Postmodernism is a philosophical and cultural movement that became popular in the late 20th century. It is characterized by skepticism, subjectivism, relativism, and the denial of universal truth. From a biblical perspective, there are several dangers associated with postmodern thought:
1. Denial of Objective Truth
A core tenet of postmodernism is that there is no one universal and objective truth. Rather, truth is subjective and dependent on an individual’s experiences and cultural background. This directly contradicts the biblical view that there are absolute moral truths which come from God. The Bible is clear that truth exists and it is rooted in God’s nature and revealed to us through His Word (John 14:6, 17:17). When truth is relegated to subjectivity, biblical morality is undermined. This paves the way for moral relativism and compromise.
2. Loss of Meaning and Purpose
Postmodernism asserts that there are no overarching metanarratives (big stories) that shape history and humanity. This results in a loss of meaning, direction and purpose. The Bible, however, presents a grand narrative beginning with creation and the fall and culminating in Christ’s death and resurrection. Our lives find purpose within this epic story of God’s plan to redeem and restore broken humanity through Jesus. When we abandon this narrative, we are left to construct our own meanings which will ultimately fail to satisfy. As Ecclesiastes says, without God life is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 12:8).
3. Unrestrained Relativism
Since truth is viewed as subjective, postmodernism has no adequate foundation for morality. This leads to moral relativism where each person determines right and wrong for themselves. The Bible makes it clear that unrestrained relativism leads to social chaos. The book of Judges describes a time when “everyone did as they saw fit” and the result was corruption and violence (Judges 21:25). When humans are given total autonomy apart from God’s truth, the consequences are devastating.
4. Denial of Sin and Guilt
Postmodernists deny that individuals can know right from wrong definitively. This results in a denial of personal sin and guilt. People are not sinners but simply act out according to their own social constructs. This contravenes the Bible’s assessment that all have sinned and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). If we refuse to acknowledge sin and guilt, we underestimate our need for forgiveness. This leaves us stuck in our brokenness rather than freed through Christ.
5. Rejection of Evangelism
Since truth is viewed as inaccessible, postmodernism leads to an outright rejection of evangelism.Asserting that Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life” is viewed as imposing your cultural perspective (John 14:6). This makes authentic Christian witness difficult. Yet, the Bible makes it clear that evangelism is a duty of all believers (Matthew 28:19-20). A postmodern mindset undercuts our willingness to bow to this biblical imperative.
6. Loss of Compassion and Community
By denying universal truth, postmodernism develops a cynicism and distrust of others. If there are no objective truths that govern humanity, we have no basis for unity. This fragments community and limits compassion. The Bible calls us to be united in Christ and sacrificially serve one another (Ephesians 4:1-6, Philippians 2:1-4). Postmodern compartmentalization runs contrary to biblical notions of fellowship, empathy and care.
7. Anti-authority Sentiment
Postmodernism harbors a skepticism of external authority and metanarratives. This manifests itself in an anti-authoritarian sentiment. Yet, the Bible calls us to submit appropriately to the governing authorities that God has instituted such as church leaders, parents, employers and government (Romans 13:1-7, Hebrews 13:17, Ephesians 6:1-3, 1 Peter 2:13-17). Respect for authority reflects an acknowledgment of God’s sovereign design. A postmodern rejection of authority diminishes our capacity to honor God.
8. Unbridled Pride
By enthroning the self as the arbiter of truth, postmodernism cultivates arrogance. Proverbs warns that pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). When we sit in judgment over God’s Word we easily become puffed up. A prideful posture makes it difficult to submit to biblical authority. It also hinders our ability to admit fault and humbly seek the Lord. Pride is a grave sin that postmodern subjectivism encourages.
9. Mental Health Impacts
The unstable foundations of truth in postmodernism can foster anxiety, depression and emotional turmoil. Human beings were created by God to seek after truth and find purpose and stability in His eternal plan. When we abandon God’s truth we lose our ethical and philosophical moorings. This triggers an identity crisis leading to inner angst and fragility. The Psalmist described how the truth of God’s Word stabilizes us amid life’s storms (Psalm 43:3). Postmodern denials of truth rob us of this ballast.
10. Diminished Human Dignity
By rejecting universal truth, postmodernism fails to adequately articulate the intrinsic dignity and value of human beings. If we are simply products of random mutations and social conditioning, human worth is diminished. The Bible declares that we are wondrously made in God’s image and crowned with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). This establishes human significance. Cut off from a biblical view of personhood, concepts of human rights and dignity dissolve. Savage oppression can become tenable.
In summary, postmodern relativism is fundamentally at odds with a biblical worldview. It leads to the denial of truth, moral autonomy, unrestrained pride, anti-authoritarianism, devastated communities, and diminished human dignity. Christians must approach postmodernism with discernment, guarding against any encroachment upon the eternal truths of God’s Word. While compassionately engaging culture, we must not compromise biblical authority. Only by clinging to God’s truth can we avoid the pitfalls of postmodern subjectivism.
