In Stanley Grenz’ Primer on Postmodernism, he begins by contrasting Modernism and Postmodernism.

In Modernism, truth is discovered. Through experimentation and philosophical reasoning, truth can be discovered. There is a truth that lies outside of the individual. Something can be true whether we choose to believe it or not. The human mind can discover truth and knowledge and in turn view the world from beyond the limits of history. This is what makes humans different from any other living thing. This ability allows us to specialize ou training and get more precise knowledge about a given subject. Based on an objective view of truth, reality bears witness with the world in which we live. The truth that is discovered through reason and experimentation gives an accurate view of what is taking place in the present, thus helping to formulate a view of reality. Reason also allows us to look at the past based on eyewitness accounts and testimony, thus giving us the ability to record the history of mankind.

Modernism is the mindset that all truth is God’s truth. Truth ultimately came from a Truth Giver, and truth ultimately would lead to right choices. By looking at the world objectively and using the scientific method, we are able to answer questions about the universe in which we live. In doing so, we are able to provide technological advancements that make for a better quality of life. With the knowledge that is gained, it is our duty to be good managers of the universe. Knowledge is power, and with it one can make a difference in the world.

In Postmodernity, it is impossible for a person to be unbiased. Each person comes to the table with emotions, baggage from his or her past, cultural and gender differences. In a Postmodern society, truth is created. It is up to each person to develop his or her truth, which at best is a relative view of what he or she has been taught.

Postmodernity believes truth and knowledge have no boundaries. It is up to each individual to set his or her own path. We cannot really say anything is “good” if there is no absolute value for good. Each person makes the decision individually what “good” is. Postmodernity believes we no longer are capable of solving the problems of mankind. We only can address the symptoms of our suffering. Everyone is just trying to exist and get through the day. People do not believe we are better off today than we were yesterday. There really is no reason to strive for a better tomorrow. In Postmodernism, truth is not bound by the rational. It involves many aspects of the individual. One cannot be expected to be rational when emotions, feelings and thought are involved. All of these aspects help shape the truth that is created. Truth takes on the characteristic of the group that is trying to define it. Each member contributes a piece to the puzzle. In the Postmodern mind, truth is changing. It is a living organism that changes as the moods and whims of the society flux in and out. There is no external reference point for truth.

After this introduction to Postmodernism, Grenz looks at the process of developing a Postmodern theology. He helps the reader discover how each person through the truth of God’s Word, denominational ties, church tradition and experience develops the basis for his or  her theology. He closes with several methods of developing a sound theology that will communicate the truths of God and reach the Postmodern mind.

Reading this book made me really take a deeper look at how I go about doing ministry. I now am trying to look at our youth ministry from an outsider’s point of view. I am asking myself what I need to know in order to win kids to Christ. I must be proactive and engage Postmodernism and not ignore it. Jesus chose to engage fully the people of His time. He took the time to ask the tough questions. He always asked the questions that would go way beyond the surface. As youth pastors, we need to know what our students are involved in and ask the tough questions.

For example, this past summer I did a message series called “MySpace.” We took six weeks to look at the who, what, when, where, why and how of MySpace. MySpace is an Internet blog site where people can set up a profile, post media and blog about their lives. As I began to research this topic, I looked for our students who had MySpace accounts, and I was shocked. Some of the students had revealing photos, lied about there age and used profanity prolifically. I emailed these students and asked to be added to their friends lists.

Within an hour, I had a student at my house, asking how I found out about MySpace. He was embarrassed because I found his site. He puts on a very spiritual front at church, but his site was far from it. Others were excited that I took time to enter their world. If we critically engage the Postmodern world, we truly will see change. As youth pastors, we must lead the charge in an evangelical revolution to reach a lost generation.

What is our local youth culture?
How widespread is the Postmodern mindset within our communities?
How much does Postmodernism impact our program planning?
How do I train my leaders to be sensitive to this Postmodern culture?

I now can see that as a student minister, I must bridge the gap between biblical culture and today’s Postmodern culture. Jesus was great at this. He used common, everyday language and situations to communicate God’s love to the people with whom He came in contact. His message was presented differently depending on the individual with whom He was speaking.

Likewise, we must learn how to construct local theologies. We need to figure out how best to communicate the love of Christ to our culture. I am now going to try to study the youth culture across the country and in our local setting in order to develop a strategy to win students to Christ. Paul said he, “became all things to all men in order that (he) may win some.” Paul knew the importance of penetrating the culture. He knew about Greek mythology. In Acts, he spoke to the Roman citizens about their gods and pointed them to “The Unknown God.” He knew how to speak the language of the day and how to express the gospel in a way that was meaningful to the culture in which he found himself. Cross-cultural outreach is a good term to use, because for the first time in the history of America we not only have two generations in one household but two cultures. If we are to take the message of the cross to the Postmodern culture, we must have our finger on the pulse of our students and their families. Then and only then will we make the greatest impact.