'Post-modernism' - shorthand for world's way of thinking

"Duke Ellington is dead. I don't have to believe it if I don't want to." - Alistair Cooke

"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 religous belief is by mix and match - whatever you feel comfortable with.

Postmodernism therefore encourages such choose-it-yourself faiths as the New Age Movement. The ethos of the Internet relates closely to the postmodern view - everyone is free to offer, or find, any viewpoint.

We must present 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. PostMission looks at evangelism in a postmodern world. An apologetic approach is increasingly valuable in our postmodern culture.

Why it matters

It is important that we should help Christians (and not least, our young people) to understand the way postmodernism affects the world, the Church, and communicating. According to a recent survey, a frighteningly large percentage of apparently professing Christians now claim not to believe in absolute moral values.

We live in a postmodern world where people demand choices and freedoms. A top supermarket chain, which offered 3000 product items in 1987, now presents consumers with 30,000. The democratic, 'choose your own pathway', 'anyone can publish' Internet is very much a postmodern medium.

It is no longer possible to 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. It must be an essential insight for all Christians. These features: Postmodernism in Europe | Postmodernism: The Spirit of the Age from Xenos Christian Fellowship | Sharing Christ with post-moderns from Pastors.com will help you understand how, practically, it is affecting the West, and beyond. For in-depth insights, check these links:

• Collection of online resources for postmodern ministry, created and maintained by Jordon Cooper, a minister in Canada
• Postmodern theologian Leonard Sweet
• More articles and links - relating to postmodernism, church leadership, etc.
• Next Wave webzine
• The Ooze online magazine for postmodern ministry
• Postmodern Theses from Ginkworld
• Breakpoint resources
• Failure to engage

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