The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why - Paperback

by Phyllis Tickle (Author)

Rooted in the observation that massive transitions in the church happen about every 500 years, Phyllis Tickle shows readers that we live in such a time right now. She compares the Great Emergence to other "Greats" in the history of Christianity, including the Great Transformation (when God walked among us), the time of Gregory the Great, the Great Schism, and the Great Reformation.
Combining history, a look at the causes of social upheaval, and current events, The Great Emergence shows readers what the Great Emergence in church and culture is, how it came to be, and where it is going. Anyone who is interested in the future of the church in America, no matter what their personal affiliation, will find this book a fascinating exploration.
Study guide by Danielle Shroyer.

Front Jacket

Phyllis Tickle (1934-2015) was founding editor of the Religion Department of Publishers Weekly. One of the most respected authorities and popular speakers on religion in America today, she was the author of more than two dozen books, including The Great Emergence and Emergence Christianity.

Back Jacket

Every five hundred years, the Church cleans out its attic and has a giant rummage sale.

Well, not exactly. But according to internationally renowned religion expert Phyllis Tickle, this is an accurate summary of the Church's massive transitions over time. According to the pattern, we are living in such a time of change right now. Tickle calls it "the Great Emergence"--a time of dizzying upheaval and hopeful promise during which various sectors of today's church swirl into a great confluence at the center.

"Phyllis Tickle offers a creative and provocative overview of multiple social and cultural changes in our era, their relation to previous major paradigm shifts, and their particular impact on North American Christianity. This is an immensely important contribution to the current conversation about new and emerging forms of Christianity in a postmodern environment--and a delight to read!"--The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church

"One thing I've learned to appreciate as I've grown older is big theories--and that is what Phyllis gives us. Within a few pages you'll be wondering if she's onto something. If she is, then we're in the eye of a storm."--Scot McKnight, professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary

"Once in a great while, a book comes along and makes things make sense. With understated humility, The Great Emergence unpacks the chaos of contemporary cultural upheaval and the religious consequences of the changes we now face. After reading these pages, neither the church nor the world looks the same."--Diana Butler Bass, author, Christianity for the Rest of Us