The Canon Re-loaded: Part 1 (1-5):

So what exactly is a "postmodern canon"? Well, put simply, it's a group of books that are particularly helpful in advising how to navigate through a postmodern milieu. Of course, any such grouping is purely subjective. After all, it's not like we've held an ecumenical council of any sort to decide these matters. And that's why the keyword here is "a". This is "a" postmodern canon- no doubt one of many possible groupings.

Now that we've clarified that, let's introduce the first 5 of the 40 books we think make the grade- in terms of uniquely speaking to and of the postmodern era and in providing a vision for Christianity incarnate in the 21st century. I suppose we could have been really postmodern and chose a number like 47 for our total- but alas, we're traditionalists when it comes to lists!

Some of the books you'll find in this "jubilee collection" are relatively new. That's no surprise- since its only over the last five years or so that the issues unique to postmodernism have really taken root in the larger Christian conversation. On the other hand, other books we've included are what many would consider "classics". The books that fit this category have been included, not just because they are timeless and profound, but also because they have an uncanny way of addressing the particular issues that are paramount to "the conversation" today.

So without further adieu, here are the first five (with five more to come in each subsequent issue).

By the way, if you beg to differ with our selections then please send us a note with your "corrections"- and we'll make that part of the ongoing dialogue.


Postmodern Collection: (1-5) (6-10) (11-15) (16-20)



A Renovation of the Heart - Dallas Willard

The great strength of Dallas Willard is that he describes practical methods that bring spiritual formation down to earth. In "Renovation of the Heart" he describes the process "that brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God or the Kingdom of God." Not content with mere behavior modification, Willard speaks about real, deep-seated transformation of the human being.






Missional Church - A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America- Guder et al

This book has quickly become a classic on missiology. Not only does it address the fact that North America is now a mission field on its own, but it also helps to inspire a Christian identity that puts mission at at the very heart of the Church's self-understanding. This anthology brings together the thoughts of Lois Barrett, Inagrace T. Dietterich, Darrell L. Guder, George R. Hunsberger, Alan J. Roxburgh, and Craig Van Gelder.






Streams of Living Water - Richard J. Foster

Rejecting a modernist mindset that seeks to find the right denominational understanding, Foster offers a perspective that suggests that the deep, rich legacy of Jesus is best reflected in a variety of Christian traditions. Suggesting we have much to learn (both in terms of strengths and weaknesses) from various traditons, Foster's book offers an honest, open treatment of each one.






A Generous Orthodoxy - Brian McLaren

Brian McLaren is a catylist in the purest sense of the word. Perhaps no author of recent note has had so much simultaneous praise and criticism afforded his work. McLaren's strength lies in his no non-sense approach to the "difficult questions" facing the Church today. Rather than offering a postmodern systematic theology (if such a thing could exist!), McLaren focuses on posing the questions that are defining contemporay debate amongst a wide spectrum of Christian tradtions.





A is for Abductive: The Language of the Emerging Church - Leonard Sweet, Brian McLaren, Jerry Haselmeyer

If you're looking to be equipped with knowledge to enter “the conversation” of the emerging church, but you want to do so in a light-hearted conversational manner, then A is for Abductive is great book for you. Postmodernism is front in central in this work that is both substantial, yet easily navigable. Well known emergent authors Leonard Sweet and Brian McLaren, along with Jerry Haselmeyer, are your guides on the journey.