Steps or Movements?

I have been reading The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian D. McLaren.

McLaren's emphasis is on the "kingdom message" of Jesus. One chapter of the book is entitled, Getting It, Getting In. In this chapter, McLaren slips into the doctrinal minefield of salvation.

We have traditionally addressed salvation in terms of 5 steps (hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized). It is the modern-day outgrowth of Walter Scott's old five-finger exercise. I common adaptation to this is to drop off "hear," since it is easily assumed, and add "live a faithful life."

This manner of speaking employs the metaphor of steps. It is good to bear in mind that metaphors, as a communicative aid, emphasize some things and de-emphasize others. Therefore, all metaphors are simultaneously both productive and counterproductive within the communication process.

McLaren uses the expression, movements. Here is a listing of the movements that get one into the kingdom:
1. Repentance: This movement involves rethinking, it comes with the realization that despite all of your sincerity and drive, you are closing in the wrong goal. It is coupled with the recognition that your worst mistake has been swallowed up by someone else's save.
2. Faith: Not necessarily believing stuff about God, but rather, believing in God. A belief that expresses itself in action, not something that is contained within the recesses of the mind.
3. Receptivity: This involves an openness to God's leading. It is something that is neither active nor passive but must be cultivated within.
4. Baptism: McLaren describes baptism as going public with your repentance, faith, and receptivity. Baptism symbolizes the three other movements.
5. Practice: The term is used as like referring to a law or medical practice. It depicts a lifelong process of education and implementation.

Of course, in superficial ways, the 5 steps and the 5 movements are expressing the same thing. However, the metaphors of steps and movements are quite distinct. Steps are specific, you take them, then you're done. Movements are on-going, without any clear ending.

I am liking this movement language. What thoughts do you have?