What is the emerging church? Is it a conversation, or a movement? What differentiates it from other Christian groups? Here, Dr. Carson discusses the nature and the epistemology of the emerging church in a very balanced way. Overall, he points to much which can be learnt from the emerging church, and many motivations which should be respected, as well as discussing some of they ways in which in some manifestations the results may be less than desirable.

Of particular value here is the discussion of the nature of truth, how concepts of truth differ between social and generational groups, and the way in which these changes affect the reception of various ways in which Christianity is presented.

The Emerging Church – D A Carson [Part 1]
The Emerging Church – D A Carson [Part 2]

My main concern here is that what a church does to attract new members must continue to be done to retain them. In particular, if the propositional truth of scripture is downgraded to a topic of discussion and personal discernment, then whilst it will attract many who find such an approach more comfortable it does not allow for an eventual return to propositional truth. If we suggest that everything is up for debate, then we will never be able to return proper authority to the word without alienating much of the membership.