We have seen that the hallmarks of postmodernism are a lack of objective truth, relative moral values, a glorification of tolerance, and the rule of feelings. How have these attributes manifested themselves in the church in our day? Where do we see these traits expressed in the Bride of Christ?
Below is a link to an editorial written in a prominent Bible-Belt newspaper. The author is a professional comentator. He is writing about what he thinks the Bible has to say about marriage, concluding that it doesn’t have anything to say about marriage, and thus any marriage, including same sex marriage is OK.
As you read the article ask yourself these questions: What is the basis of this man’s thinking? What are his presuppositions? What is his view of the Bible and its claim to be truth? What does he believe about the objectivity of God’s Word and its commands against certain behaviors? What is his standard for interpreting the world around him?
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2015/06/28/blow-beliefs-about-marriage-evolve-even-in-the-bible/
How often do we hear Christians say things like, “That may be how you feel about that verse, but I feel differently about it.” While seemingly innocent on the face this type of statement betrays postmodernist thinking or at least postmodern leanings. How we feel about a verse is irrelevant, what is important is how true a particular interpretation is to orthodox Biblical doctrine.
Similarly, we often hear people say, “I really like what the Bible says about ‘x’.” Instead we should say, “I must submit to the Bible’s teaching on ‘’X’’ no matter how I feel about it.” In both of these cases the Bible or the church are not seen as sources of absolute truth which must be submitted to but as what one likes and wants. What is important is how I feel about them.
Similarly, we see a tolerance in the modern church for things that God says are sins. Sodomy, adultery, and lack of submission to Godly authority are all rampant in the modern church, and if you speak up against them you will hear things like, “How can you be so judgmental?” or, “I don’t feel a loving god would . . .” or, “That was Old Testament.” All of these kinds of excuses are denials of the objective truth of God’s Word and His claims to ultimate authority.
What about the ‘modern’ Christians’ view of the Bible? For most Christians today the Bible must be demythologized (reinterpret (a subject or text) so that it is free of mythical or heroic elements) so as to make it palatable for the 21st century mind. Since none of the supernatural aspects of the Bible can be explained scientifically they are seen as analogies for something else. The Bible is now received “critically” and not authoritatively. Its teachings must be adapted to suit the culture and the times rather than simply read and obeyed.
What about the seeker friendly church? What is their motivation? They are designed to deny the objective truths of the faith in favor of people’s feelings, comforts, or self-images. There are no hard edges in these churches, no challenging demands, just wish fulfillment and seductive fantasies. Worship in these churches is made palatable for anyone who comes in. The commandments of a Holy God regarding how we ought to worship Him are rarely considered.
What about some of the difficult doctrines of the faith such as God’s judgment, or election? Here again, feelings rule, not objective truth. Only those doctrines that make us feel good, or those that we enjoy are accepted. Only what we want to be true is what we believe to be true.
I could go on with many other examples of this sort of influence upon the church and the faith, but I think you get the point. Romans 13:14 reminds us, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Paul warns us here against allowing our sinful nature to exert itself over our obedience to God’s Word and our thinking. Sin is very subtle, and that will happen if we are not careful. And when this does happen we risk being carried away by modes of thought which are antithetical to our calling to renew our minds.
Here are some links for you to go check out. Ask yourself the questions given above as you read the articles.
