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Thanks for the links, Darryl. I must confess that Mr. McLaren's response to his critics is most beguiling, full of charm, and to a more strident critic than I, full of a lot of other stuff too.

It is not surprising then, that Mr. McLaren chooses not to deal with specific criticisms and defend his positions, reasonably. Rather he, politely and with great sympathy, reminds his supporters that his critics lack basic language comprehension skills and aren't likely to properly understand his message, or any subsequent rebuttals. Never the less, in keeping with his generous orthodoxy, Mr. McLaren and a committed group of colleagues were hard at work on one, regardless.

I have to admit I found it hilarious that Brian concluded his evasiveness with a reminder to the faithful, that from even the likes of these critics, something useful can be learned. I imagined him as a theological "Jane Goodall" and conservative evangelicals as "gorillas in his mist"

Hmmm...I am reminded of a criticism I read, I believe on your site, where the writer complained of a pervasive arrogance within "emerge", that implied emergent folk were smarter and better understood the real intentions of Jesus Christ and the Gospels. I'm beginning to think that might have been an understatement.

Fortunately though, Mr. McLaren was again able, as always, to remind me of his catalogue of available books. Not only that I am now made aware of an upcoming work, modestly titled "The Secret Message of Jesus". If the title is any indication, author McLaren, is now a prophet. Then again perhaps my limited comprehension skills betray me.

In any case, hard and soft cover copies are sure to follow and as I'm sure to be told and can only hope I'll understand, Jesus's secret message can soon be mine. And at a very generous price, I'm sure!

I think there are legitimate criticisms of McLaren. I appreciate his point here, though.

McLaren is excellent at stimulating conversation. If that conversation generates genuine dialogue on important issues, then McLaren has done us all a big favor.

Very often sarcasm can infer something more relational to contempt than it does concern. In that regard, I apologize.

In re reading Mr. McLaren's response I must admit to being touched by the accounts of his family relationships. Disagreements regarding orthodoxy aside, it is better if we see our critics and those with whom we disagree in the fullness of their humanity. As mothers, as fathers, as brothers, as sisters, as friends, as colleagues....

In this regard, I believe, Mr. McLaren and I are in full agreement.

"McLaren is excellent at stimulating conversation. If that conversation generates genuine dialogue on important issues, then McLaren has done us all a big favor."

I think this to me is Brian's most noteworthy immediate contribution! I find this quality needing encouragement and valued for what it's worth.