All over the world there is a realization that the world has entered into the postmodern era. This is evident in the changes that are happening in politics, the media, philosophy, psychology and religion to name a few. With a mesh of worldviews, races and lifestyles, our world has become a pluralistic society. Changes have always been happening and this trend will continue. Since the church is called to be a light to the world and the salt of the earth, it has to engage it.
The call to be relevant has resulted in some churches doing ministry in a ‘postmodern’ approach. These churches eagerly take on the challenge to immerse themselves in the evolving culture. In postmodernism, the value of experience, relationship and community is highlighted. Since methods of discerning meaning are different, these churches had to rethink and reconsider the way of presenting the message. The brand of Christianity that they present is more about personal transformation less, about personal salvation; more about lifestyle, less about doctrine; more compassionate, less moralistic; more inclusive, less exclusive. This desire to embrace the world has led some streams of the postmodern church coming up with controversial concepts of soteriology and eschatology.
It must be said that there is nothing wrong about changing methods. But to also change the message is highly inappropriate. ‘The church must be versatile and flexible in adjusting its methods and procedures to the changing situations of the world in which it finds itself….It must go where needy persons are found…. It must not cling to all its old ways. As the world to which it is trying to minister changes, the church will have to adapt its ministry accordingly, but without altering its basic direction.’ (Erickson)
Sources consulted:
Articles from/by Dan Kimball, Earl G. Creps, Christianity Today, Enrichment Journal, Ministry Today, Emergent Village, Leadership Network, Chisitian Theology-Erickson
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6 comments:
Can you explain more regarding to the problem when church tries to be relevant to the postmodern culture?
How about the "Emerging Church"? How does it relate to the Postmodern Church?
In term of asia context, how far has the church been taken into this postmodern culture?
I am sorry for so many questions, but here is the last one. What is the basis for us to change the methodology which will not distort the message? Because most of the methodology will need a long period of time to see its final result and fruit of it. We might think a method will work to meet the needs today, but at the same time we might not aware the long run effect that will happen in the future.
Hope to hear from you soon...
What is wrong with the church existing in Post Modern era since the gospel is a message for all ages?
Hi Alwin,
If post modernism being applied by churches and cause them to devalued themselves being the light and salt to the community, so how can we counter this problem which create so many controversies even in Christian circle itself?
Thanks...please give your views.
Can you explain further on the controversial concepts of soteriology and eschatology that was brought into the church by post modenist?
So it seems you are pretty bogged down with questions here, but one more question, what do you think is more important being relevant? or staying true. Have we compromised the truth of Salvation and what real Christian living is? How can we reverse the trend and still be relevant?
Hey Alwin,
You've got 2 very huge subjects in your heading "Pluralistic Society" and "Post Modern Church"
I think it is good to remember that Malaysia has always been pluralistic. Nothing new to us...multicultural, multi faiths, multi race.. How have we done so so far?
I think we have done well amongst the poor and the youth in the beginning re. AG history both in USA and Malaysia but we have become materialistic and inward...we can certainly do more in Christian social action esp. in the age we are living in today. So much chaos, teens and child crises, divorces...
On postmodernism - to me, it's not a bad thing altogether. We have to accept the inevitable changes in our society. The digital age has created a huge generation gap between the younger congregation and the boomer Pastors.
Times have drastically changed. There are new issues boomer pastors don't know how to handle e.g. what do we do with homosexuals in the church? divorced Christians etc.
The younger generation being naturally globally minded, more tolerant, knowledge-savvy and creative today are very suspicious of the institutionalized church. The Emerging Church in part is an expression of anti-institution.. Not totally wrong in itself as long as the Bible is the sole authority in practice and doctrine... but if not, we are seeing a new breed of cults...
I like George Barna's research at www.barna.org. May I recommend you to read "UnChristian" - What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity." Selling at MPH for RM39.90. :)
Lastly in response to Chicken Pie, I'll always remember what my wise professor says:
Methods are plenty,
principles are few;
Methods always change
but principles never do.
Enjoy!
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