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How should a Christian understand postmodernism? This article explores the core tenets of postmodern philosophy and examines its impact on Christian thought and practice. Discover how to critically engage with postmodernism while upholding Scriptural truths.

In a world increasingly dominated by postmodern thought, it is imperative for Christians to grapple with this philosophical framework, especially as it diverges from the traditional Judeo-Christian understanding of truth, rationality, and authority. Understanding postmodernism is not merely an intellectual exercise; it has significant ramifications for how we approach Scripture, ethics, apologetics, and evangelism. This article will explore the core principles of postmodernism, its inconsistencies, and how a Christian should respond in an era where “truth isn’t what it used to be,” as Walter Truett Anderson aptly put it.

The Contours of Postmodernism

Postmodernism, in its essence, is a reaction against Enlightenment rationalism and modernism. It disavows the belief in an objective truth, universal rationality, and inevitable human progress. According to Jean-Francois Lyotard, postmodernism rejects “metanarratives,” stories that frame the reality of the entire world, deeming them tools of oppression and dominance. In place of overarching worldviews, postmodernism celebrates local narratives, suggesting that reality is constructed through language and is thus subject to change.

Jacques Derrida’s concept of “deconstruction” has been employed to dismantle the idea that texts (including Scripture) have an objective or knowable meaning established by the author. For Derrida, the reader’s perception significantly influences the meaning of any text, making it variable and open-ended.

In a similar vein, Friedrich Nietzsche declared, “There is no truth, only interpretation,” encapsulating the postmodernist idea that truth is a socially constructed entity, relative to different cultural, linguistic, or community settings.

Logical Inconsistencies

Postmodernism claims to provide a liberating break from traditional modes of thought. Yet, it suffers from several internal inconsistencies. First, in proclaiming the relativity of all truth claims, postmodernism itself posits a form of metanarrative. It assumes that its own narrative about the nature of truth is somehow objectively true, thereby contradicting its core principles.

Second, postmodernism fails to account for the universal ethical norms that are recognized by sane people, such as the inherent evil of acts like terrorism. If morality is culturally constructed, as postmodernism suggests, then there can be no basis for deeming any act universally immoral.

Biblical Perspective

Scripture stands in stark contrast to the postmodern understanding of truth. It claims to be an objectively true revelation from Jehovah, authoritative in all matters it discusses (Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:15–17). Truth in a Biblical sense corresponds with reality, independent of social customs or personal opinions. Furthermore, Christians are urged to engage in apologetics, providing reasoned defenses for the faith and challenging the rational adequacy of alternative worldviews (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

The Bible recognizes the limitation of human reason but never abandons the quest for truth or the use of rationality. Instead, it encourages humans to gain knowledge by paying attention to God’s revelation and utilizing the wisdom He has endowed within us. In contrast to postmodern skepticism about human reason, Scripture acknowledges the God-given capacity for rational thought, while cautioning against human arrogance.

Implications for Christian Living

In the face of postmodernism, Christians should not retreat but engage. While it may be tempting to disregard postmodern thought as irrelevant or nonsensical, such an approach misses opportunities for meaningful dialogue and evangelism. However, engagement does not mean endorsement. Christians should critically assess postmodernism through the lens of Scripture, exposing its inconsistencies and presenting a Biblical worldview as a coherent, rational alternative.

One positive aspect of postmodernism is its critique of human reason, serving as a reminder of the limitations and fallibility of human thought. This can be a starting point for Christians to introduce the concept of divine revelation as a more secure foundation for knowledge and ethics.

In conclusion, postmodernism presents a significant challenge and an opportunity for Christians. While its relativism, subjectivism, and skepticism stand in opposition to the Scriptural view of truth and morality, its influence in contemporary culture cannot be ignored. By grappling with postmodernism critically and engaging its adherents thoughtfully, Christians can present the Gospel as not just another narrative, but as the true metanarrative that makes sense of all reality. Therefore, it is crucial for Christians to understand postmodernism, not merely as an intellectual foe to be vanquished, but as a cultural phenomenon to be understood, critiqued, and ultimately redirected towards the eternal truths revealed in Scripture.

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).