How has post-modernity changed the way you practice Christianity?

Question

If it hasn't, and you don't want it to, you can chime in, too.

This is all a little new to me.

To Spike Spiegel: Art is only one aspect of culture that has been affected by (or helped to bring about?) postmodernity. There was medieval art (stylized) there was medieval Christianity (political leaders by "divine appointment"); there was Renaissance art (science of perspective), there was Renaissance Christianity (the Reformation & Counterreformation); there is modern art (synthesizers) there is modern Christianity (scientific approach to Bible analysis and formation of doctrines; doctrinal debate more cerebral than spiritual) there is postmodern art, music, worldpolitik, and there is talk of how Christianity expressing itself as relevant to postmodern culture, just as it was relevant in succession to the Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and modern cultures.

My question is, what is this expression going to look like.

Answer 1

This is an excellent question!

Postmodernism changes the way we read texts, in this case the Bible. It challenges us to question traditional readings and ask which voices are silent in the texts, what messages have been suppressed--how does the Bible favor some groups over others, etc. As one writer suggests, we might try reading the story of the Promised Land through Canaanite eyes!

Postmodernism also questions binaries or dualities --the black and white --either/or approach. Truth often is perceived differently depending on the perspective of the observer.

Postmodernism also looks at ways that various texts have been used as texts of terror for certain groups of people: women, Jews, disabled people, aboriginal peoples who were missionized, etc.

Many feel postmodernism is a threat to religion. I think for me it has been a healthy way to examine beliefs and historical practices to see how various interpretations have been used to hurt and oppress others, and to find ways that do less harm, but remain faithful to the ideas of loving God and one another.

Answer 2

Practicing christianity should never change. The Bible has been the way it was written since the new testament was completed. Anyone who truly practices christianity, does what Gods word teaches, no more no less. No additional text should be followed as "scripture" for one claiming christianity. The Bible itself makes explicit warnings to those who might add or take away from it. My life as a christian should be just as reflective of what Christ taught as Matthew, Mark or any of the other disciples who were in His company. So i guess to answer your question in one little sentence. It hasnt.

Answer 3

Well, it hasn't changed my way so much as it has changed the way the church at large does. Nowadays, we have pastors who are more interested in boosting attendance, than discipling members.

Sin has been "sanitized," and people don't need to repent, they need "therapy," or "counseling." Gone are the days when someone who was in habitual sin was confronted using the biblical model found in Matthew 18:15-17. No longer are we interested "...to perfect the saints, to do the work of ministry, and to build up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:12) We'd rather make them "feel good."

It is as though Jesus' question is being fulfilled right before our eyes: "... But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:8b)

Answer 4

It has allowed me to be okay with asking questions and not just repeating answers I've been told since I was little. I can say "What if...." and not worry if I'm offending God. Like the above poster said, I can read the Bible in different ways and try to understand the culture it comes from. I read poetry as poetry and narrative as narrative.

Answer 5

Flames.
Always the flames.

Unchanged, for the most part. Some will adjust their interpretation but the fundamentals don't change.

Malachi 3:6 For I [am] the LORD, I change not;

Thank God for that.

Answer 6

No it hasn't changed my beliefs even with all this talk about Jesus, Mary, mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and even the "Divince Code", Jesus' life,or any of that. It's all mostly theroy, good stories, and something to try to change the way people think or make people change their beliefs. I consider it theory and stories. It does make me think but not change. Be strong.

Answer 7

Few xtians bother to think that much about anything. They tend to think what they were told to think.

I don't see the answers stacking up here. And I'm sure the ones you have will barely relate to the question.

Answer 8

Nothing has changed my Christian belief. Even with the influx of modernization and technology, my faith is still in what is good.

Answer 9

PoMo is an art form, how does that effect religion?