Postmodernism is a way of thinking that developed in the late 20th century as a reaction to modernism. While modernism promoted the idea of progress, science, and objective truth, postmodernism questions whether these things can ever truly be known. Instead, postmodernism emphasizes relativism—the belief that what’s true for one person might not be true for another. This idea has influenced every part of culture, from art and media to how people think about religion and faith.

For Christians, postmodernism has had a profound impact. It has changed how many people see God, truth, and even how churches operate. Let’s explore how postmodernism has affected culture and why it has made evangelism and even relationships between generations more challenging.

Postmodernism and Deconstruction in the Church

One of the major ways postmodernism has influenced Christianity is through the concept of deconstruction. Deconstruction is when someone starts to question and take apart what they believe, often because they’re trying to reconcile their faith with the culture around them. While it’s not always a bad thing to ask hard questions, postmodernism often leads to a place where people don’t rebuild their faith after taking it apart.

This deconstruction can leave people feeling lost, unsure of what to believe anymore. For some, it leads them to walk away from the church entirely, as they no longer believe in one clear truth or a single way to God. This is deeply tied to postmodernism’s skepticism toward absolute truths—the idea that there is one universal truth for everyone, which is at the core of Christian teaching.

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV). In a postmodern world, however, many people reject this exclusive claim. Instead, they believe that every person has their own “truth,” which makes it harder for some to accept that Jesus is the only way to salvation.

The Challenge of Evangelism in a Postmodern Culture

Because postmodernism teaches that truth is subjective, sharing the gospel becomes more difficult. In the past, evangelism often involved presenting people with the truth of Jesus Christ and inviting them to respond. Today, however, many people don’t believe there is such a thing as one “truth.” They might say, “That’s true for you, but not for me,” which makes it harder for Christians to communicate the need for salvation.

This shift also means that people are more likely to question the authority of the Bible. In postmodern thinking, the Bible is often seen as just one of many religious texts, not the divinely inspired Word of God. This mindset can lead to confusion and even rejection of Christian teaching, making it harder for believers to share their faith with those who have embraced postmodern ideas.

As Christians, we believe in the Great Commission, where Jesus calls His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). But in a culture that doesn’t believe in one way to God, this task becomes more complex. Christians must find ways to engage people where they are, showing them the love of Christ in both word and action, while also standing firm in the belief that Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

How Postmodernism Has Widened the Generation Gap

Another significant way postmodernism has affected culture is by widening the generation gap between older and younger Christians. Older generations were often raised with the belief that truth is knowable and that certain values—like hard work, faith in God, and respect for authority—are universal. In contrast, younger generations who grew up with postmodern ideas are more likely to question these beliefs and view truth as something that can be different for everyone.

This difference in worldview can cause misunderstandings between generations. For example, older Christians might be more focused on following clear biblical principles, while younger Christians might emphasize personal experience and feelings. This can lead to tension in families and churches, where people struggle to understand each other’s perspectives.

To bridge this gap, it’s important for Christians to have open, respectful conversations about faith and truth. Older generations can share the wisdom they’ve gained from a lifetime of following Christ, while younger generations can bring fresh insights into how to reach a world influenced by postmodernism. Ultimately, the church needs both perspectives to thrive and remain relevant in today’s world.

How to talk to young people today

When engaging young people who have been influenced by postmodern thinking, it’s important to approach the conversation with empathy and an open mind. Here’s a good strategy:

Start by building trust and finding common ground. Young people shaped by postmodernism value personal experiences and individual perspectives. Instead of immediately presenting absolute truths, begin by listening to their thoughts and experiences. Ask open-ended questions like, “What has shaped your views on truth?” or “How do you decide what’s true for you?” This shows you are genuinely interested in their perspective and opens the door for meaningful dialogue.

Next, focus on stories and relationships. Since postmodernism often emphasizes subjective experiences, sharing your own personal testimony of faith and how it has impacted your life can be more effective than relying on abstract arguments. Explain how your relationship with Jesus has shaped your understanding of truth, rather than starting with doctrinal statements. Personal stories resonate more with postmodern thinkers because they align with the value placed on individual experiences.

Finally, introduce the idea of objective truth gradually. Acknowledge that while personal experiences matter, they don’t always offer the full picture. You can gently introduce the concept that truth isn’t just about personal interpretation by asking questions like, “If everyone has their own truth, how do we deal with conflicts between them?” or “Is it possible that some truths exist outside of our personal experiences?” This approach encourages critical thinking without immediately challenging their worldview.

By combining respect, curiosity, and gentle reasoning, you can encourage deeper conversations that help bridge the gap between postmodern thinking and Christian truth.

Conclusion

Postmodernism has dramatically shaped the way people think about truth, faith, and community. It has led some to deconstruct their beliefs, made evangelism more challenging by promoting relativism, and widened the gap between generations. As Christians, we are called to live in this world without conforming to it (Romans 12:2). This means standing firm in our faith while finding new ways to engage a culture that often rejects absolute truth.

How has postmodernist thinking affected your beliefs or your relationships? Did you know that this questioning of everything had a name?