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| A Perspective on Postmodernism |
Our Perspective on Postmodernism: In Brief
Language as Symbol - Reality in Paradigm
We believe that the different strands of thought represented in postmodernism have something to contribute to the church.
Thinkers like Jacques Derrida and Thomas Kuhn help us to understand that language is symbolic and that we hold reality in our minds in paradigm. Our grasp of what is real is not always - if ever - complete. Postmodernism can help us to remember that "the secret things belong to the Lord our God" (Deuteronomy 29:29a, NIV).
Nevertheless Christianity corrects a radical postmodern perspective that might then incorrectly conclude that we can know nothing or that God cannot use language to really communicate. For while "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, ... the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29)
Truth in Community
Other writers such as Richard Rorty can help the church to appreciate that truth is best discerned in the context of community.
However, the subjective discernment and application of truth does not vitiate its objective nature nor its universal application.
Language and Paradigm as Instruments of Oppression
Finally, Michel Foucault has brought to our attention that paradigms and language can oppress.
We nevertheless deny that presented mindsets and language are inherently malevolent.
Postmodernism critiques a modernized evangelicalism
....when it leaves little room for God's mystery and relentlessly seeks to resolve all matters that evoke cognitive dissonance into an arbitrarily consistent theology, or
....when it sets forth information as the key to spiritual maturity.
Evangelicalism critiques a radical postmodernism when it
...denies the adequacy of language for genuine communication, or
...denies the existence or reliability of information.
We've expanded on these thoughts in a series of articles listed below that have been published in the Next Wave zine:
Dangers and Delights of Navigating Postmodern Currents, part 1
A summary of three strands of postmodern thought and a reflection on how principles of conflict resolution can be helpfully applied to the discussion.
Dangers and Delights of Navigating Postmodern Currents, part 2
Explores what the church can learn from postmodern thought.
Dangers and Delights of Navigating Postmodern Currents, part 3
Continues the exploration of part 2 and suggests ways that Christianity corrects the postmodern paradigm.
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