How Should Christians Understand and Respond to Modernism and Postmodernism?

The Biblical Perspective on Changing Worldviews

Throughout history, societal shifts in worldview have presented both challenges and opportunities for Christians. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 observes, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” While modernism and postmodernism may seem distinct to contemporary culture, their essence—humanity’s pursuit of meaning apart from God—has ancient roots in the fall of man (Genesis 3:5). Both worldviews must be evaluated through the lens of Scripture to understand their flaws and guide an appropriate Christian response.

What Is Modernism?

The Rise of Modern Thought

Modernism emerged during the Enlightenment era as a paradigm shift emphasizing human reason, scientific discovery, and the rejection of divine authority. It sought to place humanity at the center of understanding the world, creating a framework that exalted rationalism and empiricism above faith and revelation. Proverbs 3:5-6, however, warns against such self-reliance: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Modernism viewed reality as governed by fixed natural laws discoverable through observation and reason. This mechanistic view of the universe, popularized by Newtonian physics, reduced the need for a Creator in the minds of many. Romans 1:20 counters this by asserting that creation reveals God’s invisible qualities, leaving humanity “without excuse” for denying His existence.

Key Characteristics of Modernism

Modernism emphasized several key principles:

Rationalism: The belief that human intellect is the ultimate source of knowledge. This approach led to a dismissal of Scripture as outdated or irrelevant. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, challenging the arrogance of human-centered reasoning.
Humanism: The focus shifted to human potential and autonomy, often neglecting humanity’s sinful nature (Romans 3:23). The glorification of man over God exemplifies the rebellion seen in Genesis 11:4, where people sought to build the Tower of Babel “to make a name for themselves.”
Moral Relativism: With no absolute truth, moral values became subjective. Judges 21:25 describes a similar era: “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”

Modernism’s Pursuit of Utopia

Modernism promised a utopia achieved through scientific progress, education, and human ingenuity. However, its optimism faltered in the face of the horrors of the 20th century, including two world wars, the Holocaust, and the destructive use of nuclear technology. The failure of modernism underscores Psalm 146:3’s admonition: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.”

How Does Postmodernism Respond to Modernism?

The Shift from Modernism to Postmodernism

Postmodernism arose as a critique of modernism’s failures, rejecting its foundational assumptions. It questioned the existence of absolute truth, objectivity, and overarching narratives. Isaiah 5:20 warns of this relativism: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”

While modernism sought to construct meaning through reason, postmodernism deconstructs established truths, leaving individuals to create their own. Proverbs 14:12 highlights the danger of this approach: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.”

Characteristics of Postmodernism

Postmodernism is marked by:

Relativism: Truth is seen as subjective, varying from person to person. John 14:6 directly opposes this view, with Jesus declaring, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
Skepticism: Distrust of grand narratives and institutions, including religion. This skepticism mirrors Pilate’s cynical question to Jesus: “What is truth?” (John 18:38).
Pluralism: Acceptance of diverse perspectives, often at the expense of biblical exclusivity. Acts 4:12 affirms the uniqueness of Christ: “There is salvation in no one else.”

Postmodernism’s Critique of Modernism

While postmodernism rightly identifies modernism’s shortcomings—its reductionism, moral failures, and overconfidence in human ability—it offers no viable alternative. By denying absolute truth and dismissing divine authority, it perpetuates the same rebellion against God evident in modernism.

How Should Christians Respond?

Embracing the Authority of Scripture

Both modernism and postmodernism reject the authority of Scripture, albeit in different ways. Christians must affirm the Bible as the ultimate source of truth. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” The Word of God transcends human philosophies, providing a firm foundation for faith and practice.

Engaging Thoughtfully with Culture

Acts 17:22-31 provides a model for engaging with diverse worldviews. When addressing the Athenians, Paul acknowledged their religiosity and used it as a starting point to proclaim the gospel. Christians today must similarly understand the cultural context and use it as a bridge to share biblical truth.

For example, modernism’s emphasis on reason can be addressed through apologetics, demonstrating the rational basis for faith (1 Peter 3:15). Postmodernism’s emphasis on personal experience can be met with testimonies of transformed lives, emphasizing the relational nature of faith.

Proclaiming Absolute Truth in a Relativistic World

In a culture that denies absolute truth, Christians must boldly proclaim Jesus as the only way to salvation (John 14:6). This requires clarity, conviction, and compassion. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:15, “Speak the truth in love.”

Living as a Distinct Witness

Christians must model the transformative power of the gospel by living lives that reflect God’s holiness and love. Matthew 5:16 encourages believers: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Conclusion: Navigating Modern and Postmodern Challenges

Both modernism and postmodernism represent human attempts to make sense of the world apart from God. While modernism exalted human reason, postmodernism exalts personal experience and skepticism. Both fail to address humanity’s deepest need: reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.

Christians are called to engage these worldviews with wisdom and grace, affirming the authority of Scripture, proclaiming the gospel, and living as witnesses to the truth. By doing so, they fulfill the mandate of 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).