The beginning point of the movement is the experience of human beings. It is not born of a philosophy, theology or metaphysics, which begin with first principles and then deducing down to us. It starts at the other end, with the longings of the human heart, and moves back toward God. It begins with an awareness bringing a change in thinking and feeling about structured and organised religion because the longing for love, truth and beauty so intrinsic to humanity has not been met by many, many people.
Christianity is good, yet some 2000 years later it has not achieved the goal of being a beacon of light to all Nations. Individuals, mostly now canonised by the institution, have made an indelible impact in the world at large – and not only positively for the common good of people. The development of the institution known as Roman Catholicism brought about only divisions, despite that the whole point of Christianity was union, communion…! We have the Roman Catholic, Orthodox Greek, Constantinople and Russian Churches as well as approximately 30,000 Christian denominations and sects – starting with the Protestant Reformation.
This movement, named ‘Emerging Church’, seems to have had its origins in this divided Christianity. It is a global recognition that the vision of living out Gospel values and principles should outweigh any difference in opinions about the means by which we are a chosen People of God. It is also recognition that the ‘label’ was a good place to begin but experience and maturity in our relationship with the Christ, the human face of our God, showed or rather drew Christians to look for ways to cementing relationships, all working for the same goal: a living relationship with a consistently loving, merciful and awesome God.
Within this movement there can be no hidden agenda; there is no need for any one to be superior to another; there is a basic commitment to Christian principles and values; there is recognition that no one is doing or saying anything perfectly. It may sound like relativism but it is not because it is rooted in our individual inherited faith experience. It is a testament to Christians growing up because they are seeking to heal and not divide… neither between themselves, other groups and the whole world of difference cultures.
We should be humble in the presence of others, humble in the light of our own weaknesses, faults and omissions. Historically, mainstream Christianity under Roman Emperor Constantine was to actually change sides. We were no longer a church of the poor and marginalised. Our faith was transformed into a “view from the top”. Thereafter it was hardly ever our religious leaders who got it right down through the ages. More often it was the rebels and radicals who called the Church back to the Good News for the poor (both spiritually and physically poor). St Francis will probably be called not only the patron of ‘emerging Church’ but the originator in this most profound way of being!
The one thing ‘Emerging Church’ has in its favour is that there will be no wasting of time and energy on labelling, judging and condemnation of others because it is a movement drawn by the Spirit. It will succeed only by being faithful to Her and if it becomes an institution it will have failed!
This is where it all began!This post is based on the teachings and talks of Richard Rohr OFM
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