“Get Smart” Meets The Emergent Movement
I was born in the 1960’s and wasn’t old enough or “smart” enough to enjoy the original airing of the satirical show “Get Smart.” Get Smart was a successful spoof on two very popular and successful icons of the time – James Bond and the Peter Sellers character – Inspector Clouseau. Don Adams playing secret agent 86 was both dashing and fumbling and played the role perfectly. I have the whole Get Smart series on DVD and when I am in dire need of a good laugh – I break out a disc and watch a few episodes with my teens – who love Get Smart as much (or more) than I do.
This book is a satire on the representatives of the emergent movement largely represented by Brian McLaren and his book “A New Kind of Christianity.” Much like aficionados or critics of the show “Get Smart” – you are either going to love or hate this little book. If you take James Bond, Inspector Clouseau, Brian McLaren, or those of his ilk too seriously – you will really hate this book! Well if that’s you – and I knew who you were – I’d pray that you would lighten up and learn to laugh at yourself and your heroes.
For those of you who believe in absolute truth, calling a spade a spade, and actually take a stand for something, instead of being continually banal and vague – you will love this book and laugh a lot!
My only critique of the book was that it was too short. However, like episodes of “Get Smart” – I have noticed that as much as I love watching these shows – the reality of the satires and the truths we laugh about are too serious to only make fun of. Ultimately, the sad part about this book is the reality of the truth that it conveys – a lot of people are duped by the emergent leaders that have little to stand on, and that’s why the movement – like the 60’s – will pass and die out – but leave many dazed and confused in it’s wake. God willing – the truth will be sought and found – where it’s been all along – the authoritative, inerrant, and sufficient Bible.
Ted, Frank, and Zach – thanks for the laughter amidst the chaos that is the “emergent movement.” I gave this book four stars out of five – not because I didn’t like it, but because I only give five stars to books that I will read over and over again, or are what I would consider classics that will stand the test of time. This book will not stand the test of time, because the emergent movement – like the liberal theology of the 20th century will be part of history as a passing fad in a short period of time – and the book like “Get Smart” will not be as relevant to the times – but will always be funny to those who lived through the times in which it took place. The gospel grows churches, speculation, and confusion only scatters wandering sheep.
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