Weekly Round-Up: Goodbye to the iMonk?
Internet Monk announces the probable end of iM.com's 8-year run, in order to focus his considerable insights on a new project called Jesus Shaped Spirituality. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge fan. iM.com has been a daily read for me for quite some time, and the Monk (Michael Spencer, for those who don't know) always makes me think. Don't always agree, but always makes me think.
Thinking is a good thing. Not always, but usually. And nobody does it quite the same way as the Monk.
While I was sad to hear the news of the end of iM.com, I think I was more excited to hear about the new project, and more specifically, the basis for the decision. In Michael's own characteristically to-the-point words:
I believe I’ve said about all there is to say about the situation of evangelicals. It’s time to leave a more positive trail for others to follow into the post-evangelical future. Jesus Shaped Spirituality is that trail, I believe.
For those of us influenced by the Monk's words throughout the years, let's now learn from his actions. Eight years were spent poring over, grappling and wrestling with the state of modern-day American evangelical Christianity, and that grappling made Mr. Spencer a bloghold name. More than that, it challenged and, in many ways, changed the state of modern-day American evangelical Christianity.
But here's the thing. He has decided not to hang around in the muck. The critique is important, hugely important; but the point of the critique is not to wallow in it, to remain content with the fractures one has made in the edifice. The point is to incorporate it into something new, something that has a chance of coming out the other side into glory.
If you read this, Michael, please know that, in my humble opinion, you've already given us one great example of Jesus-shaped spirituality.
Thank you.
Grace and Peace,
Raffi
Amen. Most grateful.
I agree with your thoughts Raffi. I was just glad he was continuing to write and I could continue to read his stuff. I think it's a strong temptation to continuously critique, or at least one that I struggle with a great deal myself. I'm very interested to see where his stuff goes. I'm sure it will continue to be both thoughtful and thought provoking.