Below is my thoughts on Maclaren's The Church on the Other Side. Don't judge my writing by this. I wrote it quickly and in a zombie state for my class and I think it is organized only by some periods and commas. Other than that it is more of an initial reaction with about as much time put into the piece. Nonetheless, I'm too tired to write it over for the public. My thoughts are there if you can decipher them from the poor writing.
The Church on the Other Side, admittedly is a revised and expanded edition. From the outset, Maclaren realizes his faults in writing Reinventing Your Church. Maclaren's commitment to Postmodernity created some conflict in the language with which he wrote this book's predecessor. From the outset he sets the tone that real change needs to happen with the Church. The Church can no longer be considered in such institutionalized vocabulary that he used in his first book.
One of the most powerful chapters in this book is “Strategy 6: Design a New Apologetic”. Maclaren recognizes the dangers of Enlightenment and Post-Enlightenment thinking in apologetics. The scientific, proofing method confines people to an absolutist way of understanding. But absolutism, in the way that Modern apologetics seeks to employ, is not absolutism at all. The only absolute for Maclaren and those of the “other side Church” is God. All other apologetic assists in finding that absolute, but is necessarily not absolute in itself.
Everyone can recognize the failures of science. Theories emerge, and then die to new theories. Absolute laws are explained and then shift after further testing. It is inappropriate to discard these theories totally however. Credit is due to the further understanding of science. For Maclaren, quickened apologetics is the same way. Apologetics must be fluid, not rigid, because nobody has it all correct. To approach Church without wishy washy apologetics is claiming imperialistic territory without the recognition of the many other flags already planted. This is not Church, this is pride. The Church in the post-modern context will inevitably walk past the rigid apologetic and its outdated method. Instead, a fluid apologetic keeps the Church moving and continually realizing the one absolute of God.
Language and rhetoric are important in order to assist a fluid apologetic. Maclaren suggests shifting the vocabulary and delivery in general in order to buttress the new apologetic. This is a small strategy, occupying few pages in Maclaren's book, but its practical implications are far reaching for the remaining strategies proposed.
Maclaren also proposes that the Church on the Other Side would be active in missions. Moving ever outward, resting on the base and foundation that the Church community provides. This focuses the mind set to the missio dei. The Church on the Other Side engages in mission, be it foreign or local, but always engaging outside of itself. Maclaren notes the failure of missions in general, and proposes strong, practical tools to make mission effective in the pluralistic, postmodern society.
What this book proposes in general is a new, more effective model of Church. The philosophical paradigm has shifted and is present regardless of acknowledgment. The next generation Church is already so steeped in post modernity that it cannot process life in the same paradigm as its predecessor. The Church must also adapt to this new paradigm, especially in approach to mission. The Church on the Other Side must engaged humbly and communally with questions seeking a welcoming approach in apologetics and rhetoric rather than a defensive nature. The Church on the Other Side must be actively engaged in mission, moving outward rather than shrinking inward.
Some great implications for Maclaren's propositions are exciting for the future Church. It proposes ecclesiological reconciliation. Doctrines may not break down, but will dictate less competition between each other. Mission will be less competitive as a result allowing for effective engagement with culture. Another exciting possibility is the preparation for when post modernity shifts and the new philosophical generation no longer relates to the postmodern folk. The fluidity with which Maclaren introduces the Church to in this book, allows for a smoother transition, with less hostility than the two philosophical changes that are currently battling have. It leaves room for authenticity within the Church now and for the future.
Permalink
