POSTMODERNISM

When I was in seminary, logic, a respect for history and an utter commitment to Scripture as the authoritative, infallible Word of God, were the basis of all theology as well as the foundation for pastoral ministry. Throughout the modern period, from the enlightenment through the logical positivism of the 20th century, to scientism, there was an intellectual challenge to the Christian faith and theologians managed to fight back and give answers to intellectual objections.

We have a new situation on our hands. I have trouble getting a handle on postmodernism precisely because it is illogical. But the bottom line is this, the postmodern can believe whatever they choose to believe. The "believer" is the controlling authority of reality.

Several years ago, Robert Bellah, a sociologist, described in his book Habits of the heart, Sheilaism. It was a woman named Sheila who, in an interview, stated:

"I believe in God," Sheila says. "I am not a religious fanatic. [Notice at once that in our culture any strong statement of belief seems to imply fanaticism so you have to offset that.] I can’t remember the last time I went to church. My faith has carried me a long way. It’s Sheilaism. Just my own little voice."

Bellah continued:

But the case of Sheila is not confined to people who haven’t been to church in a long time. On the basis of our interviews, and a great deal of other data, I think we can say that many people sitting in the pews of Protestant and even Catholic churches are Sheilaists who feel that religion is essentially a private matter and that there is no particular constraint on them placed by the historic church, or even by the Bible and the tradition. (See Robert Bellah)


It appears that in postmodernism, one is free to pick and choose ones beliefs. Scripture has no real authority, the person does. We choose our beliefs on the basis of what I like and don't like, what I think God should be, and what makes me comfortable and makes me feel good. Thus, recently we have been told it is my right to view Jesus in a certain way and to deny the full deity of Jesus and reject the doctrine of the Trinity simply because it is hard to understand or because it makes Jesus too uncomfortable. We have seen some reject much of the New Testament in favor of an Old Testament cult with a complete disregard for the character and nature of the Church and the Christian faith as found in the New Testament. At the same time, you will find a skewing of history and a rejection of education and training because it gets in the way. Classic and orthodox doctrines are cast aside. But what is most shocking is the utter rejection of the authority of Scripture.

It is impossible to do theology where logic is rejected, where study and intellectual pursuits are seen as an enemy and where Scriptural authority is subordinated to personal authority. It is a new kind of paganism which has produced a Parthenon of postmodern gods. The words God, Jesus, Father and even Holy Spirit no longer hold the same meaning for each person even though we all claim to be Christians. Old heresies like Arianism and modalism and even Gnosticism are a part of this emerging paganism ( appropriate for an emerging church). It is a powerful kind of paganism because when you try to confront it, you are attacked as being vicious and evil and trying to tear down someone's faith. It appears to be entrenched in certain individuals because they refused to be challenged and refuse to even put up a defense of their beliefs. Beliefs no longer have to be defended or proved. Irrational statements are made and we are all supposed to accept them.

If this is the state of Christianity in general and Evangelicalism in particular, we are in trouble. I am saddened by the situation. But I am also horrified because I fear for the future of the Church.

I fully expect to be flamed because classic thought, real theology and respect for Scripture are becoming vague memories for many who claim to be followers of Jesus, who was God in the flesh, the second person of the Trinity, who redeems those who place their faith in Him--and not in a lesser g-d.