Christianity and Post-Modernisms

"Post-Modernism" is a dirty, dirty word... at least in some circles. Mixing Christianity and postmodernism can be as volatile as nitro glycerine. Many think such a combination is sure to result in a catastrophic destructiveness worthy of an apocalyptic-like resistance. They hope not to lose the true meaning of the gospel to philosophical infiltrations that dilute and destroy its message. In the most extreme forms of resistance, postmodernism is seen as anti-gospel, the manifestation of evil through corrupt and bankrupt thinking.

For others, postmodernism is as trendy as a "faux-hawk." It's the new way to talk about Christianity without looking like an old, out-dated religionist. It smells like a latte and tastes like candy... mmm. These people see a turn to postmodern expression as the saving Grace for the Gospel in our day and age. We need to update our outdated Gospel to the newest, most current version--the gospel i-phone, if you will.

Both popular forms of resistance to and adoption of postmodernism seem to be suffering from a pretty serious problem. This problem, I want to suggest, is a historic struggle known as reductionism. Since when has postmodernism ever been one thing (or, for that matter, "humanity," or "Christianity," or "rationality")? The problem is, as is so often the case, that we want to think of things much too simplistically--often causing us to talk past one another. What one group thinks postmodernism is, another group does not. Yet, they both talk to each other with similar terms, all the while thinking in vastly different ways about those terms.

So, for those who fear postmodernism, their concerns should be aptly noted. They most likely fear a kind of postmodernism, only one of the many postmodernisms out there. Those who radically embrace postmodernism too often think they are embracing postmodernism "en toto", as if they weren't rejecting other postmodernisms (which, I want to suggest, they are--but, unfortunately, that's not so trendy...).

So what do we do? Is postmodernism to be or not to be? Well that is a good question.

Postmodernism is a term we could use to describe a time period, cultural attitudes and behaviors, philosophies, and/or aesthetic theories. What about the many uses and manifestations of "postmodernism" should we be afraid of as Christians. Well, of course, it will depend on what you are worried about.

Some Christians are worried about relativism. Rightly so, I think. Is postmodernism most basically relativism? Well, yes... oh, and no. Once again, there are forms of postmodernism, which, some might argue, can lead to kinds of relativism. Now let's be serious here--is postmodernism the issue, or relativism (and, to complicate matters further, what kind of relativism)? Relativism is not something new that emerged in the 20th century and is only currently flourishing today. The threat of relativism is a historical one, a problem (or a solution some might argue) facing thinkers for millenia. For the interested lot, check out Pyrrhonian skepticism. So, if relativism is the issue (again, it may only be one kind of relativism that is really the problem), why demonize postmodernism? Oh yeah, reductionism...or, to be more precise here: equivocation.

What I'm trying to get across is that postmodern thinking is manifold and pluriform. There are many different kinds of postmodernisms, and, if Christianity should watch out for certain things, then it should watch out for those things in their various forms--always aware that it is those particular things (like relativism) and not postmodernism "en toto" that is at issue.

Other Christians think postmodernism is the answer for the outdated Christian message. Again, its a little more complex than that. Which postmodernism? Our "postmodern protestors" (oh the ambiguity of that phrase makes me smile) are aware, I think, of some issues which must be considered for their potentially destructive impact. Now these issues may not be only postmodern issues, but they seems to be finding contemporary expression in (at least) some postmodernisms.

So, what do we do? I think we first need to acknowledge that we have a lot in common, regardless of our "for" or "against" mentality when it comes to postmodernism. We are all children of postmodernism (by virtue of encountering it). We are all living in an age in which we are wrestling with questions that the modern age gave us. In that way, we can all call ourselves "post-modern." Next, I think, we need to specify what we mean when we say "postmodernism." Are we referring to cultural attitudes and norms for behavior, or are we talking about a philosophical set of ideas that will inevitably shape our faith? Once these issues are explored I think we can move forward with productive and, I hope, civil conversation (well, looks like I just showed my hand). And this procedure, I want to suggest, just might maintain that element of love so central to the gospel message (as I read it). I sure hope so.