Theism in a Postmodern World
Theism in a Postmodern World by Billy Bush
Religious Worldviews
RELS 402
Professor W. C. Calhoun
June 22, 2009
Abstract In today’s postmodern world, ideals of being consumed with self and self appropriated ideas of truth leave God forgotten and to them, God is dead. This same thought process see’s no reason or logic to bring God into the picture let alone into their lives. The pervasive postmodern worldview today includes precepts such that self decides who we become, as well as, is not necessary to have a God who should be in control of our lives. It is difficult for a Christian to live out his theistic worldview in today’s postmodern world, but it can be done because of our beliefs in God. Like every leaf that falls to the ground, the Lord also knew of all the worldviews that would come into existence and yet He still gave the command to, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...”(Matthew 28:18-20, NIV). God is not dead but rather simply ignored and rejected by the proponents of postmodern thinking in today’s world. It is our charge as Christians to put on the armor of God, stand firm in Him, and go forth boldly into postmodern world proclaiming the good news we are taught. Theism in a Postmodern World Christian theism, at best, can very loosely be compared to postmodernism in that both have established a worldview. Each also has a set of ideas to which the follower adheres to, in order to live a fulfilled life. However, these set of guidelines, if you will, are vastly different and lead to different ends. Christian theism principles are based upon the existence of God while postmodernism principles are based upon individual and/or personal reasoning. Sire goes as far to state, “…Theism is a complete worldview because it has a basis for metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology” while “…postmodernism is more
Religious Worldviews
RELS 402
Professor W. C. Calhoun
June 22, 2009
Abstract In today’s postmodern world, ideals of being consumed with self and self appropriated ideas of truth leave God forgotten and to them, God is dead. This same thought process see’s no reason or logic to bring God into the picture let alone into their lives. The pervasive postmodern worldview today includes precepts such that self decides who we become, as well as, is not necessary to have a God who should be in control of our lives. It is difficult for a Christian to live out his theistic worldview in today’s postmodern world, but it can be done because of our beliefs in God. Like every leaf that falls to the ground, the Lord also knew of all the worldviews that would come into existence and yet He still gave the command to, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...”(Matthew 28:18-20, NIV). God is not dead but rather simply ignored and rejected by the proponents of postmodern thinking in today’s world. It is our charge as Christians to put on the armor of God, stand firm in Him, and go forth boldly into postmodern world proclaiming the good news we are taught. Theism in a Postmodern World Christian theism, at best, can very loosely be compared to postmodernism in that both have established a worldview. Each also has a set of ideas to which the follower adheres to, in order to live a fulfilled life. However, these set of guidelines, if you will, are vastly different and lead to different ends. Christian theism principles are based upon the existence of God while postmodernism principles are based upon individual and/or personal reasoning. Sire goes as far to state, “…Theism is a complete worldview because it has a basis for metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology” while “…postmodernism is more
References: Forte, B. (2003). The Essence of Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Bruce, 2002/2003) (Forte, 2003) John 3:16. Retrieved on 16 June 2010 from http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King James-Version-NKJV-Bible/ Jones, T. (2001). Postmodern Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan Publishing House Matthew 28:18-20. Retrieved on 16 June 2010 from http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-King James-Version-NKJV-Bible/ McQuilkin, J. R., & Mullen, B. (Mr 1997). The Impact of Postmodern Thinking on Evangelical Hermeneutics. Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. 40(1), 69-82. Sire, J. W. (2004). The Universe Next Door (4th ed.) [A Basic Worldview Catalog]. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. (Original work published 1976) (Sire, 1976/2004)