Postmodernism: Christian Beliefs And Values

Throughout history there have been a few prominent epistemologies and we are currently witnessing a one become increasingly prevalent – postmodernism. When Christians are confronted with ideologies of postmodernism, one of two reactions occurs. They either select aspects of postmodernity that can be assimilated into Christian thinking, or they believe the entirety of the postmodern movement to conflict with Christian beliefs and values. On the positive side, postmodernity does have a few aspects that correspond well with Christian values. Some epistemologies conflict with Christianity. Modernists believe all things can and must be explained through science. Postmodernists though, unlike modernists, are open to religious and mythical explanations

One such angle is that postmodernists do not believe in absolutes. “The strongest postmodernists argue that all distinctions between right and wrong have no absolute status, but rather are social constructions. Thus the literature abounds with people who argue that even something as ghastly as the Holocaust can be thought of as evil only from a certain perspective– e.g., those of the Aryan supremacists” (Carson 112). Under this view point, gruesome happenings such as murder and abuse can be written off because, for some perspectives, it may not be considered “wrong.” This idea that right and wrong have no absolute status is in direct contradiction of Christianity and with the side of postmodernity that cares for the well-being of others. The foundation of Christian beliefs has given right and wrong distinct, nonnegotiable absolutes. Accepting this facet of postmodernism that claims there is no absolute right or wrong practically negates Christian

As Christians, we are called to share our faith with all people. Although it may look slightly different in different areas of the world, essentially we are all sharing and living out the same metanarrative. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Adopting the postmodern approach of not sharing our faith with others is a direct violation of God’s command.

Though most of the postmodernism epistemology does not seem to coincide with Christian thinking, some churches are attempting to conform to these ideas and assimilate them into their faith. These postmodern churches are a result of attempts at conformity. Some believe they have potential to bring more people to Christ and more depth to the superfluous image of Christianity presented by megachurches. Others, such as myself, disagree with the superficial lavishness of megachurches and believe that these attempts by postmodern churches to remedy such inevitably compromises the