How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith: Questioning Truth in Language, Philosophy and Art

by Crystal L. Downing

Thinking that postmodernism is a threat, many Christians take a duck-and-cover approach to dealing with it. But that will not make postmodernism go away. Can Christians learn from postmodern thinkers and their critique of modernism? Yes, says author Crystal L. Downing. Postmodernism should not be judged by some of the problematic practices carried out in its name. In a lively engagement with literature, philosophy and art, Downing introduces readers to what postmodernism is and where it came from, aiming to show how Christians can best understand, critique and even benefit from its insights. She draws on her own experiences as a graduate student and her careful research into this worldview's modernist and artistic origins, the challenges of foundationalism and poststructuralism, and the complexity of relativism. She ends with a challenge to that they not be postmodern in their attitudes towards postmodernism, but instead to "be in the world and not of it" and to extend grace where it is most needed. Downing believes that the challenges, questions and insights of postmodernism can contribute to a deeper and clearer grasp of our faith, as well as providing unique paradigms for sharing the truth of Christ.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Theory, Faith, Theology, Spirituality, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2006

Reviews

[Joel Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Christian overview/intro/interpretation of "postmodernism." Downing brings a breadth of reading and a true depth of understanding. I love her generous posture, and her writing style is absorbing and entertaining. The descriptions of "deconstruction," "social construction" and "relativism" are all outstanding and impressive. A truly special and helpful book that is sadly under-rated. Highly, highly recommended for any Christians wishing to wrap their minds around the postmodern shift from a sympathetic, but willing to be critical, perspective.

[Hannah Cottingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very challenging and interesting book in understanding the modern society in which we live and breath. Postmodernism isn't a choice or a believe, it is just a matter of fact that we live into. This book dives into have we live in that reality while living out our faith.

[Sytse de Jonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book, and very easay and pleasant to read. Contentswise also impressive, indicating a very good knowledge of postmodernism, knowing contemporary work of christian and non-christian authors/philosophers. One of the better books I've read.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for those who are seeking

Downing does a wonderful job explaining not only postmodernism but also how I relates to modernism. Then bring it all together with Christianity, she allows the read to reflect on their belief system in relationship to the world around them.

[Eliezer Sneiderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book that looks at the intersection of Post-Modernism and Religious faith

[James Prothero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Crystal Downing shows us that Postmodernism is not the straw man that conservatives like to beat up on. A tour de force.

[Daniel Schwabauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and readable exploration of postmodernism that explores what it is, what it isn’t, and why understanding both can serve your Christian faith.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith is going to make my "best books of the year" list. It should be a great and appropriate read for anyone interested in an intelligent look at, well, how postmodernism serves faith. In particular, how postmodernism can serve Christianity.

Most books I have read that deal with the issue of Christian faith are either a) way to intelligentsia for me or (much more commonly) b) too simplified and (in general) too suspect of postmodernism. This book is neither. It is smart, yet uncomplicated. The author does a great job striking the perfect balance between being too technical and difficult versus too shallow and strawman-ish. It does a great job explaining the roots of postmodernism, especially in arts and architecture and relating that to the philosophy.

The author gives her personal autobiographical reasons for wanting to learn more about postmodernism, and I find that I too have gone through life experiences which make it appealing to study the intersection of postmodernism and faith. I had hoped that I would find something special and unique to assist me with taking a literal resurrection seriously; the author alluded to this early in the book and got my hopes up. I was not delivered a nice and tidy package, however, but that may be expected from a thought system which prizes the questions as much as the answers. =~) Nevertheless, the personal touch brings a special genuineness and concern for the reader into play.

Not only is the book smart and personal, but the author brings a great writing style to the table as well. She is very fun and playful and (if you couldn't tell from the title) loves to play with words. There are more than a few puns in the pages of the books.

For the casual peruser, chapters four (The Antifoundational Foundations of Postmodernism), six (Building Truth: The Cultural Construction of Knowledge), and eight (Identifying Truth: The Best and Worst of Postmodernism) were especially worth the time.

5/5

Review originally posted on my blog: http://mrsundquist.blogspot.com/2011/...

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

What little values/accuracies Crystal Downing discovered were buried under the weight of her poor writing, redundant and boring style, and the general fact that she did not successfully make her point.

I agreed with a few of her side notes, but the overall premise and emphasized points deviated profoundly from my Christian views.

Now that I am attempting to write a three page paper on the section on relativism, I am realizing how logically flawed and non-sensical this book is. I only have three pages to talk about approx 4 points, but I could spend that long talking about the inconsistency of one.

[Scott Wison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this very interesting, need thinking caps on, for me it was complex considering I am new to post-modernity writing and thoughts.

[Danae Dracht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent recourse on postmodernism from a Christian worldview.