Page 150 - God's Church through the Ages - Student 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.

25.4 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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