Postmodernists Up In Arms

If you don't read Phil Johnson's blog you are missing out. I found yesterday's post to be immensely ... relevant (sorry, I couldn't resist). Phil begins by writing:

"The favorite buzzwords of the postmodern spirit all sound so warm and friendly, don't they? Conversation, dialogue, openness, generosity, tolerance. Who wouldn't want to participate in discourse with someone who truly prized human values such as those? On the other hand, the very same Zeitgeist has demonized a host of other essential biblical values, such as authority, conviction, clarity, and even truth. In the milieu of the emerging discussion, this second category of words has been made to sound harsh, unreasonable, arrogant, and extremeif not downright evil."

Phil hit on an issue I've wanted to discuss for some time: the affects of postmodernism [insert horror movie music here].

It's hard to believe that American culture was once rooted in Enlightenment thinking. Today we continue to emerge into a post-Enlightenment era. No longer are Americans concerned with rationalism, and natural rights derived from natural law. But today, Americans are not generally concerned with what's true at all. We would rather blur the lines and declare all opinions equally valid. Each belief is equally true to the one who holds it.

What is the goal of postmodernists? That is the question, isn't it? =)

Whatever the goals, postmodernism is now the predominant mode of thinking for Western Civilization. The more obvious impacts of postmodernism are devastating: (1) truth can't be known, and to declare the correctness of your own position is contrued as arrogance; (2) discussion and dialogue are functionally meaningless - unless mutual acceptance of opposing positions counts as meaningful; (3) disagreement with someone's position is interpreted as needless offense.

How often do we, as believers, encounter folks who get up in arms because we defend the truthfulness of Christianity? This is a regular experience for me at ASU, work and especially at Starbucks. A consistent postmodernist will accept my religion as equally true alongside every other religious system. But how many consistent postmodernists have you met? Indeed. Very few =). It is oh so common for the postmodernist to declare his postmodernity, then contradict his self-proclaimed worldview by defending his sole right to determine truth.

These days I'm accustomed to encountering unbelievers who are postmodernists. What has shocked me is that some Christians have been deeply influenced by this worldly way of thinking. Sound doctrine is brushed aside and replaced with new movements bent on ecumenism. The gospel of Christ is no longer believed to be relevant to our culture. Why share the gospel with people when you can share your story? Hrmmm.

Oh yes, I have met these Christians. These postmodernist-influenced Christians tend to not get along with me - I am more than okay with that, by the way. It usually takes a matter of minutes before I discover their postmodern attitudes toward doctrine, evangelism, the Church, and Christian living. You see, I talk about God's truth with fellow believers - that's usually where the conflict begins. They are quick to be offended, and usually cannot "exegete their way out of a paper bag" (White, James. "The Dividing Line." 2004? An oldie but a goodie).

How should we respond when we encounter postmodern-influenced Christians (or unbelievers for that matter)? First off, always show respect towards this individual. Second, listen to their arguments and do your best to respond accurately. Third, correct their error(s) with gentleness. Finally, if the conversation goes downhill, remember that we're not to argue with a factious man. So if the insults start flying your way, just get outta there before bad things happen.

By God's mercy there are still solid churches in our land. We still have God's precious Word. We still have the freedom to gather together without fear. And we have priviledge of carrying the gospel of Peace to an unbelieving world.

I pray the American churches would once more be stirred by the doctrine of justification, Sola Scriptura, or the Trinity! In our postmodern age, doctrine is replaced for subjectivism. "Don't give me doctrine; just give me Jesus!" Ugh. =) How about: let me worship Christ by knowing what the Scriptures teach. We should pray that our churches might give up on these ecumenical movements. Might our triune Lord grant a reformation and revival in our land. We long to see His churches full, and the gospel spread like wildfire.

Thanks for listening,
Casey
(have I ever signed my real name?)