An Investigation of Postmodernism and Its Implications for the Contemporary Church

and experiences rather than on absolute truths taught in God’s word.”11 Postmodernism has so much influenced people that truth is refuted, but Bible makes everything clear that nothing can be denied. Nathaniel also explains, “Postmodern culture has influenced the church toward a relativistic mindset. But the fact of the matter is, when it comes to God and His Word, personal feelings-simply doesn’t count.”12 There is no mincing of words when it comes to the absoluteness of the Scriptures. The authority of the Bible is final. Affirmation of Scriptures Over Personal Experience The Bible is solemnly the Word of God. It is the breath of God and never human product. This is what Timothy emphasizes ((2 Tim 3:16-17). Conversely, Jesus rebukes the pharisees and teachers of the law for prioritizing and overemphasizing personal experience or human opinions (tradition of elders) over the Scriptures. (Mat 15:1-9). Similarly, postmodernism regards the Scriptures as subjective with a claim that there is nothing like objective truth. It sees the scriptures as the components of human opinions or subjective views. Apostle Peter also emphasises that the Scriptures is God’s product and never humans (2 Peter 1:20,21). In connection to that Baton Bruce submits, “Bible is not a collection of fables or of human ideas about God. It is God’s very words given through people. Peter emphasizes his authority as an eye witness as well as the God-inspired authority of Scripture to prepare the way for his attack on false teachers. If these wicked men contradict the apostles and the Bible, their message cannot come from God”13. Postmodernism deceives people by presenting the Scriptures as being subjective. Bible maintains its claims as the authoritative word of God, and this cannot be disclaimed. 9 Moody, Andrew “5 Problems with Postmodernism” (July 2018) https://www.Gougle.com/amp//5/ou- gospel coalition/article/5-problems-postmodersim/ (accessed November, 2022). 10 Ibid. 11 Nathaniel. 12 Ibid. 13 Barton Bruce, ed., Life Application study Bible (Illinois: Tyndale Housen Publishers, 1996), 2507. Some people have been trapped by the influence of postmodernism without their knowledge. According to Steve Golden, “Postmodernism is at the root of many attacks on the authority of God’s Word today. Many people do not realize that they and their children are being quietly indoctrinated into postmodernism philosophies. While these ideas promise liberation and tolerance, they run entirely counter to Scripture and produce enslavement to the world and death"14 postmodernism attempts to projects the word of God in a way people can live care free lives, but on the contrary places them in desperate situations. This happens when they start witnessing the consequences of living contrary to biblical teachings. Recognition of Authority and Tradition The Bible recognizes the ecclesiastical authorities and certain body of teachings, practices and interpretations (Mat 15:1-9; 1 Cor 11:2) that were caried down from Jewish leaders and teachers from one era to another (tradition of elders). On the contrary, postmodernism negates and disregards any form of body of teachings that provides guidance, direction or that posits any form of influence on people. Walter Elwell quotes Jean Paul Sartre who says that postmodernism “today, often applied to virtually anything that overruns traditional standards and is thus perceived to promote relativism (moral or otherwise) ….”15 The notion of postmodernism that everything is relative equally makes it to reject authority and traditional standards. However, any notion that negates authority and tradition that are recognized by Bible is anti-Christian. It should be avoided. Stephen R. C. Hicks says Postmodernism often bills itself as anti-philosophical, by which it means that it rejects many traditional philosophical alternatives.”16 Postmodernism rejects anything that emphasizes tradition even when it is an acceptable guideline for a group or individuals. Values or Contributions of Postmodernism Postmodernism has several advantages or contributions to the society and the church. Below are some of them: Confidence in Oneself Postmodernism promotes personal confidence. It exerts a unique influence on people. This makes them to believe in themselves totally. People are able to carry out their will, desires, and employ their skills and talents at work without considering if they are believed or not. This has been a great secret to some successful people in the world. Acknowledgements of Individual Rights, Privileges/Values Postmodernism infuses people with perseverance and optimism which make them curious and eager to know their rights, privileges and values as well. Andrew Moddy asserts that” Postmodernism has actually brought certain benefits like confidence in oneself, acknowledgement 14 Steve Gold, “The Influence of Postmodernism” (2013) https://answersingenesis,org/world- religions/humanism/the-influence-of-posmodernism-part- 1=introduction/?srsltid=AmfBOcpSSAUlpNYqswQ5A3wLvrrdDittenu0FjyNnk4gz1jBNT_ycKUl (accessed November 18, 2024). 15 Elwell, Walter A., Evangelical Dictionary of theology. Second Edition, (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Academics, 2007) ,939. 16 Stephen R. C. Hicks, Explaining postmodernism, (New Berling, Scholarly Publishing2004,), 6. of individual rights, privileges and values.”17 Acknowledgement of individual’s right, privileges and values influences people to do exploits. Personal Development Postmodernism helps to build oneself. Its emphasis on subjectivism or personal experience gives room for personal development. People tend to develop themselves more when their ideas, opinions or personal experiences are considered or regarded. Recognition of the changing Nature of society, Structure and Process Postmodernism attempts to acknowledge the ongoing shifts and changes in the society. It considers social, political, economic and technological changes that create a transition between past and the present eras. It helps to know what is ancient and modern; and how what is considered ancient can be reevaluated. Challenging of Assumptions Postmodernism challenges assumptions by questioning beliefs, norms or ideas that were considered absolute. Certain old norms, ideas and beliefs have become so methodical that they do not work with the present era anymore. However, postmodernism queries such assumptions and seeks for re-evaluation. A knowledgeable source opines that postmodernism “recognizes the changing nature of society and social structures/processes and challenges our assumptions.”18 If certain assumptions are not challenged, it may be difficult to reevaluate certain old traditions, which has become a kind of slavery or living in bondage to people at the present era. Implications of Postmodernism for Contemporary Church Questioning of Authority and Disloyalty Church members can easily question church authorly, tradition, leadership and scriptures as well. For postmodernists, the Bible is neither regarded as the absolute Truth, nor is it perceived as the source of direction, sustenance and living, but as an embodiment of subjective principles or human opinions. In respect to that, postmodernism questions the authority of the Bible, traditional principles and ecclesiastical leadership. Isaias asserts Postmodernism with all forms of subtlety has successfully produced disloyalty and attacks to authority. The discussion about postmodernism paves the way to investigate the present status of the youth’s culture which if properly analysed and studied will benefit their engagement to a pluralistic society for a meaningful proclamation of the good News of Christ.19 These characteristics of postmodernism creates room for the emergence of arrogance, disobed