A typical online search of the term "postmodernism" will reveal, among many things, an advertisement from an online book distributor stating, "Millions of titles, new and used!" Obviously there has already been an enormous amount written on the topic, defined by Wikepedia (the free encyclopedia!) as being, "After the modernist movement."  Merriam-Webster helps us a bit more, stating, "Of, relating to, or being of an era after a modern one, or being any of various movements in reaction to modernism typically characterized by a return to traditional materials and forms, or being a theory that involves radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language." 

In its origin the concept of postmodernism emerged out of the architectural movement as a reaction to what was considered a rather bland approach of the modern movement. Applied today, it is most commonly used to indicate almost a complete casting off of the values, goals, and objectives of the generation(s) before us, without having a clear sense of direction as to what to insert in its place!

Postmodernism was ideally intended to recapture the positive values of the past, rather than be a declaration that we could possibly navigate without the wisdom our predecessors had acquired on their journey before us. Whatever aspect of culture we might consider, architecture, the arts, medicine, philosophy, politics or Christianity, at its best, the positive attributes of postmodernism lie in its intent to uncover the treasure hidden beneath the surface of what may have become an irrelevant method, approach or strategy. Unfortunately, at its worst, postmodernism to some is merely a repackaged excuse for license and the abandonment of all restraint under the guise of newly accepted cultural mores.

Jesus might well be considered the ultimate postmodernist, as He stood to confront the Pharisees over what had become their conscious preference of their laws (recorded in the Talmud) above the Mosaic Law, recorded in the Torah. The Jews, determined to successfully fulfill the Law (Torah), over the course of time developed a companion-text to assist them in this noble goal. The Talmud soon took the place of the Torah, with all of its exacting and demanding processes geared to help the law-abiding Hebrew fulfill the requirements of the Law. It ultimately, for many, took precedence over the Law, to which Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone, (Matthew 23:23)."

What is most perplexing and challenging about the postmodern culture is the departure of some from any sound point of reference, or what the Bible refers to as "ancient landmarks." Proverbs minces no words in its reminder to us of the boundaries God has placed in the earth for good reason. "Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless; for their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you, (Proverbs 23:10, 11)." Marriage, for example, is being renegotiated, and lines are being redrawn based on who-knows-what as though casting off any boundaries pertaining to such is one's prerogative in this postmodern era. Little regard is given to the fact that God Himself clearly defined these boundaries in order to guide man through the ages.

This common symptom of postmodernism, misguided at best, is an unfair reflection of its original intent. Regrettably, it has become to many merely a disguise of an old practice of human nature to rebel against its Creator, not understanding that His love for us has set parameters which are in our best interest. Alas, rebellion, bound in man's heart since His fall in the garden, and only removed through surrender to Christ and His sacrifice for him on the cross, will hide behind any cloak available in the quest for its own will.

Jesus evidenced a sense of genuine postmodernism when He answered an alleged expert in the Law of Moses who asked Him, "Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Instead of humoring those gathered to hear His reply by assuaging their current expectations, He reached back to pull forward the full intent of God's law as it was delivered through Moses, and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:36-40)

The present generation, labeled with more descriptors than any before its time, and inheritors of a world with the most negative prognosis in ages, must ask the question so well articulated by the late Francis Shaffer, "How should we then live?" The Bible's definitive wisdom, timeless through the ages, still appeals to the sensible and otherwise alike, saying, "My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you."  Thankfully, today's postmodern world cannot change God's intent toward us. The question remains, will we allow it to dislodge us from those ancient landmarks He has lovingly fixed to guide us safely to our intended destination?