As we gaze at the current condition of the church, a new and unsettling form of Christianity has taken root—a “postmodern” Christianity that is far removed from the Faith once delivered to the Saints. This is not the Christianity of the apostles or the reformers. It is a product of secular humanism, shaped by society’s whims and shifting morals, rather than by the unchanging Word of God.
What Defines Postmodern Christianity?
Postmodern Christianity, as we know it today, emphasizes feelings over the firm foundation of Scripture. It appeals to emotions, sacrificing truth on the altar of personal comfort and convenience. Rather than submitting to God's eternal Word, it caters to whatever feels good, whatever is easy, and whatever keeps the masses content. But Scripture warns us about the dangers of placing feelings above truth: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim 4:3).
This brand of faith is also astonishingly reductionist, as characterized by its favorite slogan: “It’s all about love.” But while love is indeed the bedrock of the Christian faith, postmodern Christianity stretches and distorts it until it diverges completely from its biblical definition. Jesus clearly stated, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). In contrast, the love espoused by postmodern Christianity disregards divine standards, seeking a version of love devoid of the call for holiness and truth. God's commands are marginalized, and “love” devolves into an empty, shallow sentimentality that can justify almost any behavior. True love, as taught by Jesus, is one that transforms and challenges us, compelling us toward obedience rather than excusing our disobedience.
A Faith That Follows Culture, Not Christ
Postmodern Christianity prides itself on being “relevant” and “evolving with the times.” But in its rush to stay in vogue, it prioritizes comfort, success, and personal happiness over personal sacrifice and victory over sin. This seeker-sensitive, sugar-coated gospel is careful not to offend, skipping over repentance so as not to hurt anyone’s feelings. The result? A watered-down message that compromises core convictions and abandons the timeless truth of God’s Word in order to remain “acceptable” in the eyes of society.
Christians today are told to “go with the flow,” to adjust their convictions to fit societal trends. We see it in the push to embrace worldly lifestyles, even as Scripture calls us to be separate from the world. James 4:4 warns, “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” Yet, postmodern Christianity wants to be friends with the world, embracing its philosophies and patterns.
Politically Entangled and Ecumenical
Postmodern Christianity seeks to be politically involved, taking on partisan stances and finding itself entangled in the very ideologies it should be separate from. Rather than being set apart, it seems eager to have a “horse in the race,” to participate and gain influence through earthly systems, despite Christ’s declaration that His Kingdom is “not of this world” (Jn 18:36). This drive for political involvement can compromise the integrity of the Gospel, as Believers are pulled into earthly agendas that undermine the higher call of Christ.
Additionally, postmodern Christianity often displays an “open-mindedness” toward other religions, taking on an ecumenical approach that minimizes the distinctiveness of the Christian Faith. In the name of unity, it compromises its own doctrines and truths, embracing a false unity that waters down the message of the Gospel. The Bible is clear, however, about the importance of standing firm in truth: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (2 Jn 1:10). Our loyalty must be to Christ alone, not to a superficial harmony that sacrifices truth.
A Denial of Doctrine and Holiness
Gone is the reverence for sound doctrine. Postmodern Christianity dismisses the study of Scripture and orthodox theology as irrelevant or outdated, claiming they have no place in our “modern” faith. But the Bible makes it clear: correct doctrine is essential. We’re warned, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16). When doctrine is compromised, the very foundation of our Faith crumbles.
Instead of pursuing holiness, postmodern Christianity embraces worldliness. It mocks those who strive to live righteously, branding them as legalistic or Pharisaical. Jesus declared, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pet 1:16), yet this call is drowned out by the voices urging Christians to look and act no different from those outside the Church. This mindset is dangerous, leading many away from the path of sanctification.
Postmodern Influences in the Church Today
The influence of postmodern thought has seeped into nearly every aspect of the Christian life. Entertainment, music, dress, and even family values have been reshaped to reflect a secular worldview. Think of the messages preached in popular worship songs, the proclivity towards immodest dress among Believers, and the pursuit of individualistic, self-serving goals that have replaced the collective responsibility of the Church family.
Our marriages have not been spared either. The rise of career-first mindsets and family planning (birth control) has redefined Godly family priorities, to the detriment of raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The obvious shift away from large families to smaller, “manageable” family units is a direct result of worldly thinking infiltrating the Church, reducing God’s design for family to something that fits neatly within society’s expectations.
Returning to the Ancient Paths
In this age of compromise, the need for a return to sound doctrine and Biblical truth has never been more urgent. Postmodern Christianity may be popular, but it's a dangerous distortion of the Gospel. As followers of Christ, we must resist the pull toward a faith that changes with every cultural trend, a faith that tells us to “go with the flow.” Instead, we’re called to stand firm, rooted in God’s unchanging truth. Scripture warns precisely of the current climate of deception and apostasy that we are now witnessing, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Tim. 4:1). These words are not mere predictions; but supernatural insights. The Spirit foretold of a time when many would abandon the true Faith, swayed by teachings that undermine the Gospel. Today, we see this prophecy unfolding as spiritual counterfeits masquerade as truth, leading souls astray under the guise of progress and enlightenment.
In closing, dear Brethren, may we remember that the Word of God is timeless. It does not bend to cultural shifts or bow to human feelings. Our call is to follow Christ, not culture. Let us hold fast to the truth, study sound doctrine, and live lives that reflect the holiness to which we are called. For in doing so, we honor the Lord, protect the purity of the Church, and stand as a light in a darkening world.
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