The Third Way
There is a common perception in North America that there are two theological choices – liberal or conservative. Whilst this may have been the case in the past, it is not now accurate. A third way is emerging. This third way is labelled as postmodern or emergent. Both liberals and conservatives have laid claim to these titles, but the third way is neither of these.
Both conservative and liberal theologies have their roots in the scientific method which has dominated western culture for the last five hundred years. Both are looking for a universal truth. Liberalism finds it in uncritically accepting science, conservatism find it in uncritically rejecting science. Liberalism creates a ‘spiritualised’ version of religion which never contradicts science. Conservatism creates a theologised version of science which never contradicts religion.
Meanwhile science has moved on. There is no longer a clear ‘truth’ within science. Science has embraced uncertainty. Histories of science show that we are not moving closer to the ‘truth’, but moving from paradigm to paradigm, from model to model. We can no more say that Einstein is truer than Newton , than we can say that Monet is truer than Constable.
There are a variety of theologies which are exploring this new era. Relational theology, process theology, radical orthodoxy, and weak theology are all labels used. Key to them is a recognition that they are not going to be complete theological systems – that era is past – but that they might help us come to terms with where we are.
What would it mean to be on this third way?
You may be suspicious of anyone who tells you that they know the truth – experts, theologians
You might seek authenticity more than truth – you want to know if it will work for you – you pick ‘n’ mix from the options around you.
You may want to connect with people, irrespective of their religion.
You may want to connect with God, and believe that this is possible.
You probably believe that there’s something more than this world.
You probably believe that scripture, reason and tradition are equally valuable – and equally fallible – but your experience is your best guide.
You may not know exactly where you’re going, but the journey is important and valuable.
You may feel lost, but that’s ok – you value mystery and uncertainty.
You see the Bible as both the words of God and the words of people at a particular time.
You may feel that you are a fish out of water – that you’re trying to hold on to both your faith and the rest of life – that no-one else is on the same page in the church. If so then welcome – there’s a lot of us here. We haven’t got a definite path or a program. But we have a community of sorts – a community where there aren’t any right answers, nor any wrong questions. If you’re looking for us you could try googling Anglimergent – “a generous and generative friendship among diverse Anglicans, engaging emerging church and mission”.
