Brian McLaren’s New Book and the Use of the Word ‘Heretic’

Brian McLaren has written a new book, A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith.  I’ve followed some of the blog chatter in response, and while there are some supportive and gracious reviews, too many have taken on a vitriolic tone.  Healthy, vigorous discussion of ideas has given way to name-calling and divisive labeling.

Is Brian McLaren a heretic?

That we even have to ask this question seems extreme to me.  I’m with Jamie Arpin-Ricci, who’s written here about how shameful it is that the conversation has devolved to this point.  Effusive blogger, Bill Kinnon writes that McLaren’s views are heretical, though graciously, he’s not ready to scream, “Heretic!” from the ramparts.  Trevin Wax leaves no doubt on his answer, claiming there is “no community within historic Christianity” that has held McLaren’s views.  He goes on to frame the issue in this sensational way:  “McLaren’s proposal makes people decide whether they view Christianity the way he does, or whether they stand with Nicea, Chalcedon, and the Reformation. You are either with him or against him.”

I’m not interested in defending or denying Brian McLaren’s continuity with the Christian faith; however, I do think it would be helpful to highlight his own words, addressing the heart of this “heretic” issue.  He responded to one of Kinnon’s questions:

… who do I say Jesus is? In answering that question, I would go exactly to the passages you did: Peter’s confession of Jesus at Caesarea Philippi (I wrote about this at some length in EMC), Paul’s beautiful hymns in Colossians and Philippians … So yes, I enthusiastically affirm the Apostles and Nicene Creeds. Yes, I’m a wholehearted Trinitarian.

This confession, along with the fruit of a life in pastoral ministry should afford McLaren a better response.  Certainly it should quell the name-calling and personal attacks.  Basic civility and Christ-like charity woven through the ongoing conversation might lead us all to a deeper engagement with the issues and questions he raises.

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