Postmodernism vs Absolute Truth History of Postmodernism Premodernism

Postmodernism vs Absolute Truth

History of Postmodernism Pre-modernism Modernism Postmodernism Knowledge starts with God Knowledge starts with man Belief in objective, ultimate truth Objective ultimate truth is unknowable Belief in the supernatural Skepticism to the supernatural Authority derived from supernatural god(s) Authority derived from science and human reason Belief in supernatural – by mysticism and not revelation (personal experience is the rule) Superstitions, irrationalism, traditionalism Atheism, rationalism, naturalism, utopianism No ultimate authority (Open theism), Skepticism, Anarchy, Arbitrary thinking and acting

Definition of Postmodernism �Postmodernism is a philosophy that says absolute truth does not exist.

More on Postmodernism (taken from D. A. Carson) 1. Absolute certainty is not possible but arrogant – because you are finite, influenced by your background, and unable to see anything as it truly is. It is better to see the many different perspectives of religion and morality. 2. Postmodernism is anti-foundationalist – a reaction to modernism 3. Whatever truth we discover is temporarily located – it is true for your community at that time and that is all.

Agenda of Postmodernism (Taken from Phil Johnson) 1. Eliminate certainty 2. Question authority 3. Obliterate clarity 4. Undermine every notion of objectivity

Dangers of Postmodernism �Relative Truth �Loss of Discernment �Pluralism

4 Characteristics of Christianity (Taken from Johnson) �Objectivity �Clarity �Authority �Certainty

Biblical Stand Against Postmodernism 1. Existence of Absolute Truth 2. Christ is the Revelation of Truth 3. The Bible is the Source of Absolute Truth