There is generally a point in child development when independence begins to surface. This is often marked with expressions such as, “I’ll do it myself” or “Let me.” Indepdendence is good. It is a mark of maturity. Nevertheless, this self-assertion is often accompanied by a stubborn refusal to accept any kind of assistance or counsel. It sometimes appears that the individual is set on discovering everything on his own, as if nothing learned by others is valid.

Eventually (hopefully), the young person learns the value of listening to wise counsel and gains discernment in seeking counsel. This is another mark of maturity.

This same developmental process is evident in the Emerging Church. For some everything has to be discovered on their own, from methodology to theology. Again, it is as if nothing learned from others is valid. “I’ll figure it out for myself” seems to be a prevailing attitude. In a sense, this is tinged with a bit of intellectual superiority. (That is the familiar stage in adolescent development when they think their parents don’t know anything.)

Methodology and ritual can be compared to fashion styles: trends come and go. In a few years some in the EC will look back sheepishly and grin at their outdated style. But not everything is so benign.

The real issue is on theology. The study of theology is fine, in fact it is encouraged. It is actually good for each generation to know why we believe what we believe. The challenge for the EC is to accomplish this study in the postmodern world and remain sound in doctrine.

Every worldview shift faces this same challenge. The rise of the modern era was marked with a sharp division in doctrinal integrity. The bona fide modern “liberals” abandoned inspiration of Scripture, deity of Christ and other fundamentals of the faith and embraced teachings inconsistent with Scripture.

The Emerging Church faces the same issue. Some are already demonstrating a departure from sound doctrine. Others appear firm. In time, the distinctions will become more evident. The division will hinge on theology. Some use the term orthodoxy in the sense that this is the accepted doctrine that has been handed down to us from previous generations. This is the part that seems to chaff the EC and evoke the “I’ll do it myself” attitude.

The reality is, sound doctrine is not orthodox because we have agreed this is what it right. Sound doctrine is accepting what the Bible teaches. Church councils did not determine the truth, they merely asserted whether or not a particular group agreed with the Word of God. (There was only one “Church council” with apostolic authority–Acts 15).

It will be the same with the EC, some will agree with what the Bible teaches, some will not. Some will “figure it out for themseleves” and be surprised they arrive at the same place they started.