The Liberation of Truth - Installment Dos.
Sorry it is taking me so long to get these things out... I have alot of stuff going on right now.
Introduction - Culture Shock
Culture of Fear
At present, it is becoming more evident that the church’s understanding of the nature of truth simply does not coincide with the presumptions of contemporary society. This is resultant of its blatant disregard for the contextual nature of theology that we see exemplified in the practice of the early Church (see Acts 15). Rather than embrace the study of God as a fluid practice that takes seriously the need to understand and interact with one’s social, political, and economical environment, theologians of our time have sought to shore up the basement of their unchanging and unresponsive theological enterprise with theories founded upon modernist assumptions. Thus, while the church has clenched tightly, although futilely, to their claim as the supreme arbiter of truth, society has shown no interest in the many notions that under-gird the church. These including, but not limited to: truth being certain, objective, and hence absolute. The problem is not that those statements aren’t necessarily true, but that they don’t show any sort of relevance or consideration to the current philosophical situation in the world. We could chase an epistemological rabbit by discussing the numerous theories of knowledge, stumbling our way from foundationalism to subjectivism, but it seems that rather than do so, I might do well in proposing my take on the current stance of popular Christianity (or Modern Evangelicalism), and its vehement opposition of postmodernism.
Modern evangelical thought has perpetuated the assumption that the best mode of operation when encountering society is fear and opposition. This opposition is not one of deep conviction, but merely based upon an a priori principle. The powers that be have decided for us that rather than engage culture in a meaningful, progressive, and constructive manner we should fear and oppose it without question. The principle might be: “If we didn’t produce it, label it, or rip it off and make it our own, then stay clear.” In all circumstances in which the Church rubs shoulders with culture, our first and only priority has been to demonize their ways and retreat into our cocoon of exclusivism we create called “correct Christian conduct.” The modern church has perpetuated a culture of fear. One fears first, and asks questions later. The spiritual life of a Christian has morphed into a practice defined by what we keep ourselves from rather than what we give ourselves to. This type of fear has found ample ground in the postmodern cultural milieu, and caused a chasm of silence to develop between the church and society.
Introduction - Culture Shock
Culture of Fear
At present, it is becoming more evident that the church’s understanding of the nature of truth simply does not coincide with the presumptions of contemporary society. This is resultant of its blatant disregard for the contextual nature of theology that we see exemplified in the practice of the early Church (see Acts 15). Rather than embrace the study of God as a fluid practice that takes seriously the need to understand and interact with one’s social, political, and economical environment, theologians of our time have sought to shore up the basement of their unchanging and unresponsive theological enterprise with theories founded upon modernist assumptions. Thus, while the church has clenched tightly, although futilely, to their claim as the supreme arbiter of truth, society has shown no interest in the many notions that under-gird the church. These including, but not limited to: truth being certain, objective, and hence absolute. The problem is not that those statements aren’t necessarily true, but that they don’t show any sort of relevance or consideration to the current philosophical situation in the world. We could chase an epistemological rabbit by discussing the numerous theories of knowledge, stumbling our way from foundationalism to subjectivism, but it seems that rather than do so, I might do well in proposing my take on the current stance of popular Christianity (or Modern Evangelicalism), and its vehement opposition of postmodernism.
Modern evangelical thought has perpetuated the assumption that the best mode of operation when encountering society is fear and opposition. This opposition is not one of deep conviction, but merely based upon an a priori principle. The powers that be have decided for us that rather than engage culture in a meaningful, progressive, and constructive manner we should fear and oppose it without question. The principle might be: “If we didn’t produce it, label it, or rip it off and make it our own, then stay clear.” In all circumstances in which the Church rubs shoulders with culture, our first and only priority has been to demonize their ways and retreat into our cocoon of exclusivism we create called “correct Christian conduct.” The modern church has perpetuated a culture of fear. One fears first, and asks questions later. The spiritual life of a Christian has morphed into a practice defined by what we keep ourselves from rather than what we give ourselves to. This type of fear has found ample ground in the postmodern cultural milieu, and caused a chasm of silence to develop between the church and society.
I haven't gotten to read your post yet, but I'm not buying your "a lot going on right now" bit. You're a has been college student who occasionally substitute teaches. Not that either of those is unadmireable. I just want you to know, I'm not buying it, Jared.
Canyoudealwiththat?
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:46 PM
well. i am applying to Grad school and having to write essays for that. i have written stuff for other blogs, i am an up anc coming substitute teacher here in belton, and i just got the first 2 seasons of Doogie Howser on DVD.
that's alot going on right now, britton.
thanks for making me feel special.
jared.
Posted by
jared slack |
7:59 AM
You need only to attend one day of classes here to realize what you have just typed is wrong.
...ironically I sometimes miss not having to engage it - my mind is tired and my heart hurts. As a closet idealist, I am not thriving.
-Stroud
Posted by
Anonymous |
6:29 PM
i definitely do leave lots of room for the fact that i could be way off in what im writing, but do you really think that UMHB is the quentessential example of what cultural engagement looks like? maybe im just not following what you are saying.
While i do think UMHB does better than most universities in this area, my argument really isnt againt the school. To be honest much of what i am saying was inspired by the things I learned while i was here. I was given the opportunity to see the world as a place that is full of truth and inspiration and worth a second look, rather than ridicule. I have a couple professors to thank for that.
like i said though im not talking against the school. my focus is how the church has gone about engaging culture. I like to read your thoughts on that.
Has the church been successful in engaging culture?
Posted by
jared slack |
8:34 PM
no hun - I am not at UMHB. Remember, I go to Fuller. Did you see the "Stroud" signed at the bottom. I was talking about my classes here - sorry for the confusion
Posted by
Anonymous |
10:18 AM
ash,
wow i totally thought you were another stroud that is as UMHB.
then i agree. Fuller is quite different in their approach to culture and such. which is why i hope to be joining you there in about 3-4 years.
thanks,
jared.
Posted by
jared slack |
10:22 AM
"The spiritual life of a Christian has morphed into a practice defined by what we keep ourselves from rather than what we give ourselves to." Great statement, and since we're in Texas it's okay to end with a preposition. How does the Church morph back to the Biblical reality of the body of Christ and in doing so what does she give herself to- still remembering Christianity is Historical before it is personal?
Posted by
Anonymous |
5:35 AM