The stories we tell
While Postmodernism
holds narratives suspect it becomes painfully aware of the metanarratives that
drive the conscience to tell such stories. The Postmodernist realizes that the
truth (while slippery like a fish) needs to be seen and held onto order to retain authenticity and
integrity. While it appears that truth is relative, and it is from a finite
perspective, the Source of Truth or Truth Absolute (not to be confused with the
abstract absolute truth) becomes less hidden as the stories we tell become
retold not for revisionist sake, but for the need for this hidden Truth we
seek. Slowly we develop new “strong poets” who give us new words to express and
ideas to explore. [1] As these strong poets
deconstruct old ideas and possible wrong ideas there is great possibilities of
a fresh and more accurate picture of True Reality.
Death of substantial
self
As was already
explored, death of self is a very biblical concept and essential to becoming as
God intends us. The reduction to power plays gives way to a sort of death of
metanarratives. If God is Truth, then only His metanarrative is reality. If
Jesus is Truth, then He is reality. In a real sense, the death of human
metanarratives is the death of our own power and thus giving way to the truth
that is Christ Jesus being seen as the narrative and metanarrative of true
power, and that power is love.
The danger, of course,
is that if not careful, Christians will be immersed in Postmodernism as they
have in modernism. While there is much in Postmodernism is dangerous, the
Christian has hope in Christ, and if wise, becomes more dependent on Jesus and can
use the tools of Postmodernism for expansion of the Kingdom.
[1] (Sire 2004, p.223)
Bibliography
Brainy Quotes. Brainy Quotes. 2001 - 2012 BrainyQuote.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dietrich_bonhoeffer.html (accessed
6 19, 2012).
Luther, Martin. Martin Luther's Basic Theological
Writings. Second. Augsburg Fortress: Fortress Press, 2005.
Oord, Thomas Jay. The Nature of Love: a theology.
Danvers: Chalice Press, 2010.
Palmer, M.D. Elements of a Christian Worldview. 2nd.
Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2002.
Sire, J.W. The Universe Next Door. Madison, WI: Inter
Varsity Press, 2004.
Wright, N.T. The Resurrection and the Postmodern Dilemma.
1998. http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Resurrection_Postmodern.htm (accessed
June 19, 2012).
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