IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL PRACTICE (IJRCP )

E-ISSN 2579-0501
P-ISSN 2695-219X
VOL. 10 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijrcp.vol.10.no3.2025.pg20.33

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An Investigation of Postmodernism and Its Implications for the Contemporary Church

Edward Inem Onyeije

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Abstract

Postmodernism is a philosophical idea that negates absolute truth, universal standard and traditional authority, but fosters personal experience, individualism and diversity. It poses great threat to the church. Its implications for the contemporary church include: disloyalty and attacks to the authority, self-deception, apostasy, individualism, moral laxity and excessive quest for material things. Church’s responses to postmodernism’s challenges are teaching on morality and truth, preservation of morality and good heritage, book publication and living an exemplary life.

keywords:

postmodernism, truth, absolute, and objectivism

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References:

and experiences rather than on absolute truths taught in God’s word.”11 Postmodernism
has so much influenced people that truth is refuted, but Bible makes everything clear that nothing
can be denied. Nathaniel also explains, “Postmodern culture has influenced the church toward a
relativistic mindset. But the fact of the matter is, when it comes to God and His Word, personal
feelings-simply doesn’t count.”12 There is no mincing of words when it comes to the absoluteness
of the Scriptures. The authority of the Bible is final.
Affirmation of Scriptures Over Personal Experience
The Bible is solemnly the Word of God. It is the breath of God and never human product. This is
what Timothy emphasizes ((2 Tim 3:16-17). Conversely, Jesus rebukes the pharisees and teachers
of the law for prioritizing and overemphasizing personal experience or human opinions (tradition
of elders) over the Scriptures. (Mat 15:1-9). Similarly, postmodernism regards the Scriptures as
subjective with a claim that there is nothing like objective truth. It sees the scriptures as the
components of human opinions or subjective views.
Apostle Peter also emphasises that the Scriptures is God’s product and never humans (2
Peter 1:20,21). In connection to that Baton Bruce submits, “Bible is not a collection of fables or
of human ideas about God. It is God’s very words given through people. Peter emphasizes his
authority as an eye witness as well as the God-inspired authority of Scripture to prepare the way
for his attack on false teachers. If these wicked men contradict the apostles and the Bible, their
message cannot come from God”13. Postmodernism deceives people by presenting the Scriptures
as being subjective. Bible maintains its claims as the authoritative word of God, and this cannot
be disclaimed.
9 Moody, Andrew “5 Problems with Postmodernism” (July 2018) https://www.Gougle.com/amp//5/ou-
gospel coalition/article/5-problems-postmodersim/ (accessed November, 2022).
10 Ibid.
11 Nathaniel.
12 Ibid.
13 Barton Bruce, ed., Life Application study Bible (Illinois: Tyndale Housen Publishers, 1996), 2507.
Some people have been trapped by the influence of postmodernism without their
knowledge. According to Steve Golden, “Postmodernism is at the root of many attacks on the
authority of God’s Word today. Many people do not realize that they and their children are being
quietly indoctrinated into postmodernism philosophies. While these ideas promise liberation and
tolerance, they run entirely counter to Scripture and produce enslavement to the world and death"14
postmodernism attempts to projects the word of God in a way people can live care free lives, but
on the contrary places them in desperate situations. This happens when they start witnessing the
consequences of living contrary to biblical teachings.
Recognition of Authority and Tradition
The Bible recognizes the ecclesiastical authorities and certain body of teachings, practices and
interpretations (Mat 15:1-9; 1 Cor 11:2) that were caried down from Jewish leaders and teachers
from one era to another (tradition of elders). On the contrary, postmodernism negates and
disregards any form of body of teachings that provides guidance, direction or that posits any form
of influence on people. Walter Elwell quotes Jean Paul Sartre who says that postmodernism
“today, often applied to virtually anything that overruns traditional standards and is thus perceived
to promote relativism (moral or otherwise) ….”15 The notion of postmodernism that everything is
relative equally makes it to reject authority and traditional standards. However, any notion that
negates authority and tradition that are recognized by Bible is anti-Christian. It should be avoided.
Stephen R. C. Hicks says Postmodernism often bills itself as anti-philosophical, by which it means
that it rejects many traditional philosophical alternatives.”16 Postmodernism rejects anything that
emphasizes tradition even when it is an acceptable guideline for a group or individuals.
Values or Contributions of Postmodernism
Postmodernism has several advantages or contributions to the society and the church. Below are
some of them:
Confidence in Oneself
Postmodernism promotes personal confidence. It exerts a unique influence on people. This makes
them to believe in themselves totally. People are able to carry out their will, desires, and employ
their skills and talents at work without considering if they are believed or not. This has been a great
secret to some successful people in the world.
Acknowledgements of Individual Rights, Privileges/Values
Postmodernism infuses people with perseverance and optimism which make them curious and
eager to know their rights, privileges and values as well. Andrew Moddy asserts that”
Postmodernism has actually brought certain benefits like confidence in oneself, acknowledgement
14 Steve Gold, “The Influence of Postmodernism” (2013) https://answersingenesis,org/world-
religions/humanism/the-influence-of-posmodernism-part-
1=introduction/?srsltid=AmfBOcpSSAUlpNYqswQ5A3wLvrrdDittenu0FjyNnk4gz1jBNT_ycKUl (accessed
November 18, 2024).
15 Elwell, Walter A., Evangelical Dictionary of theology. Second Edition, (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker
Academics, 2007) ,939.
16 Stephen R. C. Hicks, Explaining postmodernism, (New Berling, Scholarly Publishing2004,), 6.
of individual rights, privileges and values.”17 Acknowledgement of individual’s right, privileges
and values influences people to do exploits.
Personal Development
Postmodernism helps to build oneself. Its emphasis on subjectivism or personal experience gives
room for personal development. People tend to develop themselves more when their ideas,
opinions or personal experiences are considered or regarded.
Recognition of the changing Nature of society, Structure and Process
Postmodernism attempts to acknowledge the ongoing shifts and changes in the society. It considers
social, political, economic and technological changes that create a transition between past and the
present eras. It helps to know what is ancient and modern; and how what is considered ancient can
be reevaluated.
Challenging of Assumptions
Postmodernism challenges assumptions by questioning beliefs, norms or ideas that were
considered absolute. Certain old norms, ideas and beliefs have become so methodical that they do
not work with the present era anymore. However, postmodernism queries such assumptions and
seeks for re-evaluation. A knowledgeable source opines that postmodernism “recognizes the
changing nature of society and social structures/processes and challenges our assumptions.”18 If
certain assumptions are not challenged, it may be difficult to reevaluate certain old traditions,
which has become a kind of slavery or living in bondage to people at the present era.
Implications of Postmodernism for Contemporary Church
Questioning of Authority and Disloyalty
Church members can easily question church authorly, tradition, leadership and scriptures as well.
For postmodernists, the Bible is neither regarded as the absolute Truth, nor is it perceived as the
source of direction, sustenance and living, but as an embodiment of subjective principles or human
opinions. In respect to that, postmodernism questions the authority of the Bible, traditional
principles and ecclesiastical leadership. Isaias asserts
Postmodernism with all forms of subtlety has successfully produced disloyalty and
attacks to authority. The discussion about postmodernism paves the way to
investigate the present status of the youth’s culture which if properly analysed and
studied will benefit their engagement to a pluralistic society for a meaningful
proclamation of the good News of Christ.19
These characteristics of postmodernism creates room for the emergence of arrogance, disobed

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