by Emergent
We are considering sponsoring an "Emerging Theologians" series. Details are still being discussed, but the object would to sponsor new theological thought that is outside of the academy and created by currently unpublished authors. We would love to see younger theologians submitting to this effort but are equally excited about the possibility of submissions from all ages. Right now this is very much in the dream stages but we hope to have some established theologians participate in the review process, possibly acting as mentors. We're also considering a combination of publishing options, including web-based and/or a print journal, and possibly a books that is a collection of the essays. Stay tuned for more details, and please leave your comments below.
You could think of it like ChangeThis!
http://www.changethis.com/
Very good idea.
Posted by: Tim Bednar | February 18, 2005 at 08:36 AM
That's a wonderful idea.
Posted by: Bill | February 18, 2005 at 09:34 AM
sounds exciting!
Posted by: Sivin Kit | February 18, 2005 at 10:33 AM
ChangeThis! is a useful model. While the PDF debate will always be religious, the ChangeThis! way seems to promote the feeling that one is publishing rather than posting.
OpenSourceTheology.net is a Slashdotesque approach to new theology that uses a posting/comment modality.
Podcasting authors read their essays would be useful as well.
Posted by: dan hughes | February 18, 2005 at 06:53 PM
Thank you very much. This sounds exciting! Just curious, how does one qualify to be a "theologian"?
Peace,
Rick
Posted by: rick luoni | February 19, 2005 at 12:32 PM
Where do I sign up? Keep us posted. I'll read all the stuff? I'm beyond excited and very interested in finding a good interactive platform that isn't too chaotic. I'll check that out.
Posted by: Whitewave | February 19, 2005 at 02:56 PM
This is a fantastic idea and is a next logical step for Emergent.
Posted by: stephen shields | February 19, 2005 at 08:41 PM
yeah a very natural evolution into useful forms of communal discussion-inquiry and making-rendering.
Posted by: Troy Bronsink | February 22, 2005 at 09:28 AM
i also thinks this is a great idea. and not to get to draw into the marketing deal, but this would work great as repositioning of what Emergent is all about, rather than letting DA Carson and others define the emerging church according to their own criteria.
Posted by: Geoff Holsclaw | February 22, 2005 at 12:49 PM
Great dream. Practically, it might work out best if someone could become a clearing house for submissions. I like the idea of a printable web-based option like an e-zine or periodical. So a possibility may be that once a quarter 3-5 topics are selected... people can make submissions to website, or typepad, or something on as many of the selected topics that they want to comment on, even if it's an addition to previous comments, and then once a quarter the person who is administrting the site can take all of the information, place it in to a selecteed format (e-newsletter, e-zine, etc...) and mail it to the list of subscribers/participants. At this point the typepad can be cleared and 3 to 5 new topics can be posted (some may need to be repeated). Keeping the topics limited and administered by someone might help this from becoming overwheling to a reader and might help keep both reader and contributor interest. Hope this suggestion helps in one way or another.
Posted by: Damien | February 22, 2005 at 03:07 PM
A typically creative and energizing idea. I also like the idea of a topical approach. I wonder if it would be practical to also make it dialogical, similar to what was done in "The Church in Emerging Culture." Or perhaps that format could be limited to certain selections chosen by readers every six months or so..
Posted by: len | March 13, 2005 at 09:12 AM