Page 74 - History of Christianity II- Textbook

Post-modern Christianity falls into line with basic post-modernist
thinking. It is about experience over reason, subjectivity over
objectivity, spirituality over religion, images over words, outward over
inward. Are these things good? Sure. Are these things bad? Sure. It all
depends on how far from biblical truth each reaction against
modernity takes one's faith. This, of course, is up to each believer.
However, when groups form under such thinking, theology and
doctrine tend to lean more towards liberalism.

For example, because experience is valued more highly than reason,
truth becomes relative. This opens up all kinds of problems, as this
lessens the standard that the Bible contains absolute truth, and even disqualifies biblical truth as being
absolute in many cases. If the Bible is not our source for absolute truth, and personal experience is
allowed to define and interpret what truth actually is, a saving faith in Jesus Christ is rendered
meaningless.

There will always be "paradigm shifts" in thinking as long as mankind inhabits this present earth,
because mankind constantly seeks to better itself in knowledge and stature. Challenges to our way of
thinking are good, as they cause us to grow, to learn, and to understand. This is the principle of Romans
12:2 at work, of our minds being transformed. Yet, we need to be ever mindful of Acts 17:11 and be like
the Bereans, weighing every new teaching, every new thought, against Scripture. We don't let our
experiences interpret Scripture for us, but as we change and conform ourselves to Christ, we interpret
our experiences according to Scripture. Unfortunately, this is not what is happening in circles espousing
post-modern Christianity.
(https://www.gotquestions.org/post-modern-Christianity.html)

13.4 Let’s Practice…
1. What was John Hick’s major views about Christianity and other religions?

2. How has Christian grown in Africa since 1900?

3. Name the six leading nations in Africa whose population has the highest percentage of
believers:

4. Name the two British men who championed the spread of the Gospel in Africa, while never setting
foot on African soil:

5. What was the theme of the Second Vatican Council, 1962-65?

6. Before the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Church was basically isolated from the world. What
did Pope John want to change about that profile?

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