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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 317 min read

How Should a Christian Understand Postmodernism?

Defining Postmodernism


Postmodernism is a broad and often ambiguous term that encompasses various philosophical, cultural, and intellectual movements. At its core, postmodernism represents a departure from the Enlightenment ideals of objective truth, universal reason, and inevitable progress. Instead of striving for a cohesive, rational worldview, postmodernism embraces a fragmented approach that assembles disparate ideas, practices, and goals for pragmatic purposes. As postmodernist Walter Truett Anderson succinctly states, “Truth isn’t what it used to be.” This philosophy fundamentally challenges the Christian understanding of truth, authority, and rationality.


Postmodernism posits that no comprehensive or authoritative worldview is attainable, and any claim to such a worldview is an arrogant attempt to dominate those with differing views. Jean-Francois Lyotard, a key figure in postmodern thought, argued that "metanarratives" or grand narratives that attempt to explain reality comprehensively should be abandoned. According to postmodernists, no single worldview holds objective or rational authority over others.



The Rejection of Objective Truth


One of the hallmarks of postmodernism is its rejection of objective truth. Jacques Derrida, another influential postmodernist, developed the concept of "deconstruction" to challenge the authority of texts. Derrida argued that texts do not possess any fixed or rational meaning established by the author, and their meaning is inherently variable and open-ended. The reader, not the author, contributes decisively to the interpretation of texts. Consequently, deconstruction undermines the notion of any text, including the Bible, containing a single, objective meaning.


Derrida's approach illustrates the postmodern view that truth is fundamentally a social and linguistic construction. Different cultures create their own "maps" to describe reality, but according to postmodernists, we cannot determine which map is more accurate because we cannot transcend our own cultural conditioning. Friedrich Nietzsche famously declared, "There is no truth, only interpretation," encapsulating the postmodern skepticism towards objective reality.



The Christian Response to Postmodernism


Against the relativism of postmodernism, the Bible asserts itself as an objectively true revelation from God. Scriptures such as Romans 3:4 and 2 Timothy 3:15-17 affirm the Bible's authority on all matters it addresses. According to the Bible, truth is not a social construct but a correspondence with reality. For instance, John 14:6 records Jesus declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This is not merely a cultural statement but a claim about objective reality.


The Christian worldview holds that, although humans cannot know reality comprehensively as God does, they can attain partial knowledge through divine revelation and wise use of reason. The Bible's condemnation of idols as false gods (e.g., Isaiah 44:9-20) underscores that truth is not created by social customs or personal opinions but is anchored in the nature of reality itself. The statement "Jesus is Lord" (Philippians 2:11) is a truth claim that corresponds to objective facts, not merely a cultural expression.



The Logical Flaws of Postmodernism


Postmodernist claims about truth are self-contradictory. When postmodernists assert that no objective truth exists and that all truths are culturally constructed, they inadvertently make an objective truth claim about the nature of truth itself. This contradiction undermines their position. Postmodernism's rejection of objective authority leads to the assertion of its own authority and metanarrative, which is both contradictory and false.


Moreover, postmodernism's moral relativism is untenable. Sane people universally recognize certain acts, such as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, as objectively evil. This recognition contradicts the postmodern view that morality is merely a social construction. If such acts are objectively wrong, then postmodernism's constructed morality cannot be defended. The emphasis on the diversity of truth claims, particularly in pluralistic societies, offers no means to test these claims against reality, leading to intellectual indifference that hinders moral and spiritual progress.


Postmodernism’s Influence on Religion


While no major religion adheres to postmodernism, its mindset has influenced how many people view spirituality, especially in societies with significant religious freedom. Many people today see religion as a matter of personal choice, taste, and preference rather than a quest for objective truth. This leads to the phenomenon of "designer religion," where individuals mix and match elements from various religions to suit their preferences. In this view, debating the truth or falsity of a religion is seen as pointless because all religions are considered "true" in the sense that they provide meaning to people's lives.


This perspective directly contradicts the Christian apologetic duty to address the falsity and rational inadequacy of alternative religions, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ." Christians are called to present Christianity as true, rational, and relevant, countering the postmodern tendency to view all religions as equally valid.



Engaging with Postmodernism as Christians


Christians must engage with postmodernism thoughtfully and strategically, recognizing its influence on contemporary culture while affirming the truth claims of Christianity. Here are several ways to approach this engagement:


  1. Affirming the Authority of Scripture: Christians must hold firmly to the belief that the Bible is the authoritative revelation of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." This conviction provides a foundation for addressing the relativism of postmodernism.

  2. Defending Objective Truth: Christians should articulate and defend the concept of objective truth, demonstrating that truth corresponds to reality. John 17:17 records Jesus praying, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." This declaration emphasizes that God’s word is the standard of truth.

  3. Engaging in Apologetics: Christians should engage in apologetics, providing rational arguments for the truth of Christianity. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts believers, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Apologetics helps address the intellectual challenges posed by postmodernism.

  4. Highlighting the Incoherence of Postmodernism: Christians can point out the self-contradictory nature of postmodern claims. If postmodernism asserts that no objective truth exists, yet makes an objective claim about truth, it undermines its own position. Proverbs 26:5 advises, "Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." Highlighting these contradictions can reveal the weaknesses in postmodern thought.

  5. Emphasizing the Transformative Power of Christianity: Christians should emphasize the transformative power of the Gospel. Romans 12:2 encourages believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." The Gospel changes lives and provides a compelling counter-narrative to postmodern relativism.

  6. Building Authentic Christian Communities: In a postmodern culture that values community and relationships, Christians should focus on building authentic, loving communities that reflect the truth of the Gospel. John 13:35 records Jesus saying, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Genuine Christian community provides a powerful witness to the truth of Christianity.

  7. Engaging with Cultural Narratives: Christians should engage with cultural narratives, providing a biblical perspective on contemporary issues. Acts 17:22-23 describes Paul’s engagement with the cultural narratives of Athens, "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'" Paul’s approach provides a model for engaging with the cultural narratives of today.

  8. Demonstrating the Rational Coherence of Christianity: Christians should demonstrate the rational coherence of the Christian worldview, showing how it provides a consistent and comprehensive understanding of reality. Colossians 2:8 warns, "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." By presenting a coherent and rational worldview, Christians can challenge the fragmented and relativistic nature of postmodernism.

  9. Living Out the Truth of the Gospel: Ultimately, Christians must live out the truth of the Gospel in their daily lives. James 1:22 exhorts, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." By embodying the truth of the Gospel, Christians provide a powerful testimony to the reality of God’s revelation.


In conclusion, while postmodernism presents significant challenges to the Christian understanding of truth, authority, and rationality, it also provides opportunities for Christians to articulate and defend the objective truth of the Gospel. By affirming the authority of Scripture, defending objective truth, engaging in apologetics, highlighting the incoherence of postmodernism, emphasizing the transformative power of Christianity, building authentic Christian communities, engaging with cultural narratives, demonstrating the rational coherence of Christianity, and living out the truth of the Gospel, Christians can effectively engage with postmodernism and present the truth of Christianity to a skeptical world.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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