Haase_UZ_x007E_DTh (2).pdf - South African Theological Seminary

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Chapter V
A Christian Response to Postmoderns
How can Christians respond to the relativistic, pluralistic and nihilistic penchants of
the postmoderns It should help to remember that Christianity has endured many
challenges over the centuries, including other periods of intensive pluralism and
relativism -- most notably the early church period under Rome, and the Caesar cults. The
Apostle Paul’s ministry was fully immersed in a pluralistic and relativistic social
environment, where the church was challenged all around, but also prospered
enormously. Indeed, Christianity outlived the once mighty Roman Empire.
Perhaps an old axiom is helpful here: one can accomplish more using a carrot, than a
stick. Put another way, love accomplishes more than the anger of religious zealots and
Pharisaical finger pointing. As David Bosch suggests: “We cannot possibly dialogue
with or witness to people if we resent their presence or the views they hold” (Bosch,
1992:483).
The Christian response to all challenges must always be rooted in the love… but the
truth of God can never be forsaken. This tension between love and truth seems an
impossible balance at times, but we must strive to attain it, as the Spirit of God empowers
His own to do so. The focus must always be on Jesus (cf., 1Co. 1:23), not the brokenness
and shortcomings of other people. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily
ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne
of God” (Heb. 12:1-2). Our example, focus and hope, is Christ alone. Vision produces
discipline, and the true disciple of Christ is so committed to Him that they are motivated
to suffer and die, if necessary, to honour Him.
University of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa