The cultural shifts
There are many definitions and descriptions of post-modernism. Mark Riddell (
http://www.zeta.org.au/~lorien/prodigal) and others have described the movement towards post-modernism in recent decades as a movement from:
Faith in progress ---> Doubt and uncertainty that things will get better.
We assumed all problems were solvable through science and technology. The experience of two world wars, Viet Nam, the ecological crisis, the problems of urbanisation, the rise of new diseases like HIV etc have all contributed to a growing doubt about progress.
Detached objectivity ---> Subjective knowledge also has validity.
We now know that nature is not an "it". Science does not rely on impartial measurement alone. Quantum physics has weakened/destroyed the old paradigm. Also feminist critiques have helped us to see that the dominant "objective" perspective was usually that of while, male, heterosexual professionals. History and other social sciences depend on the viewpoint of the observer.
Confidence in rationalism ---> More intuitive ways of knowing gain credibility.
Descartes said "I think therefore I am", but this no longer applies. While our intellects are important, humans are not just intellects. Our whole persons are involved in knowing, and this post-modern perspective is more in line with the Hebrew (Old Testament) approach to knowing.
Process lineally, sequentially ---> Process data in many ways at once.
The printing press meant that we started at point A (top left and front of book) and finished at point B (bottom right and back of book) as dictated by the author. On the World Wide Web, we can hyperlink in whatever direction and wherever we like. People take in information in all sorts of ways; not just lineally.
Reality is "real" ---> Reality is socially constructed.
When dealing with what was "out there", we thought we were on solid ground. Reality was external, fixed; all we had to do was to explore and discover it. People from other cultures and minority groups have helped us to see that different people see "reality" differently. We have moved from "truth is out there" to "tell me your truth and I'll tell you mine".
Faith in institutions ---> Less inclined to give authority to institutions.
There was a time when our trust in the monarchy, police force, church and courts of law was firm and solid. People are now much more suspicious and mistrustful of institutions. The church now has to earn people's confidence; it cannot be assumed or taken for granted.
Absolute ethical principles ---> Less agreement about central values.
The grand overarching stories (metanarratives) fail. Science makes advances before we have developed ethical codes to deal with the new discoveries. The 1950s were a time of solid ethical principles and these were good for some, but not so good for women, the disabled, Aboriginal people or migrant-ethnic groups.
Some characteristics of postmodernism
Post-modernism is characterised by:
Juxtaposition, diversity, multiple-tasking.
Things are put side by side, seemingly unconnected. The tension may be creative or may simply be chaotic. Look at the video clips of current pop stars. Notice how young people "channel surf" when watching TV.
Relationality, hunger for community.
People choose their community, it is no longer given by family ties or geography. Coffee shops and eateries have proliferated. Some "communities" are created on the world wide web in chat rooms. Churches need to create spaces and opportunities for genuine interaction and community.
People want to participate, to be involved.
People are now less inclined to give authority to a "guru". They prefer to meet "in the round" so that everyone can see everyone else's faces. They look for shared leadership. Inclusion is the key. People are not passive recipients. People want to create meaning for themselves. People want to experience God, not just know about God.
Spirituality, questions of meaning.
The secular city of the 1960s did not eventuate. People hunger for spirituality. We live in a time like the first century when there were lots of competing spiritualities for people's loyalty. Christianity needs to re-establish its credibility in the market place. The Christian scriptures and tradition have a tremendous richness to offer.
Holism, inter-connectedness.
Ecology demonstrates that all things are connected. A habitat does not consist of isolated species, but each living symbiotically with the other. Similarly, every aspect of life is connected with our well-being. Faith needs to be connected with every aspect of life. Furthermore, the church is like a body, with different members functioning for the well-being of the whole.
Romanticism - a quest for beauty, love, creativity, self-expression (materialism has failed to satisfy).
People are less concerned about life-long goals or careers. The material utopia has been punctured. These things did not matter to Jesus either. Perhaps Jesus was a romantic? Church can offer opportunities for people to experience beauty and love. Churches need to provide opportunities for people to be creative and express themselves.
Playfulness.
People want to push the limits, enjoy things for their own sake. We use technology to play better games. Young people try drug use, body piercing, bisexuality. There is a lack of concern for constraints of time and finance. Without resorting to life-denying practices, Christians need to know how to play and celebrate. Of all people, we have something to rejoice in, to celebrate, to party about!
Immediacy.
Many people want fast food. There is a preoccupation with heightened experience in the present, the "adrenalin rush". Bungy jumping, jet boats and computer games are all popular. Post-modern culture is loud, fast, aggressive, "in your face", with little space for reflection or analysis.
There is lots we can work with here in presenting the Christian message.
Some useful links to sites about Christianity and post-modernism.
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http://www.faithmaps.org/pomophillinks.htm]
