Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity Postmodernism has become a four-letter word among many evangelicals. It has been blamed for every malaise of contemporary society and vilified as the greatest threat to contemporary Christian faith. In The Next Reformation, Carl Raschke acquaints readers with what postmodernism really is, and more importantly, what it is not. He argues that evangelical Christianity has allied itself with non-Christian philosophies, including rationalism and evidentialism, and suggests that breaking this alliance and embracing postmodernism may allow evangelical Christianity to flourish once again as a progressive rather than reactionary force in the present-day world. Raschke begins with a detailed analysis of the current state of postmodernism and evangelical thought. He provides a background to the controversy, revealing what the term has meant in different contexts and how it relates to contemporary evangelicalism. He describes the development of postmodernism, explores the writings of early postmodernist thinkers, and examines how postmodernist thought has influenced contemporary theology from Derridian deconstruction to Radical Orthodoxy. Raschke then reveals the opportunities postmodernism brings to Christian faith. He examines how postmodern perspectives bring new meaning to the doctrines of faith alone and sola scriptura, illustrating how these doctrines can be revived by means of postmodern language and philosophy. Raschke goes on to explore how postmodern views of hierarchy and organization could alter the structure of the church toward the Reformation theme of the priesthood of all believers. The Next Reformation finishes with an analysis of postmodern culture and ministry. Raschke examines postmodern strategies of outreach and evangelism as well as the impact of charismatic renewal on postmodern evangelism. He concludes with a plea for the beginning of a new appreciation of the relationship between faith and philosophy.
Carl Raschke (Ph.D., Harvard University) is professor and chair of the department of religious studies at the University of Denver. He is senior editor of the Journal for Cultural and Religious Theory and the author of numerous books and hundreds of articles. Raschke is also an adjunct faculty member at Mars Hill Graduate School (Seattle) and has been actively involved in recent years with various emergent church networks and postmodern ministry initiatives around the country.
Raschke offers a broad overview of the postmodern situation and addresses particular concerns as they relate to the changing context, including ministry and worship in the church. The fact that such proposals come from an acknowledged authority on postmodern thought will make the book attractive to both students and pastors. Raschke has produced a creative and provocative textual pastiche that weaves together a constructive interpretation of theology, a critical investigation of history, a dynamic reflection on church growth strategy, and a poignant spiritual autobiography. In doing so, he reveals yet again why for over twenty-five years his voice has been so prominent in proclaiming the redemptive quality of the 'end of theology.' A quarter of a century ago, he announced that deconstructive theology was 'the dance of death upon the tomb of God'; in The Next Reformation, he extends an invitation for all to join the 'choreography of the Spirit' and dance with the graceful Lord. With evangelistic fervor, postmodern whimsy, and a definite prophetic abruptness, he censures traditional evangelical theology for being unequally yoked with a nonbiblical, foundationalist epistemology that not only undermines faith, Scripture, and ecclesiology but also establishes a hedgerow against the free flow of the Spirit's mighty wind. His pronouncement of a new Reformation will irritate many wallflower evangelicals, but it may also motivate a few to get on their feet and move to the rhythms of a postmodern celebration of Christ's freedom and love. With deep passion and matching erudition, Raschke compellingly argues that postmodernity not only has something to teach evangelicalism but also calls it to a new Reformation. Masterfully drawing on postmodern thinkers, Raschke exposes the idolatry of modernity and points readers back to faith. Even those who disagree with his vision for the church will have to take it seriously. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Published by Baker Academic (240pp/pb) |
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