I think, and this is just my take on what I read and understand personally about the emerging church, that there are two seperate issues in regard to what you’re experiencing: what is happening now and the long-term goal.

 The emerging church seems to be a nebulous term, catching many different thought patterns, and truly defying definition.  There are emerging church leaders who would contradict each other on almost every point.  In general, though, the long-term goal of emerging thinkers seems to be a rise above the limits of fundamentalism.  Modernity ushered in the idea that there are fundamental ideas upon which we build all our conclusions.  Emerging thinkers tend to question many (if not most) of these fundamentals, and find that there is room for enigma and paradox in our thinking, something which fundamentalism and modernity would never allow.

 The current practice, though, tends to be "deconstruction" of the modern ideals.  While emerging thought seeks broader understanding in the end, it currently seeks to show the flaws with current modes of thinking, finding the gaps and the existing paradox in fundamental thinking.  The effect of deconstruction is that it seems to be narrowing ideas while in actuallity, it is trying to show the current narrowmindedness that passes for wisdom.

I label myself as emergent in my theological belief.  I stand for a broadening of the gospel to selfless, agape love.  I stand for a tolerance to alternative ideas and paradox.  I stand for recognizing that, while the Bible is the path to the ultimate truth and that Jesus is the Truth, neither you nor I can ever completely posses that truth, unless we come together in unity (as the Body of Christ).  I stand for realizing that reaching out to those in need is not a mission of the church, but the reason for the church.  I stand for a broadening of practical theologogy and less quibbling over theoretical theology.

 In essentials, unity.  In non-essentials, liberty.  In all things, charity.  That is my stand.  Of what use is it to debate whether I’m elect or freely coming to Christ while a man on the streets starves to death?  That is what I stand for.

 In the end, I say, "Love them all, and let God sort them out."

 But that’s just me…