Postmodernism has become a popular tagline for the present cultural shift we have experienced in modern times. What began as a social movement in the 1960s has become a mantra for everything relating to culture. Christian leaders and churches are responding to a postmodern and post-Christian culture by creating an ongoing conversation for those wanting to influence culture. As leaders and researchers continue the dialogue of relevance to a postmodern culture, a few distinct voices can be heard reexamining the Church’s role in a modern society. A paradigm shift has occurred in the way we view the Church’s function in our postmodern society. Attempts to become more relevant to contemporary culture have led to some misconceptions concerning Christians’ influence on culture. As we examine our place and voice in a postmodern society, we must reevaluate our personal lives. Are we making Jesus look appealing to our culture at the expense of our personal convictions and values?

On a recent trip to New Hampshire, a wall of bumper stickers (masquerading as the back of a van) caught my eye. Some of them announced that religion was only for those who fear hell. Realize the flames are fake, they told us, and you’ll see religion is as well.

Mixed in with these were stickers demanding open-mindedness. Read More

In the closing minutes of Funny Ha Ha, the first movie from writer/director Andrew Bujalski, there is a marvelous one-two punch that sums up the entire film. While alone on her lunch break, Marnie sits quietly and takes an inventory of her life. She pulls out a notepad and makes a list of personal goals:

POP. SODA. COKE. SODA POP. Depending on where you live, claiming allegiance to one of these terms can alienate, ostracize or even excommunicate you. Thankfully, my wife and I have agreed to disagree. She calls it one thing. I call it another. I won’t comment on who is right or wrong.

Terms can cause unity or division. Terms can bring clarity or confusion. Words are cheap and words are rich. They can start fights or end wars. We know that words quickly lose meaning if not regularly defined. Read More