Interesting conversations going on around the blogosphere over the past few days. Jordon Cooper has a couple of posts linked. Seems like a lot of attention is being given to the issue of definition. Are we "emerging"? Are we postmodern? Do we define ourselves as postmodern, but really aren't? If we are emerging, will there come a time at which point we will have emerged?

I'll admit to having spent a good bit of time in thought and conversation trying to figure out whether a church that I've visited is postmodern or not. I've also given thought to whether I'm trying to start emerging or postmodern churches. I've certainly been asked by others.

I'm guessing that in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. It's a natural human sort of thing to try to categorize and define. But doesn't that usually only serve the purpose of developing some kind of power relationship? If that person or group is "xyz", then that means they are on my team, and see things the way I do. But if they are "abc", then that means they are on the other team and don't see things the way I do. Since I obviously see things clearly and have everything figured out just right, then that means that the "abc" folks have missed the boat. I seek to disempower those who have it wrong so that my own highly exalted thoughts are in control.

I've heard it said that there are only two kinds of people in the world: those who seek to put people into categories, and those who do not. I am of the former, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't give myself to thinking the other way for a spell.