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It’s been said that trying to define the emergent church, and those within the emergent church, is like trying to nail Jell-o to the wall. It’s simply too loose to define. Many of the writings of those who classify as “emergent” leave the reader with more questions than answers. Brian McLaren’s new book, Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words, is no exception. In this book, McLaren attempts to provide religious people with a means of living life with God in a simplified manner. In McLaren’s assessment, too often we are clothed in garments of organized religion and symbolic rituals, so we need to disrobe before God and be free.

Many have talked in depth about the emergent church movement, so I won’t address that here. But like many precursors with dubious biblical warrant, there is some element of truth in many emergent critiques. McLaren—speaker, social justice activist, and former pastor—is no different. McLaren seems to understand that we are sinful people in need of repentance and confession (100). This is not the main thrust of the book, but he does devote two chapters to the necessity for acknowledging sinfulness in order to grow spiritually. This is a good thing. However, his solution for the repentant sinner leaves much to be desired.

He also seems to understand that this life is hard and not how it is supposed to be. McLaren recognizes that life is painful and difficult and can sometimes bring tremendous heartache (141–185). Unfortunately, his answers to hurting and suffering are unsatisfactory and leave more questions than answers.

Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words

Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words

HarperOne (2011). 240 pp.

In the same way he revitalized our faith in A New Kind of Christianity, church leader Brian McLaren reinvigorates our approach to spiritual fulfillment in Naked Spirituality—by tearing down the old dogmatic practices that hamper our spiritual growth, and leading us toward the meaningful spiritual practices that can help transform our lives.

HarperOne (2011). 240 pp.

McLaren is reacting to a Christian subculture that has not always done things biblically. This is not a new phenomenon. The problem is that in his reaction he has abandoned key tenets of the Christian faith along the way. Perhaps the most perplexing of all of his statements in this book, he is not consistent about whom the book is addressing. In chapter vie, “Here: Naming the Mystery,” he references the names for the god of Islam, in addition to the names for the God of Christianity (45–46). When he talks about the priority of God receiving our time and consideration in a weekly worship service, he lumps churches into the same category as synagogues and mosques (79). Attempting to pull from the compassionate examples of other religions, he discusses the good practices of Buddhists, Jews (in the Old Testament), Muslims, and Christians (in the New Testament) (127). This looseness regarding other religions is a common theme throughout the book. While he uses the Bible as a source for his arguments, his flirtation with the practices of false religions is dangerous and confusing. Common grace is extended to those who are Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim, but any good work or act of worship without exaltation of the Savior, Jesus Christ, is empty (Heb. 11:6).

McLaren also misunderstands the kingdom of God. Though he rightly asserts that this world is fallen and needs redemption, his solution to the problem is incomplete. In McLaren’s understanding, naked spirituality would cause compassion and service that would alleviate the tremendous suffering in this world and inaugurate a more peaceful world (139–140, 237). A world where peace and justice reign forever sounds wonderful, but it’s not here yet. It’s coming. While we receive glimpses of the fulfillment of this kingdom, we cannot usher its consummation in on our own or even on this earth. Instead, Christ inaugurated the kingdom by his life, death, and resurrection and will be consummated in power when he returns. That is the Christian hope.

The most troubling piece of the entire book is not that he walks a fine line with other religions, or that he doesn’t understand the kingdom, though these are very serious matters. Rather, Christ is notably absent. Sure, Christ is mentioned as a great teacher and even as the Savior. But there is no bloody cross in this book. As he talks about petition and seeking forgiveness for wrongdoing, Christ is absent and replaced with our need for self-love and acceptance by God when riddled with guilt (110–111). McLaren is writing to people who need a more simplified relationship with God, but none of this is possible without the shed blood of Jesus Christ on their behalf. We come into God’s presence not because we say we are sorry or ask for help, but because Jesus is standing at the right hand of the Father saying “look at me when you see their sin. Let my atoning death be their cleansing gift” (Heb. 7:25). Without that gift, there can be no deeper relationship with God.

McLaren’s book is edgy and hip. He walks on the edge regarding many hot button issues today and isn’t afraid to speak out against established religion and church as we know it. This gives him an audience with skeptics, at least. But while his book promises to provide simple ways to deepen your relationship with God, there is no suffering Savior in McLaren’s 12 words towards a simpler life with God. This is a book about a simpler spirituality, but it won’t bring anyone into fellowship with God. It will only do what McLaren is working so hard to avoid-create empty ritualistic religion.

God does call us to come to him unhindered and naked, but we can’t stay naked for long. He clothes us in the righteousness of his Son, Jesus. That is what we need for a simpler life with God—Christ alone. It is only then that we can say with the great hymn writer: “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy Cross I cling; Naked, come to thee for dress; Helpless look to thee for grace.”

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