Tuesday, April 30, 2002

Postmodernism and Christianity, perfect together

Ten years ago at least it was a popular teaching in churches that postmodernism is contrary to the Christian faith.

This is nonsense. Postmodernism is simply a generational outlook that reminds us that a lot of what we hold to be self-evident is based on cultural and personal presuppositions. It involves deconstructing things to get past the accretions of past years and get down to the essentials.

Postmodernism also stresses the importance of relationships. Love expressed in action is fundamental to Christianity, and it certainly leaves people more receptive to a philosophical and religious discussion than simply telling everyone why society is going to hell in a handbag.

As someone who grew up in the postmodern generation -- Gen X, and proud of it -- I can't say I really have a problem with this.

My younger brother became a lot more interested in what I had to say about Christ when I became a missionary. Other people have shown more interest ever since we took in a foster child.

"Let your light shine before men so that men may see your good deeds and praise your Father, who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

It's our job to reach the lost by presenting the gospel in a way that people will understand without altering the Truth of it. If other Christians can't handle that, they'll have to deal.

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