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What Do We Mean By "Postmodern" Theology?

"Postmodern" has become a rather controversial term, one that can incite passion from a variety of sources. We have chosen to develop a program around a "Postmodern Theology" very carefully. We take the opportunity here to present our interpretation of "postmodern."

The "Postmodern" Fixation
In academic circles it has become trendy to declare the end of the "modern" period, or the "industrial" age. Many of our great minds have decided that "modern" society has given way to a new social order with new characteristics and a new organization.

These "new" constructs supposedly suggest a shift from a "modern" orientation for our society and its institutions to something "beyond" modern. Lacking a better title, we often hear philosophers and pundits discuss society in "postmodern" terms.

In simple terms, "modern" society was characterized by huge, largely faceless institutions and organizations. The "modern" symbol was the factory and its attendant assembly lines, impenetrable bureaucracies, and soulless output.

Postmodern Society
"Postmodern" society, by contrast, is characterized by tiny, individualized groups and organizations. It's symbol is the atom, with its massive complexity enveloped in a tiny package.

The modern to postmodern transition is a somewhat seductive debate. However, it is primarily theoretical. On a daily basis, it is not obvious that our society has shifted much, at least not at a foundational level. We have new toys and new technology, but for several generations, not much has changed in terms of behavior, expectations, or outcomes.

And yet, there is a sense that change is in the air. Emerging generations, the first in history to be reared primarily on computers, video games and the Internet, are exerting influence on societal structures. Established generations, aware of the failures of the past, find themselves seeking new solutions.

The Emerging Church
At the core of the modern to postmodern debate, at least for Christians, is the role of God's church. The essence of the question for the church seems to revolve around whether or not the institution should change.

On one hand, the "postmoderns" argue that the church mirrors the organizational models of society and must change as society changes. The "moderns" on the other hand, argue that the church is a timeless body and need never change just to "keep up with the times."

We consider that debate unsolvable. There are and will always be strong opinions on both sides. And as long as there is disharmony in the church, there can never be a "winner" in a question like this one.

Consequently, we do not profess to be "pro" or "con" on the postmodern movement. However, we do observe certain trends impacting human society. We have an obligation to understand and to help others understand those trends as they impact the church.

The Relevance Trend from the Collective to the Individual
We observe the demise of "collective" solutions, ranging from massive welfare state bureaucracies to unresponsive mega-banks. We observe the emergence of individual power, from portable mp3 players to worldwide multiplayer video games.

The Empowerment Trend from Arbitrary Rules to Timeless Principles
We observe the power of "why" that has empowered the destruction of entire governmental systems based on tyranny and force. We observe the emergence of a culture of life among the young, reversing a decades-long downward spiral with their simple willingness to say "no."

The Interaction Trend from Compliance to Authenticity
We observe wide resistance to attempts to impose authoritarian compliance. We observe the emergence of forums and communication resources that enable the individual voice.

Understanding Our Times
The men of Issachar were commended in the Old Testament for understanding their times. Jesus chastised the Jewish leaders of His day because they could understand the physical times and seasons, yet they could not comprehend the times they were privileged to witness.

Clearly, we are called to understand our times and to respond. We are called to stake our integrity on the timeless foundation of Christ, and to develop solutions that address the realities of our current age.

We are called to be relevant.

We are called to adjust to the times, even as we remember that God never changes. More than that, we are called to throw down the intellectual gauntlet, to think deeply and well about our problems and to propose solid, biblical solutions that defy conventional wisdom.

We are called to be challenging.

Finally, we are called to Christ. Beyond our doctrines and our denominations, even beyond our most closely-held perceptions about how Christianity should be "done," we are called to be the very embodiment of Christ in our times.

We are called to be, in the finest sense, Christian.

That is why we have chosen to explore, develop and teach a Postmodern Theology. We do not espouse a disconnected, deconstructed "post-modernism."

Rather, we believe the changes in our society offer opportunities for people to connect directly to Christ, to serve His cause with clarity and integrity, and to weave His life into their own.


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