How successful is Davison and Milbank’s critique of the Fresh Expressions movement in their book For the Parish (2010)?

Abstract

Is For the Parish (2010), by Davison and Milbank, a “devastating assault” on the Fresh Expressions movement or a fallacious argument against misunderstood caricatures? The arena is riddled with strong passions and spirited rhetoric, and this article endeavors to cut through the hyperbole and critically evaluate the critique of the Fresh Expressions movement presented in For the Parish. Through discussions of ecclesiology, soteriology, sociology, and missiology, this article evaluates Davison’s and Milbank’s understanding of the Fresh Expression movement and its underpinning theology. This is assessed against their aims to (1) deconstruct Fresh Expressions theology and (2) present the reimagined parish church as the ideal alternative. Through a discussion of six major contentions, this article demonstrates a view that For the Parish offers a necessary and imperative theological critique of careless Fresh Expressions theology, while still significantly misunderstanding its opponent.