Postmodern Conversation – Defined, Themes

Brian McLaren explains the difference between modernity and postmodernity and its implications for evangelism, theology, and doctrine.

Introduction to the Modern World

• Notes reference
• Historical timeline: 1500 (conception), 1750 (birth), current state

Coexistence of Different Eras

• Modern and Postmodern Worlds
  • Coexistence of multiple worlds
  • Examples: Western Europe, North America, Global South
• Transition and Overlap
  • Transition of pre-modern to post-modern bypassing modernity
  • Dominance of modernity in the United States and parts of Asia

The Role of Religion

• Christianity and Modernity
  • Evangelical and Pentecostal churches in Global South
  • Transition from medieval to modern Christianity
• Islam and Modernity
  • Struggle of Islam with modernity
  • Survival challenges in a modern world

Cultural Phenomena and Examples

• Example from Papua New Guinea
  • Cultural coexistence and modernity
• Technological Convergence in the 1500s
  • Communication, weapons, spirituality, transportation
  • Birth of modern nation-state and capitalism

The Impact of Communication and Technology

• New Communication Technologies
  • Influence of the internet on global awareness
  • Example of a woman in Sichuan Province, China
• New Scientific Paradigms
  • Shifts from classical particles to quarks and gluons
  • Distinction between matter and patterns in space-time

Postmodern World and Challenges

• Shift from Modern to Postmodern
  • Collapse of traditional categories (natural vs. supernatural)
  • Return of spirituality in a new form
• New Weapons and Transportation
  • Development of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons
  • Impact of new transportation on global connectivity

Spiritual Revival and Paradigm Shifts

• Spiritual Revival Outside the Church
  • Example from Leon Sweet's observation
• Defining Postmodernism
  • Fluid and emerging nature of postmodernism
  • Challenges in defining postmodern characteristics

Transition Phases and Reactions

• Early Negative Phases of Postmodernism
  • Anger and critique within emerging movements
  • Role of patience, understanding, and forgiveness
• Constructive Engagement and Definition
  • Importance of constructive engagement
  • Theological humility and repentance in post-liberal movements

Challenges and Adaptation

• Addressing Global Challenges
  • Collaboration among different Christian traditions
  • Engaging with the emerging postmodern world
• Concept of Postmodernity
  • Moving beyond modernity without repudiation

Themes of Transition

• From Medieval to Modern
  • Snapshots of transitioning ideas and examples
  • Adaptation of pre-modern practices in modern context
• From Modern to Postmodern
  • Example of a snapping turtle with a plastic ring
  • Shifting constraining ideas to enable future growth

Missionary Movements and Cultural Sensitivity

• Colonialism and Missionary Movements
  • Intersection of colonialism and missionary work
  • Modern missionary movements and their impact
• Cultural Conquests and Conservation
  • Shift from conquest to conservation
  • Re-evaluating evangelistic terminology and practices

Shifts in Evangelistic Approaches

• Reductionistic and Analytical Approaches
  • Critique of reductionistic evangelistic tools
  • Need for holistic and systemic approaches
• New Science and Spirituality
  • Relationship between science, spirituality, and mental health
  • Challenges in addressing new scientific realities

Philosophical Shifts

• Objective vs. Intersubjective Reality
  • Moving beyond objective and absolute truth
  • Emphasis on personal and relational aspects of reality
• Post-Critical and Relational Worldview
  • Finding ways to debate truth without insulting
  • Recognizing the dangers of both relativism and absolutism

Organizational Changes

• From Organizations to Alliances
  • Shift from autonomous organizations to networks
  • Embracing symbiotic and collaborative relationships
• Individualism to Community
  • Challenges of individualistic Christianity
  • Emphasis on community and relational faith

Navigating Protestantism and Consumerism

• Post-Protestant World
  • Apology and humility in leadership
• Consumerism as a Challenge
  • Critique of consumerism within Christianity
  • Need for a post-consumerist vision

Literacy and Globalism

• Transition in Literacy
  • From print literacy to digital and layered literacy
  • Impact on learning and information processing
• Post-Nationalism
  • Global consciousness post-September 11th
  • Role of Christianity in a globalized world

Modernity and Its Legacy

• Success in Modernity
  • Challenges faced by modern-adapted churches
• Learning from Pre-Modern Resources
  • Rediscovering pre-modern practices for spiritual formation

Looking Ahead

• Responding to New Contexts
  • Weaving wisdom from modernity into postmodernity
• Embracing Postmodernity
  • Opportunities and challenges in adapting to postmodern culture

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Commitment to Postmodern Engagement
  • Encouraging exploration and learning in new contexts
• Emphasis on Humility and Collaboration
  • Avoiding elitism and fostering inclusive engagement

Questions and Discussion

• Addressing Concerns and Examples
  • Responding to questions about postmodern churches
• Importance of Local and Indigenous Models
  • Encouraging creativity and cross-pollination in ministry

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.