JACKSON, Tenn. — June 21, 2001 — As a postmodernist society develops and changes, so must the way the Christian message is shared, according to Harry Lee Poe, professor of faith and culture at 51社区 and the author of the newly published book, Christian Witness in a Postmodern World.
鈥淢any Christians have become alarmed by the changing culture that has been called postmodernity,鈥� said Poe, 鈥渁 belief in the absence of truth. However, while we are in a period of tremendous change, this outcome is in no way a settled matter.鈥�
In his book, Poe identifies nine characteristics of this changing culture. He says that while there has been a rejection of certain features in western culture, the younger generation has not necessarily rejected Jesus Christ because they鈥檝e never been exposed to him. Poe suggests ways in which the gospel actually answers much of the longing of the postmodern generation.
鈥淲hat they鈥檙e longing for is a sense of wholeness鈥or some basis of peace. For instance, in their rejection of authority, they have really not seen any authority worth following 鈥� but what we find is that when this younger generation is converted, the songs that they sing actually praise the authority of Jesus Christ 鈥� what they鈥檙e searching for is a worthy authority,鈥� asserts Poe.
Christian Witness in a Postmodern World is published by Abingdon Press and is available at Lifeway Christian Stores, Cokesbury Bookstores, and Amazon.Com.