Surely, I'm not post-modern!
Below is a reflection I wrote after reading Introducing Postmodernism, a non-Christian work which describes the origins, infuence and implications of postmodernity.
Introducing Postmodernism was an extremely helpful book, which enabled me to reflect upon many areas of my life currently, as well as in the future as well. I will focus on three key areas in which I was challenged: how I view parts of life through postmodern lenses, how I imbibe postmodern forms of entertainment, and how I need to tailor my ministry to reach to postmodern thinking.
I have never really viewed myself as being influenced by postmodern thinking. Part of that is because I do not recall hearing this term until 2000, and subsequently finding out a rudimentary definition of the word, but still I never truly view my thinking as being postmodern in any sort. I primarily think it is because I believe in objective truth and kept postmodern thinking as that alone. As I have been recently challenged, I see that postmodernity has influenced my thinking. I can be skeptical when confronted with ideas whether I agree with the ideas or not. I take bits and pieces of history and incorporate them into my life whether it be the ancient Roman coins I use as ornaments in my living room, or the vintage looking record player I own, which plays Compact Discs.
With regards to my imbibing of postmodern entertainment, I believe it stems from an innate desire to regard entertainment as a way of escaping reality. This can be evidenced by my affinity for the “mockumentaries” of Christopher Guest, as well as my supposed need of a good laugh from The Simpsons, or playing any of my Playstation 2 games, from Star Wars: Battlefront to Deer Hunter. I also enjoy some remakes of so-called classic songs, and am fascinated by the technology of sampling because it feeds my enjoyment of today’s style of music with a healthy dose of nostalgia, as well. I have a tendency to be a consumer of entertainment, and use it as a way of entering into another dimension in order to escape the realities of Greek, Hebrew, my job, or homework.
As I incorporate the realities of postmodern thinking into my ministry, I believe I am now better equipped to minister to people who are influenced by postmodern thought. One idea which comes to mind, is that of facing cynicism. Many today are cynical about trained ministers, and can be skeptical of the historicity of interpretation or doctrine. Many today are consumers of time, entertainment, work, and activities. They fill their days with activities, reality TV, or shopping, in order to escape reality, or just make time go by more quickly. These types of people fill pews on Sundays, and need a real Gospel message with content that can speak to their everyday lives and point them to Christ. I need to be able to build a bridge with my preaching in order to communicate timeless truth to them in such a way that they are able to formulate a comprehensive, Christian worldview, which does not base itself in moral or spiritual relativism, but is grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
Introducing Postmodernism was an extremely helpful book, which enabled me to reflect upon many areas of my life currently, as well as in the future as well. I will focus on three key areas in which I was challenged: how I view parts of life through postmodern lenses, how I imbibe postmodern forms of entertainment, and how I need to tailor my ministry to reach to postmodern thinking.
I have never really viewed myself as being influenced by postmodern thinking. Part of that is because I do not recall hearing this term until 2000, and subsequently finding out a rudimentary definition of the word, but still I never truly view my thinking as being postmodern in any sort. I primarily think it is because I believe in objective truth and kept postmodern thinking as that alone. As I have been recently challenged, I see that postmodernity has influenced my thinking. I can be skeptical when confronted with ideas whether I agree with the ideas or not. I take bits and pieces of history and incorporate them into my life whether it be the ancient Roman coins I use as ornaments in my living room, or the vintage looking record player I own, which plays Compact Discs.
With regards to my imbibing of postmodern entertainment, I believe it stems from an innate desire to regard entertainment as a way of escaping reality. This can be evidenced by my affinity for the “mockumentaries” of Christopher Guest, as well as my supposed need of a good laugh from The Simpsons, or playing any of my Playstation 2 games, from Star Wars: Battlefront to Deer Hunter. I also enjoy some remakes of so-called classic songs, and am fascinated by the technology of sampling because it feeds my enjoyment of today’s style of music with a healthy dose of nostalgia, as well. I have a tendency to be a consumer of entertainment, and use it as a way of entering into another dimension in order to escape the realities of Greek, Hebrew, my job, or homework.
As I incorporate the realities of postmodern thinking into my ministry, I believe I am now better equipped to minister to people who are influenced by postmodern thought. One idea which comes to mind, is that of facing cynicism. Many today are cynical about trained ministers, and can be skeptical of the historicity of interpretation or doctrine. Many today are consumers of time, entertainment, work, and activities. They fill their days with activities, reality TV, or shopping, in order to escape reality, or just make time go by more quickly. These types of people fill pews on Sundays, and need a real Gospel message with content that can speak to their everyday lives and point them to Christ. I need to be able to build a bridge with my preaching in order to communicate timeless truth to them in such a way that they are able to formulate a comprehensive, Christian worldview, which does not base itself in moral or spiritual relativism, but is grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
posted by Bobby's blog at 2:00 PM
1 Comments:
This goes along well with the conversations of the 'emerging church'.
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