CYPRESSWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

November 2, 2003

CONTINUE PRAYING FOR:

Our congregation                                                         Our nation, military and leaders

Our college students                                                     The Stolte’s in Germany

George, Jolene and those looking for jobs                     David and Leon in the Navy

various friends and co-workers                                     Keith’s mom and uncle

MODERNISM AND POSTMODERISM

(part 3)

“But that’s not the way of Christ.  Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly” (Colossians 2:9, The Message).

We have looked at a little of the history of modernism and postmodernism and its effects on society.  Then we looked at how these philosophies have effected churches of Christ.  Now we will look at some of the conflicts that have arisen in the church and some suggestions in dealing with such conflicts.

Some sources of conflict can be seen in the following areas.  One of the conflicts involves emotional activity such as hand clapping.  The modernist sees this emotional activity as a form of Pentecostalism because that is what he is most familiar with.  The modernist tends to be reserved in worship, with little or no emotional expression other than the occasional “amen.”  The postmodernist sees it as putting one’s heart into it but does not equate it with Pentecostalism.  He would reject Pentecostalism because of its strict code in several areas (make-up and dress) as well as pure emotionalism.  Closely akin to the emotional aspect is that of how each views clapping.  The modernist criticizes hand clapping as entertainment and identifies it with movies and concerts.  He sees it as clapping in praising a person rather than God.  The postmodernist sees clapping as praising God just like saying “Amen.”  So conflict arises with neither attempting to understand the other.

Another area of conflict is that of authority.  The modernist sees that elders rule, we must obey them, sometimes without question.  Many times decisions are made behind closed doors and announced to the congregation without any discussion leading to confusion and discouragement.  The postmodernist is not keen on authority figures.  What they want are relationships and concern for all, to be listened to and allowed to question and speak.

How one approaches preaching brings conflict.  The modernist sees it in the traditional light.  The preacher preaches, usually topical in nature with many scriptures.  He might use overhead projector, a flip chart, or even Jules Miller filmstrips.  The postmodernist is computer literate, will use pictures, drama, solos and choirs,  and videos in presenting lessons.  Story telling, whether from scripture or life, are used to bring the message of the good news home.

Translations are another source of conflict.  The modernist will stay with the old reliable King James Version.  Some recognize the need of communicating in language that is understood by the contemporary person hence the New International Version, Revised Standard Version or New Revised Standard Version are used.  The postmodernist wants easy to understand language and will use the New International Version, New Living Translation and the Message. 

One of the greatest sources of conflict is in the music used.  The modernist likes to open the song book, have the number announce, and lead by a song leader.   Stamps/Baxter is one of the most popular style of songs used though many like older songs as well.  They have difficulty with contemporary songs because they are often sung without notes, just words on an overhead or computer projected screen (see the new song book Praise Hymn as well as current song books Praise for the Lord and Songs of Faith and Praise).  Postmodernist tend to sing with or without words projected and enjoys contemporary songs but is willing to sing traditional songs.  They are not tied to a song book, singing from the heart rather than heads buried in book.

Labels are often attached in this conflict.  The two most used words are liberal and conservative.  The theological definition equates the word liberal with the denial of miracles, resurrection, that the Bible is the word from God, historical accuracy (see the  Jesus Seminar).  But the modernist takes that definition and applies it to those they disagree with.  The biggest claim is that postmodernist denies the authority of scripture (and sees this even in Bible believing people e.g. Colson, Kennedy, etc.).  The postmodernist is conservative in his view of Bible, i.e., accepts its authority, miracles, and historical accuracy of scripture.  He approaches application differently than the modernist.  Sometimes they are seeking to be more Biblical than traditional.  For instance, lifting up of hands, questioning “authority” that seems to be vested in a song leader or waiting on Lord’s Table, the Lord’s Supper every time the church assembles, among others are questioned as to whether they are scripture or tradition.  Many other labels are attached from both sides.  Both sides need to get away from name calling and listen to what the other is saying based on one’s background or approach, that is, modernist or postmodernist.

Here are some conclusions or suggestions in dealing with the conflict.  One, we need to remember that each group comes from a different beginning point and this must be recognized.  Both groups believe in scripture and want to follow it but because of different beginning points, they emphasize different things (the modernist mind and strength and the postmodernist heart and soul).  We are NOT enemies.

Two, culture has changed and this must be recognized.  We might not like it but that doesn’t change reality.  Some in culture are modernists and can be approached with reason and common sense and some are postmodernists and can be approached with pictures and feelings.  It appears that Jesus used both, facts when needed and stories when needed.

Both sides need to respect each other rather than label.   Even in the same congregation, if the background information is revealed, it can help prevent some problems.  Of course, this takes time and effort.  Isn’t that what Paul had in mind.  “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). 

Finally, love and humility is a must among Christians.  We must seek what is best for our brothers and sisters (1 Corinthians 10:23-24 and Philippians 2:4).  We must be will to reexamine our traditions and traditional views as well as new ideas.  We must ask ourselves honestly if it is my comfort zone that is being stretched or scripture.  We must be humble enough to admit that we just might be wrong.  We do not always have to get our way, if at all.  And we must realize that there are many different points of view that can be respected in the area of differences of opinion.  Doctrine we will not compromise but not everything is doctrine.  Tradition is fine as long as it doesn’t inhibit our spiritual growth. 

I hope this helps in understanding the differences we face today in both society and the church.

                                                                                           George B. Mearns