“We want a God
without wrath who took man without sin into a kingdom without justice through
the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.” (H. Richard Niebuhr, The
Kingdom of God in America)
Definition: Post = ___________________ Modernism = _________________. This results in a new way.
Modernism began about 1890
(only believe what we can taste, feel, touch).
Post modernism started about 1950.
Prior to a post-modern
world, there was an emphasis on truth and absolutes. Now gone the opposite direction.
Extreme subjectivity and
emphasis on feelings. As in the Wizard
of Oz, “We ain’t in Kansas anymore.”
Examples abound: TV:
Oprah, Jerry Springer. How many
people say to you “WHATEVER?”
With post modernism, we see
a significant shift to “relationships” as well as a general lack of truth.
“Sin” is out; the church is
a “safe place” (no conviction of sin and purged of moral standards). Just friends!
The Bible does not leave out
the subject of relationships – Tit. 2:1-7.
Neither does it exclude truth.
“Old style evangelism”: preaching and teaching. New style:
____________________________.
Lack of emphasis on
“organized religion.” “Seeker friendly”
emphasis.
“Right doctrine” doesn’t
make a lot of sense to many in a post-modern world—relationships are primary.
For successful evangelism,
we must understand our culture.
Common statements from
post-modern church-goers:
“My church, our music, our church friends, I feel, I believe,
unity in diversity, let’s love more.”
Acceptance of homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, assisted
suicide”
“Truth” and “absolute truth” are often foreign concepts. People want a “mystical experience.”
Skepticism abounds and teaching about authority is “hard to
hear.”
There is one “big sin” for
those who have accepted post modern thought:
Lack of tolerance (no absolute truth means we ought to accept
everyone).
Don’t question another’s belief, faith, etc. If we teach absolute truth, we are
extremists.
Post modern thought says “do your own thing and go your own
way.” Wild claims about the Holy
Spirit.
Instead of basing values on the Bible, post modern people base
actions on feelings (look at sexuality).
Instead of doctrine, post modern thought stresses stories and
personal discoveries.
In post modern thought the church needs “new vision” and
“reconstruction” to keep up with culture.
Men add to the church by “modern marketing techniques.” Compare Acts 2:47 (KJV).
All these points help
explain why the “community church” movement is alive and well.
Post modern thought says the
church adapts to the local community and its needs. Ps. 127:1-2 & Jas. 4:4.
Post modern thought has a
dramatically different view of the Bible:
It says the Scriptures are a collection of allegories, myths,
and stories useful for “good living.”
“Offensive verses” must be ignored. “Come visit and you may win a car or motorcycle.” Jude 3.
There are calls for “critical thinking” (code word for
criticizing and ridiculing Bible beliefs of the past).
Compare 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:25.
Post modern thought emphasizes “people approval” (compare Gal.
1:10).
We can be strong and confident if we have “confidence in self”
(2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Post modern sees sin as a normal part of life – no big
deal. “God knows we need it so do it”
(compare Rom. 6:23).
Even
singing is impacted – we are to teach in our songs – Col. 3:16; many “praise
songs” could be sung by Muslims.
Post modernism caters to the flesh; New Testament Christianity
does not (Rom. 8:13).
Post modernism has two messages: one for “churched” and “one for unchurched” – Mk. 16:15; 1 Cor.
12:13.
Post modernism offers unconditional acceptance; the New
Testament says “repent” (Acts 17:30).
Post modern welcomes anyone into the pulpit – compare Acts 20:28-31. True also for virtually all schools.
All this helps explain why the Bible and Christians are
despised—we are a great threat!
Keys to evangelism in a post
modern world:
Emphasize relationships – a relationship with Christ as well as
Jesus.
Discuss pluralism – Acceptance is for all, but it
is for all who come to the Lord.
Talk about authority – There is an absolute source
available! We do not need to guess
about guidance.
Truth – Not an undefined and abstract concept but found
in the person of Christ and His gospel.
Spirituality – the highest and best form of spiritual
life.
We can “feed the sheep” or “amuse the goats.” Useful verses to use for post modernism: Isa. 55:8-9; Prov. 3:5; Rom. 10:17; Prov. 16:25; Mt. 10:34-36; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Gal. 1:9-10; 2 Tim. 4:2-5; Isa. 5:20-21; Eph. 6:12-14; Judg. 17:6; Josh. 24:15