Postmodernism vs Absolute Truth

History of PostmodernismPre-modernism Modernism Postmodernism

Knowledge starts with God

Knowledge starts with man

Knowledge starts with man

Belief in objective, ultimate truth

Belief in objective, ultimate truth

Objective ultimate truth is

unknowable

Belief in the supernatural

Skepticism to the

supernatural

Belief in supernatural – by mysticism and not

revelation (personal

experience is the rule)

Authority derived from supernatural

god(s)

Authority derived from science and

human reason

No ultimate authority

Superstitions, irrationalism, traditionalism

Atheism, rationalism, naturalism, utopianism

(Open theism), Skepticism,

Anarchy, Arbitrary

thinking and acting

Definition of PostmodernismPostmodernism 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 modernism3.      Whatever truth we discover is temporarily located – it is true for you or 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 PostmodernismRelative TruthLoss of DiscernmentPluralism

4 Characteristics of Christianity (Taken from Johnson)ObjectivityClarity Authority Certainty

Biblical Stand Against Postmodernism1. Existence of Absolute Truth2. Christ is the Revelation of Truth3. The Bible is the Source of Absolute Truth