what the heck is postmodernism?

POSTMODERNISM: A DEFINITION


Introduction

What is postmodernism? During a conversation this past week someone labeled me a ‘postmodernist’ with seemingly negative connotations. While the context of the comment was merely a playful bantering in which usually calls a mere smile or quiet laughter for response, with this assignment in mind I asked for clarification. Stunned, the guy was caught off guard and brushed it off like I should know exactly his meaning behind his reference to my being postmodern. It was actually a funny interaction for his intent to make me feel out of place ended with his face flushed and struggle to change the topic of conversation. Postmodernism is a label thrown around with a definition few agree. This paper will attempt to sort out a definition from the piles of ideas concerning this movement.
Definitions

An understanding of modernism needs to be addressed before tackling postmodernism. Both modernism and postmodernism can be identified as ways of thinking. Modernism reflects the emergence of thought that evolved during the Enlightenment period. Rationalism defined this era resulting in a strong emphasis on absolute truths and the exalting of sciences to provide answers. An idealistic attitude emerged from this era based upon the assumption that all questions could eventually be answered because of the wealth of information now available.
Postmodernism isn’t a straight rejection of the Enlightenment or modernist thought, but a reaction against the idealistic attitude exemplified. Postmodern thought steps back to view the whole, or bigger, picture and embrace what is deemed as the reality of the world. The thinking prevalent during the modern era could be seen as arrogant and controlling; a black and white mentality. Postmodernism doesn’t reject the concept of absolutes, but is simply a bit slower in asserting that the correct answer has been obtained. That is why postmodern thinking can be seen as a reaction against the negative impacts the black and white mentality of modernism. Postmodernism emphasis is placed upon culture, time, experience, interpretation, etc. With all the differing components the postmodern thinker incorporates, it is it is nearly impossible to assert their thinking is the only correct when a myriad of ideas exist.
Postmodernism views relationships as essential. Different people with different experiences and backgrounds bring different ideas to the table. This increases the ideas and slows down the assertion of one truth. The modernist thinking emphases is upon right belief and elimination of error, and can thus (not intentionally) come across as cold and alienating. Postmodernist thought is laid upon the foundation that some questions may never be met with suitable answers and the concept of mystery is embraced.

Conclusion
It must be noted that postmodernism and modernism are not to be set against each other with one emerging superior. They are merely schools of thoughts and attempts at labeling broad westernized world views. It would be easy to choose a side and deem one way of thinking is superior to the other but this would prove worthless. By looking at the characteristics of modernity it is easier to understand the history behind the emergence and prevalence of postmodern thought.


check out: emerging church. DA Carson.