from our own Beacon Hill Press. The spirit and intent of the book and its various authors is to enter into a conversation about the life and mission of the Church in this postmodern context in which we find ourselves. I fully realize that the mere mention of "conversation" and "postmodern" in the same sentence will cause some to rejoice and will fill others with visions of the apocalypse. It is well stated in the book's introduction:"Change is in the air. Many people sense something uncommonly different. The change they see and feel and imagine is more than simply whatever is supposedly new and improved. This change entails a radically different way of looking at life. The most common word to describe this change is 'postmodernism.'
To some, postmodernism is a dream becoming reality. To others, it's a nightmare they hope will soon end." (p. 15)
Despite the strong reactions, the conversation is a necessary one. This is the world in which we live, the world in which we are called to carry out God's mission. And all of us in this conversation must remember who and what we are called to be; neither blind acceptance or fearful isolation will enable us to live out the transforming mission of God's kingdom. Every world view is shaped by a variety of circumstances, events, and reactions, producing both good and bad. Modernism produced some good and beneficial qualities, but we must also admit that it bore some fruit that is not in line with kingdom values, such as consumerism and extreme individualism. Likewise, the postmodern reaction we find ourselves in has, and will have, a mixture of strengths and weaknesses, positives and pitfalls. To reject either in its entirety or to accept either uncritically will render us irrelevant and ineffective in our mission.
The call that rests on Jesus' followers continues to be the same, regardless of the culture and worldview that surrounds us: to live out the love, grace, and transforming power of God's kingdom in this present moment in such a way that we become a part of His ministry of reconciliation and restoration. To do so, we must understand and engage the world around us, effectively communicating this radical alternative we know as the life-giving way of Jesus.
Let the conversation begin.
2 comments:
Dr. Doug,
Thanks for talking about the elephant in the middle of the room. I find this idea extremely important in the context of today’s church. I will certainly rise up in fervent debate with anyone who wants to change, water down, or lessen the need for the message God has given his disciples to share. I do however recognize that the culture in which we live is rapidly morphing into something we have never seen before. It is our responsibility to modify the method to reach that culture for Christ. I am not promoting a pop culture worship experience but rather a true encounter with God by the shared experiences of Christ in us. When we choose to lay down our prejudices for a certain style or manner of evangelism and/or discipleship and agree with God to do what it takes, we can make a difference in our world. I have heard all my life “ If it’s not broken... don’t fix it.” Well it appears to me our methods have been performing at a less than stellar rate for some time so we must look for a fix that is based on the teachings of our Master. Then we must implement them and accept the circumstances.
I am very encouraged by the word, "Conversation." It seems that in the church world we like to debate more than truly hear and be heard. I know I've been guilty of that. Thanks for sharing about this book and your thoughts. You've motivated me to give it a read.
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