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Typically lagging behind in the cultural and intellectual scene, Christians have only recently become enamoured with "pomo", i.e., postmodernism. In academic circles, Stanley Grenz, Robert Milbank, Graham Ward, Nancey Murphy, Mark Taylor, and John Caputo are some of the names associated with a postfoundational and postmodern re-writing of theology. Others are not so kindly receptive to such postmodern revisioning of theology, and I confess that I share some of their concerns.
At the popular level, many Christian leaders are embracing these postmodern times as an age of great opportunity. Instead of denouncing postmodernism, we should attempt to understand it and engage it, they insist. In fact they argue, postmodernism can help Christians expose and exterminate the "viruses" of modernity in our presuppositions and worldview.
Next then on my taxonomic scheme are what I call the postmodern Re-Visionists, often identifying themselves as the "Emerging Church". Some of the leading proponents include Leonard Sweet and Brian McLaren, and there are a growing number of books and websites as well:
| The Millenial Matrix |
While a detailed critique is beyond the scope of this essay, I shall offer a few brief remarks. I'm thankful for any movement or call for renewal that challenges our comfort zone. However, I'm suspicious of any movement that is reactionary, that seeks to critique church from the perspective of societal trends or cultural trends. At best, the Church often looks foolish trying to be trendy. For example, many are now regarding postmodernism as passé. At worst, it risks betraying the Gospel.
Some have charged that, although these churches claim to remain true to the Scripture, it seems that in practice, pragmatism takes precedence over clear biblical injunctions. The ethos and strategies of many of these self-avowed postmodern churches more often than not, seem to betray a capitulation to the culture, instead of being a counterculture. And as with any movement, there will arise some gurus who will teach you the successful techniques and strategies for "postmodernizing" your church.
However, I do not think we should dismiss these "emerging churches" outright; we can at least emulate their passion and applaud their willingness to seriously engage the culture, instead of hiding our heads in the sand or militant separation. If they can jolt those who are complacent to re-think their entrenched traditions, then they serve a vital purpose. At least they are not afraid to try something new! And of course, not all emerging churches are the same, so it is unfair to paint with too broad of a brush. So let us be open to their ideas and re-examine our prejudices.
Here are some examples of emerging churches:
