A new kind of theology emerges
By his own admission, Brian McLaren has sought to compile a comprehensive statement of the theology of emergent church in his latest book A New Kind of Christianity. It is thorough and, to a great extent, approachable to the average lay person who has not had the 
benefit (some might say disadvantage) of a seminary-trained grasp of theology. Anyone who has caught glimpses of emerging church conversation and asked for a definition will likely get more than they were bargaining for. But if you find your heart stirring with the excitement of seeing the Christian faith in a new light, you may well find this is the book that answers that stirring heart.
This was by no means my first foray into this transitional understanding of the Christian faith, nor is it my initiation into McLaren’s cutting edge works. Although the author has visited the Delmarva Peninsula twice in as many years, I unfortunately have not had the opportunity to hear him speak. Others have told me his presentations are every bit as powerful as his books are challenging. He has, after all, taken the brunt of traditional criticism directed toward the movement’s ideas. Honed in that crucible, his thought have developed a clarity of purpose perhaps lacking in others. Probably most valuable to me was his list of cautions on how to proceed with the change of heart this movement engenders. Cautiously, he tells us, for the strident enthusiasm with which one might approach others in your own community of faith may lead to anger, misunderstanding, and alienation. Instead, join a cohort. I’ll let you know how it goes. http://harpercollins.com/books/9780061853982/A_New_Kind_of_Christianity/index.aspx