Ken Smitherman, President, Association of Christian Schools International (retired 2009)
What is that term that is so in vogue today—postmodernism? Well, it is a term that denotes the thinking and attitudes of a significant part of our world today. Actually, we should probably think of this term as naming a time rather than a clearly articulated ideology.
The things that are happening, the way people think, and the way they act in this postmodern era are having a great impact on the church and on parachurch entities such as the Christian school as well as the people within those institutions. Let me first make it clear that there is no expectation that the few words in this article will come anywhere near covering this continually unfolding topic. Nonetheless, this postmodern culture presents some great challenges to your Christian school as it works to confront issues that have a tremendous impact on your child(ren)’s learning.Recognizing a few of the key components of postmodernism may help you better understand what is happening and perhaps will assist you in nurturing your children in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.
Postmodernist ideals result in a culture of individualism. The postmodernist sees society only as a means to accomplish the individual’s self-centered goals, a position that is dressed up with a megadose of tolerance. The expectationis that everyone should be tolerant of everything because, after all, there is no such thing as absolute truth. Oh,what you believe does exist, and for you it may be right, but please, please, don’t suggest that your truth should be truth for me. So, in believing and accepting that premise, you must be tolerant, accepting what I believe—and what everyone else believes.
This concept of “what is true for me” flies under the banner of existentialism. It is perhaps best summed up by 19th century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, the first writer to describe himself as existential. Kierkegaard proclaimed that “I must find a truth that is true for me … the idea for which I can live or die.” (Encarta Encyclopedia) In essence, this is the belief that one must choose one’s own way without the aid of universal, objective standards; thus there is no objective, rational basis for moral decisions.
One of the other isms that mark postmodern times is pragmatism. In its simplest form, pragmatism suggests that ideas and theories should be tested in order to determine whether acting upon them will bring about a desirable or undesirable result. Some conclusions of a pragmatic philosophy are that if it works, it is right, and that the end justifies the means. The pragmatic ideology is extremely critical of the notion that there is such a thing as absolute truth.
Even this oversimplified summary of postmodern thought reveals an electrifying absence of the concept of absolute truth. The Christian school makes a radical departure from such a stance, since the concept of truth is a vital and critical component in Christian schooling, which is based on biblical truths and the understanding of them.
Perhaps your first notion is that we must escape such a culture as postmodernism—we must go back. Well, the fact of the matter is, we will not be going back. We must learn to navigate these challenging times while effectively teaching our kids how to be salt and light rather than comfortable, at-home citizens in a less-than-godly culture.
That’s what Christian schooling is all about, built and sustained on the absolutes of God’s Word and His call to make a difference.
Postmodern Culture 33.5