08/29/2026 – The Postmodernist Challenge to Theology” by Douglas Groothius – excerpt from his book.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-postmodernist-challenge-to-theology
Comments:
Yes, this article was a little longer than most link posts and it took a a few look backs and reflection, but personally, it was well worth it!
If I were absolutely forced to share only a few sentences in this edifying article, I might start with this one:
“The greatest defeat in human reasoning is seen in the vain attempt to become autonomous of God and divine revelation.”
My up-front look up of “Modernism” vs. “Post-Modernism” was helpful:
“Modernism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing progress, rationality, and universal truths, while postmodernism, which developed in the mid-20th century, is characterized by skepticism, irony, and a rejection of grand narratives.” (or meta-narratives)
Definition of “Tautology in Propositional Logic”:
In propositional logic, a tautology is a formula that is always true regardless of the truth values assigned to its propositional variables. For example, the statement “A or not A” is a tautology because it cannot be false.
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Two memories of witnessing to two dear loved ones who were trapped in “post-modernism”:
1. Laura: Intelligent, a graduate of Baylor, christian in the sense that they have a “sign on the door” so to speak. So, I noted God’s Word – “Absolute Truth”. Laura’s response was quick and elevated: “Jim, there is no such thing as absolute truth!!!” The Lord was with me, as I am weak on quick spontaneous responses appropriate for the moment. I replied in a soft voice: “Laura, it seems to me you just propositioned an “absolute truth”. I walked away knowing she acknowledged my statement. So, prayer from there!
- A dear future brother in Christ, a current atheist: I noted that Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity provided the framework that led to the understanding of the “Big Bang” as the origin of the universe. I noted just two more points: a) It seems to me a “Big Bang” requires a “Big Banger”, combined with b). Even the pagan Greeks, three thousand years ago+ had postulated “ex nihilism nihilism fit” (“nothing comes from nothing”). My brother’s response: “Jim, we just don’t know!” (*A)-below
Some do come to Christ through logical reasoning, Lee Strobel being one from his own testimony, but not many I expect. So, prayer from here! We only come to Christ through the Holy Spirit anyway for our original sin is grounded in : “I am god!” So, it comes down to denial of the absurdity.
(*A) :
The article ends with Chistopher Jencks, a leading analyst of postmodernism, outlining how “postmodernism’s rejection of meta-narratives places it at a cultural impasse.”
A constant reminder to us: “It is not about the messenger!” Was Paul somehow inferior to Ananias at the point where Ananias answered God’s call to come to him. (Acts 9: 1-19). That would be another ridiculous notion, however briefly it was self-entertained.