postmodernity

Postmodernism – world’s way of thinking
Why we should care

“Michael Jackson is dead. I don’t have to believe it if I don’t want to.”
Kenyan teenager.

‘Postmodernism’ is a word which simply sums up the way much of the world thinks today. It includes these viewpoints:
There is no objective absolute truth. ‘Truth’ is what you believe it to be. Something can be “true for you, but not true for me”.
‘Choice’ is a big virtue in our consumer society. And choice extends to value systems, beliefs, and lifestyle choices. All are seen as equally valid. Choice of religious belief is by mix and match – whatever you feel comfortable with.
Postmodernist thinking therefore encourages choose-it-yourself beliefs within the New Age spectrum. The world today relates closely to the postmodern view – everyone is free to offer, or find, any viewpoint.

We must present (package) the Gospel differently in a postmodern situation. People may not initially be interested in our version of truth, especially if it is presented dogmatically and without humor. However, they may well be interested in solutions which meet the problems they face in life. How? Discuss this………


Why it matters
It is important that we should help Christians (our generation) to understand the way postmodernism affects the world, the Church, and communication. Surveys suggest that a frighteningly large percentage of apparently professing Christians now claim not to believe in a range of absolutes at all. Do you believe in absolutes? Discuss and name a few?


We live in a postmodern world where people demand choices and freedoms. A top supermarket in the 80s as I was growing up (Ebrahims) offered approx.3000 product items in 1987, now Nakumatt chain presents consumers with an estimated 30,000. The democratic, ‘choose your own pathway’, ‘anyone can publish’ Internet is very much a postmodern medium. ….True or False..? Discuss

It is no longer possible to effectively present the Gospel in the way it was successfully preached in the first part of the 20th century. Understanding the postmodern worldview is not a luxury for a sociologists….or philosophers It must be an essential insight for all Christians….you and I.

Discuss some creative ways of reaching your generation, your Jerusalem which for now is JKUATwhich will be effective but wont water down the gospel.