Well I have read this book as well as several other McLaren books. Sometimes out of interest while other times because it was required reading.

In saying all that, I would have to agree that his is not a Christianity I could promote or live.
While I could provide numerous quotes from his books, it would be a rather futile exercise as many could provide additional quotes which bolster their position. (He does make many valid points)
I guess the easiest way to put it is that when I read his body of work, the overall picture that is drawn for me is of a watered down gospel which makes everyone feel happy but lacks substance. There is no absolute truth and no one is really wrong regardless of their faith, beliefs or actions. Anyone who disagrees with this is ignorant and should make room for the "new wave" of Christians.
Again, that's just my sense from reading many of his books. Also, I have no issue with Salvationist.ca posting insightful book reviews from a variety of sources. I hope to see more from non-Salvationist literature.

pat, thanks for taking the time to read and join the discussion.

i am baffled by the continuation of criticism for a book people have not read and the notion that because you can find "support" on the internet it makes it true.

i can find "support" on the internet that barack obama is a musilim, was not born in america, and wants to destroy america.

i can google "elvis" and read about recent sightings of the king all over the world.

mclaren's work, in my small opinion, is not suggesting a new kind of christianity to replace an old kind of christianity, like the way i buy a new pair of sneakers to replace an old pair of sneakers. rather, it's to look at christianity with a new and renewed appreciation and framework.

i enjoy reading. what are some of the "good sound doctrine books" to which you're referring?

Hello Mark

I have not read the book either, however if you google his name you will find support for Tony's comments. His book does not portray a new kind of Christianity, it really borders on heresy.

It is interesting that just as the Salvation Army finished publishing its latest edition of Handbook of Doctrine, that some well-meaning folks are exploring "new" doctrines. I recommend Salvationists read good sound doctrine books without "new" teachings.

Blessings

Patrick

tony, thanks for reading and commenting.

you quote important passages of scripture. vital, even, to our faith. thanks.

i am wondering, however, if you've read this book or anything else by brian mclaren?

what specifically do you think is false and heretical in his writing? you seem passionate about the topic, yet you do not quote mclaren or refer to anything he's written. you're making vague and broad statements that come across more as a character attack on someone you do not like instead of a healthy debate about the merits or lack thereof of a book.

A New Kind of Christianity by Brian D. McLaren
Book review on July 15, 2010
Reviewed by Captain Mark Braye

I do not expect such a neutral book review to appear on a Christian website. However, I take note of the reviewer’s possible intention is to be ‘even handed’ and respectful of a ‘Christian brother’ aka Brian McLaren and not to court controversy.

Are there not false teachers propagating unbiblical deceits? If so how does the Bible instruct us on this?

Prove all things ......abstain from every appearance of evil. 1 Thess.5:21-22
(Acts 17:11)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

As personable as Brian McLaren appears, he is a false teacher and seems himself to revel in controversy. Many like him are best described by 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

This man ignores all attempts of correction as he promotes heretical doctrines. He has ignored many clear warnings that he is in defiance of God's Word. The review 'suggests' this, but is not as a clear, strong warning and therefore begs the question; why draw people's attention to this book if a clear warning is not provided.

I pre-empt any possible responses of, Do not judge! Please read what God's Word says. [1 Peter 2:1-2; Jude v.3-5]. It is irresponsible and unloving not to warn the brethren

I don’t believe it in anyway blemishes the Salvationist blog to state the Bible’s position against error and we cannot minimise false teaching in order to demonstrate Christian love.

The Salvation Army is, presumably, an organisation with it's own code of discipline and authority designed to maintain order, so this provides another perspective on 'do not judge' - a common 21st century mantra which has allowed such doctrinal latitude that much of the church wallows in un-Godly error. Your future is to revisit your past!

I would like to finish with the suggestion that readers, study Biblical doctrines that urge us to earnestly contend for the faith (as described in Scripture); also the Biblical doctrine of separation (from false teaching); there is no merit or gain in 'putting up with error' as a perverse aberration of Christian charity.

I do not want to hide behind an anonymous 'hit and run' type message. I have limited time, but I am open to critical response and hope to be able to clarify any of my points in a respectful manner to the satisfaction of Bible believers. For Biblical sceptics I conceded that on the issue at hand, I would probably not satisfy your objections.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Tony Beasley

17 Jan 2011

Glad to see Brian's book getting a review in the Canadian Salvationist.