Christianity and Postmodern Values, Article Critique Example

Contents

1. Introduction 3
2. Brief Summary 3
3. Critical Interaction 4
4. Conclusion 4
5. Works Cited 5

A. Introduction

The below article critique is going to review a publication detailing the challenges of Christianity and discipleship in the postmodern world, after the globalization. The author examines three different facets of discipleship from a postmodern perspective; truth, authenticity and global vision. The purpose of the critique is to determine whether the author has managed to define and highlight the main challenges of Christianity originating from the globalized postmodern way of thinking. The authenticity of the Christian values, the question whether there are still privileged interpretations after postmodern and whether the globalization of the scriptures has benefited the mission of discipleship.

B. Brief Summary

The author is questioning whether globalization and postmodern thinking is a development or a danger to Christianity. [1] He questions further; trying to decide how globalization affected our “consciousness”. [2] He identifies one of the most important movements; the homogenization of different cultures, values and beliefs. Further, he examines the effects of globalization on affluence, lifestyle, knowledge and authenticity. As postmodern philosophy questions any authenticity and superiority of interpretation, it has serious effects on the messages delivered through Christianity, as well as the lifestyle of people. It is hardly possible to avoid being distracted by cultural and lifestyle changes; results of the globalization movement. The way people see the Scripture today has many facets; it is used as a therapeutic tool, a subject of philosophy, and many people forget that most of all it is the Word of God.

C. Critical Interaction

The author has examined the most important implications of postmodernism on Christianity. He focused on the question of authenticity, and although it is true that often Scriptures are looked at as tools, historical or philosophical texts or even therapeutic resources, this is not necessarily a negative effect. The reasons why some people turn to the Bible would eventually not matter if they could understand and accept the truth of God’s Word. Skepticism is a greater problem of postmodern philosophy, and while it can be beneficial to be skeptical about different interpretations of the Scripture, it might result in disbelief in God’s Word’s authenticity.

The author also mentions the Christian self-denial, the withdrawal from the world which is also affected by globalization. It is, however, not clearly defined whether this effect is positive or negative in case of discipleship. When disciples and followers adjust to globalized lifestyle, values and interests, they might be able to teach God’s Word in a more effective way. Global vision of religion is indeed not a new theory. Missionaries did adjust their teaching to the given culture, beliefs and language long before the end of the 20^th Century. It helped people understand the Scripture and connect with the Word of God on a personal level. Still, the author is right when he states that globalization only confirmed that there are no privileged interpretations of the Word of God; it belongs to all humans. [3]

D. Conclusion

Although the article reviews the challenges of postmodern approaches and globalization in Christianity, it does fail providing feasible solutions to them. It would be interesting to review the three different approaches currently existing in the postmodern theology and check their effectiveness in the globalized world. Riggs [4] differentiates between three different approaches; purifying, political and preserving. Examining the standing and use of the three different theologies in the 21^st Century would be an interesting topic of a new research, based on the challenges defined by the journal article today.

E. Works Cited

1. David F. Wells, Christian Discipleship in a Postmodern World, JETS 51/1 (March 2008) 19– 33
2. John W. Riggs, Postmodern Christianity: Doing Theology in the Contemporary World, Continuum International Publishing Group, 2003.

[1] David F. Wells, Christian Discipleship in a Postmodern World, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51.1 (March 2008): p. 19.

[2] Idem. P. 20.

[3] David F. Wells, Christian Discipleship in a Postmodern World, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51.1 (March 2008): p. 32.

[4] John W. Riggs, Postmodern Christianity: Doing Theology in the Contemporary World, Continuum International Publishing Group, 2003