Post-Modernism, Post-Christendom, Post-literate, Post-man? It is funny how we like this idea of being "post" everything. What does that mean? Are we as a society moving beyond these archaic, historical institutions and somehow living in the aftermath of them? Looking at Postmodernism first, I want to explore these concepts of our current trend in society.
Postmodernism is an oxymoronic word. How can anything be beyond the modern time? Is our present way of life so fast that we can't even live in the moment, we have to live in the future? It seems like this term - now quite overused - is one of great controversy, misunderstanding, and unease. It balks at Modernism with all of its rationality, reason, and Enlightenment thought and seeks to define a new method, outlook, system, and culture. In some Christian circles, this movement is seen as a negative direction, leading to complete relativism and foundationless spiritualism. But - is it? It's interesting to me that the terms Modernism and Postmodernism sprang out of architecture and art before turning into philosophical ideas and movements. Once people latched onto them, though, they became descriptions of entire groups of people who speak, think, write, and believe certain grander notions of the world -- physical and metaphysical world around them. I am no expert on either philosophical view of the world - only that some think the Modernist movement can be stretched to the Enlightenment when all phenomena could be explained through rational thought and scientific calculation, thus cutting out any need for a Supreme, Higher Being we would call "God". Man could be god because of his own mental capabilities and insights. Now, though, there is the movement toward spiritual thoughts and insights...people are beginning to consider the WHOLE of things rather than the parts that make up the whole...they are more inclined to think in stories and pictures rather than facts and formulas. Now, instead of cutting out God because man can figure it all out on his own, we have adopted ALL gods because we know we are spiritual but do not want to claim any one god or being or spirit or universal power as being better than another. So, in essence, our futuristic mentality (post-modern) is actually a step to the mystical polytheism of the past (only now, we have cool tools like iPads and internet blogs to expore these things).
So, is Postmodernism "wrong"? Or is it simply another way people are beginning to view the world? Can it actually help us come together as a people and discuss those important questions like "Why are we here?" and "What is the point?" I think there is a fear among Christians that Truth will become relative and therefore we will not be able to explain the tenets of our faith in a clear and concise manner...mainly because people are no longer looking at Christianity and the Church as a valid, respected institution. People are not being raised with any religion per se and thus seemingly have to explore all religions to determine which is the best fit for them. This could lead to richer dialogues between us Christians and those who want nothing to do with Christianity, if we all come to the table with humility and patience.
That leads me to the Post-Christendom idea. Many Christians don't like this concept, but I feel like this too could be a benefit to the Christian faith. In the Christendom era (from Constantine on) the Church was the main institution that governed people. It was assumed people were Christians in the Western world and there was little room or tolerance for anything else. Most likely there were both very strong, faithful followers of Jesus...and very bitter skeptics who unwillingly went along with the trend because there was no other choice. There are plenty of evil things that this era produced - wars and injustices - but there was a lot of good too -- great theology and strong organizations designed to help the poor and needy. Now, though, we live in a world where Christianity is just another religion on the smorgasboard of life. There is probably a large percentage of people who have a Christian background - though may not go to church or believe in Jesus, the resurrection, or the power of the Holy Spirit now - yet there is a rising percentage of people who do not have any kind of religious background. I am repeating myself a little, but I feel like it's important to consider this again, because there is a new outlook most of the world has that Christians do not - and that is Christians are not right. And so, what do I - one who believes in this historical man Jesus to be the Son of God, the one who died and rose bodily from the grave in order to bring about New Creation - what do I do with this new wave of beliefs and outlooks?
Some friends of mine and I discuss these quandries a lot -- Postmodernism/Post-Christendom and the Church. There are many things to consider when looking at these new shifts in our culture and the historical truths of the Scripture, Church, and Jesus. That's why I would love it if some of you who do not believe in Christianity would provide some input into this new "Post" world we live in. I can tell you all I read in a book and discussed with other Christians about this new world - but I would love to engage in dialogue about how people think about Jesus and religion and life in general. There are plenty of possibilities to explore here...and, again, I want to humbly listen and learn as one who both thirsts for knowledge and thirsts for Jesus.
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