Ecclesial Discernment and Fitness Landscapes

Dear Reader,
This short series is one of those theological experiments of mine.

Specifically, I ask can ecclesial discernment be compared to search through a fitness landscape? If so, what are the implications? As an example I bring up issues in the emerging church conversation.

You'll have to decide if you think the fitness landscape metaphor is useful. At the very least, you'll learn a little about contemporary thinking in evolutionary biology. Which is kind of cool on a Christian blog.

Best,
Richard

Part 1: Simple versus Rugged Landscapes
Part 2: Changing Landscapes and the Emerging Church
Part 3: Search Through Landscapes