i heart phyllis tickle.

So a few weeks ago, Phyllis Tickle came and spoke to the larger community at mars (you can hear the message here at www.marshill.org ) and then stayed an extra day to unpack for our staff her upcoming book entitled the great emergence which comes out this fall.  It was simply incredible!  an overview of the the upcoming book is below...

from the church's birth, to the reign of St. Gregory the great, to the Great Schism and through the Reformation, she notes that every 500 years the church has been rocked by massive transitions. Remarkably enough, Tickle suggests to us that we live in such a time right now. The Great Emergence examines history, social upheaval, and current events, showing how a new form of Christianity is rising within postmodern culture. Anyone interested in the future of the church in America, no matter what their personal affiliation, will find this book a fascinating exploration.

one thing that she dropped that fascinated me was how biblically illiterate the church was during the days of Martin Luther.  she said that Luther believed music could infilitrate the illiterate.  he began singing the theology and offering followers new language, ideas and ways to live as Jesus did.  i think we need more of this, (people like Aaron Niequist have created powerful anthems that remind me of what it actually entails to live out the new humanity) but we need more...

we need more melodies that can infiltrate the hearts.

more hooks that can not be ignored. 

more voices rising up as one. 

what other people or bands have helped you sing a new theology? 

Comments

[Jessica Kast-Keat]

1st-I heart Phyllis Tickle--can she come and live with us seriously. If only I had more models of women in the faith like her, then maybe this journey of a woman in seminary would not be so trying all the time. But alas, that is the road that I travel gratefully as this is my gift I have been given.

2nd-What are your thoughts on a post-denom soceity. Obviously you are living it (and I) actively at Mars-but at large. Denoms are losing numbers, BUT they aren't dying. So, Steve, I wonder is it still important to still have some sort of denominational system in place? What does it mean for churches like mars, to set up healthy systems of checks and balances and to be reminded of the larger traditions (we would call that 'roots')? As a woman minister I think of this often-I see the trend of the church and where God is leading it, but should I also consider aligning myself with a denomination that freely ordains women? Since Phyllis was at the staff meeting I have been researching the Anglican tradition more-I love it. Would love your thoughts.:)

[steve carter]

jkk,

phyllis is simply amazing. thanks for posting a comment, i'd love to hear more about "what makes the journey of a woman in seminary so trying all the time." i have some assumptions; but i'd love to hear your take.

your second point is filled with some great questions...have you ever read America by John Stewart? if not, go to barnes and noble and read the intro. it's written by thomas jefferson (not really) about founding fathers dream for the constitution and how they hoped that this document would be wrestled with and even changed over time. that is why they called them amendments, so that they could be amended...

i think denominations can be a good thing. but many are unwilling an unable to make the necessary amendments to be a compelling voice in our day. i have a friend who has the most amazing grand parents, they're old...real old; but they understand our culture today better than anyone i know. they're not afraid; but are deeply loving, drenched in integrity and wisdom. they see the past as a helpful way to guide us toward tomorrow; not something that must be protected at all costs. not too many denoms are like this which really makes me sad...