How NOT to Interview Emergent Leaders

In the past year I've heard some radio interviews (on the Internet) of emergent leaders by basically anti-emergent radio hosts. The two interviews went the same way as I suspect they always do in this type of situation. Here was the basic scenario they had in common,

First, the radio host "baited" the emergent by asking him a question relating to a very orthodox Christian (and what the host believes is a very Biblical) belief.

Second, the emergent gave the wrong answer. But remember, in postmodern-land, my truth may not be your truth. So, the answer was only wrong according to the radio host.

Third, the radio host threw a Bible verse or verses at the emergent proving the emergent's error.

Fourth, the emergent came back with a snappy postmodern answer that left the host and the audience in limbo. The very best answer I've heard was when Tony Jones told the host that by using the particular Scripture the host was using, he was doing "violence to the text." And, if you read my post of May 27(2009), you would know that is a very post-modern philosophical/literary theory expression.

So, now both the host and the emergent guest are at an impasse. But the host thinks he has won because the emergent didn't throw back the "correct" interpretation of the Bible verse thrown at him. And the emergent thinks he has won because the audience will see he is more tolerant and open-minded. So, who has won?

Sadly, the emergent has won with most of the younger listeners (if they are listening to this type of program that is). And that is proven when you look at who is in the hosts' churches. Not too many young adults because they are flooding into emergent churches. I appreciate the Scripture--centered and Christ-centered and cross-centered doctrine of the hosts. However, they do not understand how to interview these people. So, while they might have won the war with their listeners, I believe they are losing the war with the younger adults and youth. So then, who are the real winners here? And, do I know how to interview these emergents without allowing them to get away with their desconstruction of texts and Christianity as a whole?

I'm working on it people, I'm working on it.

Anyone want to give me a radio program to practice on (half-kidding)?.....