Continue reading...
How can worship call Christians to look beyond themselves?
Can you give me some specific ideas about what we can do during worship which calls Christians outside the walls of our churches - to minister to others, to serve...Continue reading...
How can I talk to youth about pacifism?
I am a Mennonite youth pastor in … Ohio, and I recently picked up 'A Generous Orthodoxy' at a YS convention. I'm now about 2/3 of the way through it...Continue reading...
Aren't you being critical?
I'm reading your book, A Generous Orthodoxy, and have found it refreshing. However, I've also found, to my surprise, that there are instances where rather than embracing Christians who think...Continue reading...
How can I explain the use of symbols and imagary to my congregation?
God bless your ministry! I am a former Catholic who planted a Vineyard church a few years ago. I find that my heart is oriented toward a more postmodern approach...Continue reading...
I heard you speak at the ZOE conference..
Here’s hoping you can get this “out of your inbox” as soon as possible. (Anything more than a one-line response will be a little disappointing.) Last weekend, my wife and...Continue reading...
Is there a school where I can voice my opinions?
I'm interested in pursuing a theology or seminary degree (I'm not sure what I'll do with it, but I'm not interested in being a pastor). Do you know any good...Continue reading...
Is there a discussion workbook for your books?
I love your writing style and have read many of your books. I am leading a house church in the area south of Dayton, Ohio. Our group is called "3rd...Continue reading...
Isn't the Emerging Church just another form of branding?
Brian, I am a pastor in a suburban congregation - … Iam in the process of doing a doctorate in transformative leadership at XXXX. The subject of my thesis is...Continue reading...
Do you know of a place where someone like me can go....
Currently I am an… Anthropology student at the University … and my name is xxxx. My first semester as a freshman basically made me an anthropologist. I took a basic...Continue reading...
Are you saying that we literally evolve into heaven on earth...
I just finished your book, Generous Or+thodoxy. It may surprise you but I am an LCMS Lutheran that can truly say I agree with almost all you say to a...Continue reading...
I want to question your approach to social justice....
You tend to have a bent on social justice that I respect. We live in an unfair world and if the world were fair, we would all go to hell....Continue reading...
How do we show the love of Christ to suicide bombers and terrorists....
I finished "A Generous Orthodoxy" shortly after I received it from Amazon a few weeks back. I enjoy it thoroughly and had this feeling of relief. For years I have...Continue reading...
I'm concerned about your theology......
I am twenty years old and by the grace and sovereignty of God have been redeemed by the bloody work of Christ on the cross. The reason I write is...Continue reading...
You were making us feel guilty...
I was in the audience at Bethel University November 12th. I enjoyed your speech. I did find it amazing your statement that “some Christians feel guilt” is incorrectly what it...Continue reading...
What are your thoughts about process theology...
Unlike most of the people who seem to be writing to you, I don’t come out of a conservative Christian background. I grew up among moderate Roman Catholics, broke with...Continue reading...
Haven't there always been "emerging" Christians....
I have been a Christian in exile for 14 years--and even lost my faith entirely for a number of years. It is only within the last year that I have...Continue reading...
What are your thoughts about the non-white-male brothers and sisters.....
That is of course a caricature, but the emergent church does seem to be almost all white, and predominantly male. What are your thoughts on this? My guess is that...Continue reading...
How do we make sure we stay open to examination and correction?
As someone who has learned a great deal from the current conversation taking place in Emergent my question is threefold. (1) How can someone who embraces the "emergent" view remain...Continue reading...
Are the scriptures actively needed by a new kind of christian?
What do you find about the Old and New Testaments as you journey as a new kind of Christian? Are they actively needed by a new kind of Christian?...Continue reading...
Are churches really ready for outside consultants?
In reading your book you say that churches should hire outside consultants. I have consulted with churches and businesses on resolving conflicts and improving communication but as a coach I...Continue reading...
What do people mean when they say, "Jesus is God"?
Brian, what do you think it means when people say "Jesus is God"? I know Jesus never explicitly made that statement even if he did make statements alluding to that...Continue reading...
Did you say that postmodern churches are not the point?
I have read much of your writings and I have enjoyed it greatly but I do have one question for you. I have read and heard you say that postmodern...Continue reading...
Sometimes my actions contradict my claims...
I believe that the definition of what I say is found in my action. I say that I believe that the good news of Jesus. And the good news is,...Continue reading...
How do you define spiritual formation?
The reason I am writing you is because I am trying to better understand what spiritual formation is for me and for the Wesleyan church, and in this search I...Continue reading...
Have you considered becoming Catholic?
I don't mean for you to respond to this "in public," but this was the only email address I could find. I would also like to know if there is...Continue reading...
Won't we make mistakes in postmodernity that were made in modernity?
First, I want to thank you for your response on anewkindofchristian.com to my rather convoluted e-mail asking "what's a guy like me to do?" I was having a particularly bad...Continue reading...
Since your new book won't be out till March, can you reccommend other books about heaven and hell?
One thing I was hoping one of the books would get into is some of your thoughts on heaven and hell. I see that your next book will deal with...Continue reading...
Can I get a signed copy of the third book in the "New Kind of Christian" series?
Wow...the past six months have been an incredible struggle for me spiritually. Darkness. Doubt. I'm 41, married 17 years, have three children; as a child I acknowledged my sinfulness and...Continue reading...
I'm trying to step out of the christian ghetto...
i have been so thoroughly entrenched in Christian culture that i'm not sure how to make relationships outside of church, small groups,discipleship, or accountability. how do i begin to know...Continue reading...
Please read this letter
i am a 24-year old youth leader …. i have composed a short letter which has been gleaned from a few years of observation and conversations with the 19-25 year...Continue reading...
Would you support military action in Sudan?
I enjoyed your book, "A Generous Orthodoxy." I also found your debate with Colson, fascinating… Two Part Question: Part A. Would you as Christian support military intervention in the Sudan...Continue reading...
Why the broad generalizations about music?
I'm a musician who has been involved in worship music for many years and the study of music itself is a life-long passion of mine. When I read generalizations like...Continue reading...
What if you created a "postmodern" seminary?
In light of how much you have to say about postmodernism, I am wondering what your approach would be if you could start a "postmodern seminary." What kind of emphases...Continue reading...
What do you think of penance?
I am currently reading your 'Generous Orthodoxy' book. I wondered what you think of penance within the context of the Catholic church?...Continue reading...
How is God working through the biblical text as inspiration for sermons?
I read your article in Sojourners with great interest. How would you address the issue of God working through a biblical text as the source of inspiration for a sermon?...Continue reading...
I'm not ready to move to the religious left either...
I read the proposed ad and the list of issues to consider. I don't consider myself a member of the religious right - don't have much contact with either Falwell or Robertson, but I am not ready to move to the religious left either - or are the Ads supporters the religious middle?Continue reading...
I was disappointed with your pejorative reference to the religious right...
When I read the petition you currently reference on your website, I was disappointed to see the pejorative reference to the "religious right." Why not balance it with a reference...Continue reading...
What's a guy like me to do??
… Anyhow, I just received your latest book in the mail (a Generous Orthodoxy). I'm up to chapter 2 at this point, and I haven't found anything too outrageous...Continue reading...
References to Derrida
I attended the New Kind of Church Conference in London last year and also brought up the issue of hermeneutics and the idea (Derrida’s) that justice can not be deconstructed....Continue reading...
Do you know anything about D.A. Carson's work?
My question is about a release from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School's D.A. Carson due in February. It's called "Becoming Conversant With Emergent: Understanding a Movement and Its Implications." I was...Continue reading...
Don't think people who vote for Bush are reactionary!
...But please don't think that all people who support President Bush on Iraq are reactionary, religious rightists. Please don't succumb to an air of moral superiority. Sometimes evil people use...Continue reading...
Should the U.S. do nothing when the risks are too high?
Is it possible all of your rhetoric against the Iraq War could also have been used against the US in WWII? How many innocent civilians were killed by US bombs...Continue reading...
Is Systematic Theology modern?
One question has to do with Neo’s discussion of being post-basically everything. In that section he (or you) seem to imply that systematic theology was an advent of modernity and...Continue reading...
What about Politics?
Here is my question, how can you make the claim, "If I were to go to the heart of my concern and try to express it in one sentence, here's...Continue reading...
Conversions or Conversations?
I have a question though. As we seek to exist in a world that is in transition, there is of course that uncomfortable dynamic that happens when you try to...Continue reading...
How did Emergent start?
Hi Brian, My name is ???. I'm an undergraduate student at ??? College in ???, TN researching the Emerging Church Movement for my senior thesis. I attended the Emergent convention...Continue reading...
Don't we need anewkindofpastor?
I have recently reread anewkindofchristian due to the fact that i've really been feeling the tension as a minister to become and work hard at becoming anewkindofchristian within my own...Continue reading...
Can we take you out to lunch?
Hello. My name is ???. My story, in brief, is that I was raised in a very fundamentalist home in conservative ??? County, Pennsylvania, and brought up to be a...Continue reading...
Is the "pastor" model biblical?
I am wondering if the paradigm of a pastor in charge of a church is a Biblical model? How does this paradigm align itself with Paul's metaphor of a body...Continue reading...
Unlearning
Just wanted to let you know how refreshing your point of view is. I shepherd a community of young adults in ??? City. There was such an incredible period of...Continue reading...
I need some clarification..
Hi Brian, As a 1992 graduate of DTS, I would like a little clarification on what you wrote in your book A New King of Christian. Would you be so...Continue reading...
Has your outlook on Emergent changed?
Hey Brian, I wanted your thoughts after observing the two emergent conferences in San Diego. Last year, it seemed a great deal of effort went into explaining that emergent was...Continue reading...
Is there room for all of us?
Dear Brian, I've recently read the open letter you wrote to Chuck Colson in response to his article on post-modernism. And I just finished reading your article in Leadership Journal,...Continue reading...
How can we bridge the gap of music styles?
Dear Brian: As a worship consultant, I have consistently had concerns and questions about how the old traditional churches and contemporary churches present transcendence and immanence. Churches which focus mostly...Continue reading...
Did Chuck Colson respond to you?
Brian, Last month I heard you speak at a workshop for pastors held at Mars Hill Graduate School outside Seattle. I asked you if Chuck Colson had ever replied to...Continue reading...
How do we begin?
Hello Pastor McLaren, [Our church] is embarking on a new venture for this church, in obedience to a vision God presented to the leadership a year ago, namely to...Continue reading...
Is "Finding Faith" available in French?
My friend and I over a brownie sundae are discussing matters of ultimate concern. She is french and we would like to read "Finding Faith" together and chat about it....Continue reading...
Liberation Theology
I’ve been doing a lot of reading in liberation theology, and i am admittedly quite fascinated and captivated by much of what i'm reading...i thought i was alone, so i...Continue reading...
How do you introduce Emergent Christianity?
I'm a member of a small (and getting smaller) congregation that is beginning to recognize that something about the way we do things isn't right. I worry we'll begin getting...Continue reading...
Derrida and Justice
I have enjoyed reading some of your books and giving your ideas quite a bit of thought. As a college student majoring in philosophy I am concerned about people jumping...Continue reading...
Gay Marriages
I live and Pastor in Portland, Oregon which is one of a few hot spots in the conversation of legalizing homosexual marriages. You have written a lot about the kingdom...Continue reading...
What about Songwriting?
I'm a songwriter often made queasy by many of the new worship songs. Your comments struck a chord (eek) with me, for example your recommendations for song types. One of...Continue reading...
I'm preparing a class - Where do I start?
I'm in the middle of preparing an adult Sunday School class on Postmodernism; that's how I came across your articles. I'm currently using Veith's "Postmodern Times", Moreland/Craig's "Philosophical Foundations for...Continue reading...
What about higher education?
Dear Brian… or Mr. McLaren, I’ve been tempted to write you an email for a long time, but I’ve always resisted because I’m sure you get more than enough emails....Continue reading...
I'm only a freshman in college but....
I just recently read your book, "A New Kind of Christian," recommended by two friends of mine. You see, although I am not very knowledgable on all the lingo of...Continue reading...
What about evil?
I have been reading your book The Story We find oursleves in. It is a very interesting book, one I am still processing. However I was wondering if you could...Continue reading...
What about other websites?
Hello there, my name is XXX. I consider myself to be a Christian, and I am a fan of Pastor McLaren's writings. That is why I'd like to get his...Continue reading...
Use of Reason and Logic
I am excited by the dialogue that has ensue in the past years about postmodernity and modernity. I've read as much as I can get my hands on in terms...Continue reading...
Advice to a church planter
Brian, my name is [personal information deleted] So What's up with me?.., straight to the point: we're prayerfully considering a mid-week gathering here in the [deleted] in which we want...Continue reading...
Opening dialogue in a church
I have been reading your ‘reading of Romans’ available on the Emergent UK resources section. This is very helpful in terms of trying to focus on what the gospel is...Continue reading...
Colson and McLaren
Charles Colsen and Nancy Pearcey, in their book "How Now Shall We Live" deal at length with the definition and ramifications of postmodernism in Western society. They trace it back...Continue reading...
The Bible
I have read "A New Kind of Christian," "The Story We Find Ourselves In," and am in the middle of "Finding Faith." I have a pretty conservative background when dealing...Continue reading...
Why Pray?
Why should we pray? I have a hard time being able to believe that talking to God can alter the entire course of the universe....Continue reading...
Scolding Others
I have read all your books now, except for Finding Faith (which I do have, just haven't read it yet). I really love everything i have read. It has actually...Continue reading...
Soft on Scripture?
We are planning to have you speak at an event we’re hosting, but we have had a lot of people raise concerns about your theological orthodoxy. In particular, they say...Continue reading...
What about Muslims?
In your LJ article about the Passion movie, you make comments about Muslims needing to see our good works and love. Do you make these comments out of experience in...Continue reading...
Social Gospel?
I am a nationally-read columnist with a PhD. I had real problems with your article on Leadership Journal’s website: “Passionate, But Not About Mel’s Movie.” You said, “Don’t show the...Continue reading...
Can I be a Leader?
I love your writings. I’m a seminary student at Seminary X. I want to be a leader in the church, but I struggle with so much – Scripture, homosexuality, exclusivism,...Continue reading...
What about Authenticity?
I think that what people are really looking for these days is authenticity and community. Would you comment?...Continue reading...
Theory of Atonement
Could you elaborate on your personal theory of atonement? If God wanted to forgive us, why didn’t he just forgive us? Why did torturing Jesus make things better?...Continue reading...
Pastor Model or Team Model?
Do you think the pastor model is Biblical? Shouldn’t churches be led by teams?...Continue reading...
Where Can I Talk About These Things?
Can you help me find a group of people with whom to discuss your books? I live in North Carolina....Continue reading...
Can We Visit You?
I was raised in a very fundamentalist home … to be a good Christian boy who didn’t’ smoke, drink, swear, or associate with “heathens” outside my church. After high school,...Continue reading...
New Kinds of Pastors
Do you think we will need a new kind of pastor in/the future, and if so, will you write a book about this?...Continue reading...
Losing Faith
I’m a high school student. A lot of my friends have entered college, and then they lose their faith. How do I deal with this, and how do I help...Continue reading...
I'm Very Confused
I have read your website, but not your books. I’m very confused. What do you mean by emergent and postmodern? Do you accept postmodernism, or are you trying to win...Continue reading...
Question from "More Ready than You Realize"
We’re using More Ready Than You Realize in several groups and classes at my church. You mention (p. 128) the shift in confidence from premodern (confidence in institutions or hierarchies)...Continue reading...
How are we to Preach?
I recently heard you speak at Dallas Seminary. I enjoyed your sessions and especially your gentle tone and historical sensitivity. I agreed that the gospel is a story and not...Continue reading...
Question from Emergent Convention
In one of your presentations at the Emergent Convention, you made an analogy to a tree, and spoke of a ring of absolutism followed by a ring of pluralism followed...Continue reading...
Talking About Postmodernism
I'm a seminary student. Your books have really helped me. How will I talk about the issues of postmodernity with "normal" folks - once I'm outside of seminary? How do...Continue reading...
Question about Truth
When Jesus said, "I am...the Truth..." would you categorize that in the #1 definition or could you make a case that there is a relational element of truth that modernism...Continue reading...
Crossing Generational Boundaries
I'm interested in knowing how you have been able to cross generational boundaries: to what extent? have you published in this area? what are your plans for including older folks/seniors...Continue reading...
Releasing New Books
When will the sequel to A New Kind of Christian and The Story We Find Ourselves In be available?...Continue reading...
Rumors
I heard a rumor that you are a universalist. I thought I'd check out the rumor before I passed it on....Continue reading...
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Brian McLaren