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is a period in literary history which started around the early 1900s and continued until the early 1940s. Over two decades, from about 1970 to 1990, Postmodernism shattered established beliefs in certainty and absolute truth. Our current understanding of the term metamodernism dates back to 1999.

Understanding Modernism: A Conservative Evangelical Christian Perspective

Understanding Postmodernism

Postmodernism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, is characterized by skepticism toward grand narratives and objective truths. It emphasizes relativism, suggesting that truth is subjective and constructed by cultural, social, and personal contexts. This worldview challenges the idea of absolute truth, which is fundamental to Christian doctrine.

In postmodern thought, the idea that “there are no absolute truths” directly contradicts the biblical assertion that Jehovah’s word is truth. John 17:17 declares, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” This verse affirms the objective and unchanging nature of truth as revealed in Scripture, standing in stark contrast to postmodern relativism.

The Inadequacies of Postmodernism

The relativism inherent in postmodernism undermines moral absolutes, leading to ethical ambiguity and moral chaos. Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” This verse highlights the danger of moral relativism, where distinctions between good and evil become blurred, resulting in a society that loses its moral compass.

Moreover, postmodernism’s emphasis on deconstructing narratives and skepticism toward authority challenges the authority of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 asserts, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” This passage underscores the divine authority and sufficiency of Scripture for guiding believers in truth and righteousness.

Understanding Postmodernism: A Conservative Evangelical Christian Perspective

The Emergence of Metamodernism

Metamodernism, a cultural paradigm that has gained traction in the 21st century, seeks to transcend the cynicism and irony of postmodernism by integrating aspects of modernism’s faith in progress and postmodernism’s skepticism. It embodies a sense of oscillation between these two perspectives, aiming to reconcile sincerity with irony and hope with doubt.

Metamodernism acknowledges the complexity and paradoxes of the contemporary world, offering a more flexible and adaptive framework. This paradigm shift opens opportunities for Christians to engage in meaningful dialogue, presenting biblical truths in ways that resonate with the current cultural climate while maintaining doctrinal integrity.

Biblical Engagement with Metamodernism

Engaging with metamodernism from a biblical perspective involves affirming the coherence and consistency of Christian truth amidst cultural shifts. Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This verse emphasizes the unchanging nature of Christ and, by extension, the stability of Christian doctrine despite evolving cultural paradigms.

Metamodernism’s openness to sincerity and hope can be leveraged to reintroduce the transformative power of the Gospel. Romans 1:16 proclaims, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” This assertion of the Gospel’s power is crucial in addressing the spiritual and existential longings of a metamodern audience.

The Role of Apologetics in a Metamodern Context

Christian apologetics in a metamodern context must adapt to address the oscillating nature of this cultural paradigm. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs believers to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” This approach involves understanding the cultural currents and responding with clarity, compassion, and confidence in the truth of Scripture.

Metamodernism’s blend of hope and skepticism provides an opportunity to emphasize the rational and experiential aspects of the Christian faith. Acts 17:2-3 demonstrates Paul’s method of reasoning with the Jews from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead. This rational approach, combined with the experiential reality of a transformed life in Christ, can effectively address the concerns of a metamodern audience.

The Consistency of Biblical Truth

While metamodernism oscillates between hope and doubt, the consistency of biblical truth remains steadfast. Psalm 119:160 declares, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” This enduring nature of Jehovah’s word provides a solid foundation amidst the fluidity of cultural paradigms.

Jeremiah 17:9 highlights the fallibility of human perspectives: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” This verse serves as a reminder of the necessity of grounding one’s understanding in the objective truth of Scripture rather than the shifting sands of cultural trends.

Engaging Culture with Biblical Wisdom

Christians are called to engage with the culture through the lens of biblical wisdom. Colossians 4:5-6 advises, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” This exhortation emphasizes the importance of thoughtful and respectful engagement with those outside the faith, utilizing the wisdom found in Scripture to navigate cultural conversations.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to “trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This passage underscores the necessity of relying on Jehovah’s wisdom rather than cultural trends or personal insights.

The Hope of the Gospel

In a metamodern context, where hope and skepticism coexist, the hope of the Gospel shines brightly. 1 Peter 1:3 proclaims, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This living hope, grounded in the resurrection of Christ, offers a firm foundation for addressing the oscillations of metamodernism.

Romans 15:13 further affirms, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” The joy and peace found in believing in Christ provide a stark contrast to the uncertainty and doubt prevalent in postmodern and metamodern worldviews.

The Centrality of Jesus Christ

At the heart of the Christian response to metamodernism is the centrality of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:15-17 declares, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This passage emphasizes the preeminence of Christ in all things, highlighting the coherence and purpose found in Him.

John 14:6 records Jesus’ declaration, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This exclusive claim of Christ as the way to Jehovah provides a clear and compelling message amidst the relativism and pluralism of metamodernism.

The Role of the Church

The Church plays a crucial role in addressing the cultural shifts from postmodernism to metamodernism. Ephesians 4:11-13 outlines the purpose of the Church in equipping the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ until all attain unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God. This unity and maturity in Christ are essential for engaging effectively with a changing cultural landscape.

Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” The mutual encouragement and support found in the Church community are vital for sustaining faith and witness in a metamodern context.

Conclusion on Biblical Engagement with Metamodernism

Engaging with metamodernism requires a firm grounding in the unchanging truth of Scripture, a compassionate and rational apologetic approach, and a reliance on the transformative power of the Gospel. By upholding the centrality of Christ and the authority of God’s Word, believers can effectively navigate the cultural oscillations and offer a steadfast hope to a world in flux.

Upholding Absolute Truth: Rejecting the Blending of Hope, Skepticism, and Relativism

The Danger of Blending Truth and Skepticism

In contemporary scholarship, especially among liberal to moderate Bible scholars, there is a tendency to regard skepticism, uncertainty, and ambiguity as hallmarks of intellectual sophistication. This perspective often leads to a blending of hope with skepticism and truth with relativism. However, from a conservative evangelical standpoint, such blending undermines the absolute truth of the inspired, inerrant Word of God.

James 1:6-8 warns against doubt and instability: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” This passage highlights the inherent instability of a skeptical approach to faith and truth, underscoring the importance of unwavering belief in Jehovah’s Word.

The Unchanging Nature of God’s Word

The Bible consistently affirms the unchanging and absolute nature of divine truth. Psalm 119:160 declares, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” This verse underscores the eternal and immutable nature of Scripture, which stands in stark contrast to the transient and fallible ideas propagated by skeptical scholarship.

Jesus himself emphasized the reliability and permanence of God’s Word in Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” This assertion reinforces the enduring authority of Scripture, which cannot be diluted or compromised by the shifting sands of cultural and intellectual trends.

The Call to Defend the Faith

Christians are called to defend the faith with clarity and conviction, rejecting any attempts to dilute biblical truth with skepticism or relativism. Jude 1:3 exhorts believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” This call to contending for the faith involves upholding the absolute truth of Scripture and resisting the influence of skeptical and relativistic ideologies.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 further instructs, “O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge,’ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” This passage warns against engaging with so-called knowledge that contradicts the foundational truths of the Christian faith, emphasizing the need to guard the purity of biblical doctrine.

The Problem with Relativism and Ambiguity

Relativism and ambiguity erode the foundation of biblical truth, leading to confusion and spiritual instability. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” This verse highlights the peril of relying on human reasoning and subjective interpretations rather than the clear and objective truth of God’s Word.

The apostle Paul addresses the issue of blending truth with error in Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” This admonition underscores the danger of allowing human philosophies and deceptive ideas to infiltrate and distort the purity of biblical teaching.

The Role of Apologetics in Upholding Truth

Christian apologetics plays a crucial role in affirming the absolute truth of Scripture and countering the influence of skepticism and relativism. 1 Peter 3:15-16 urges believers to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” This passage highlights the importance of defending the faith with confidence, clarity, and respect, while remaining steadfast in the truth of God’s Word.

Conclusion on Absolute Truth

In summary, it is imperative for Christians to uphold the absolute truth of the inspired, inerrant Word of God and reject any attempts to blend hope with skepticism or truth with relativism. The Bible provides a clear and unwavering foundation for faith, which must not be compromised by the shifting perspectives of contemporary scholarship. By standing firm in the truth of Scripture and engaging in thoughtful apologetics, believers can effectively counter the influence of skepticism and relativism and proclaim the eternal and unchanging truth of God’s Word.

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).