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Is Truth Really Plural? Postmodernism in Full Flower
Albert Mohler
Author, Speaker, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
The question of truth stands at the very center of the postmodern challenge. As with any major shift in human thinking, postmodernism comes packaged with both positive and negative elements. Positively, the general worldview of postmodernism reminds us that we are deeply embedded in cultural and linguistic systems that shape and influence our thinking. Furthermore, postmodernism can provide a corrective to epistemological arrogance -- the tendency to claim premature finality for our thought and truth claims.
On the other hand, the negative dimensions of the postmodern turn are often deeply subversive of the very concept of truth. Indeed, the rejection of truth in any knowable and objective form is one of the greatest challenges postmodernism presents to the Christian faith. The questions raised by postmodernism can lead to the development of a healthy and faithful epistemological humility. On the other hand, the more general effect of postmodernism has been to insinuate a very dangerous epistemological humility that can undermine confidence that any truth can actually be known.
In recent years, John R. Franke, a professor at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, has been among the foremost proponents of the embrace of a postmodern worldview. A major figure in the emergent church, Franke has been a significant critic of modern evangelicalism. In his new book, Manifold Witness: The Plurality of Truth, Franke offers an argument that pushes the postmodern envelope and offers what amounts to a completely new way of understanding truth. Truth, Franke argues, is inherently plural.
Franke's new book is part of the "Living Theology" series published by Abingdon Press in cooperation with Emergent Village. The book deserves close attention, for it presents a vision of truth we are sure to confront in years to come.
From the onset, Franke speaks honestly of his frustration when asked about his understanding of truth. "Personally I will admit that I am beginning to find the question more than a little annoying," he states. Franke forcefully insists that he does believe in truth, but manifold witness presents an understanding of truth that amounts to postmodernism in full force.
Is Christianity Pluralist?
Helpfully, Franke sets out his thesis early in the book. He begins with the argument that the Christian church has embraced pluriform truth claims and then argues that the Christian faith "is inherently and irreducibly pluralist." As he explains, "The diversity of the Christian faith is not, as some approaches to church and theology might seem to suggest, a problem that needs to be overcome. Instead, this diversity is part of the divine design and intention for the Church as the image of God and the body of Christ in the world. Christian plurality is a good thing, not something that needs to be struggled against and overturned."
Most Recent User Comments
Bill_Samuel
11/9/2009 10:09 AM
Obviously Franke strays from evangelical orthodoxy. But evangelical orthodoxy suffers from tending to make an idol of the Bible. In attempting to make the Bible the absolute standard, it is caught in the dilemma of not being faithful to the Biblical tradition.
Think of the long tradition of Talmudic commentary and midrash. Read the gospels carefully. It is those in his day whose approach most resembles evangelical orthodoxy that that Jesus is most critical of. And look at how he identifies a Samaritan, by definition a religious heretic, when asked what is needed to inherit eternal life. Note that the early church community quickly accepted 4 different gospels as "true" even though they take somewhat different approaches - couldn't this be fairly described as a pluralistic view?
Look at where Paul tells churches to accept different views. There is a degree in pluralism in Paul.
Think of the long tradition of Talmudic commentary and midrash. Read the gospels carefully. It is those in his day whose approach most resembles evangelical orthodoxy that that Jesus is most critical of. And look at how he identifies a Samaritan, by definition a religious heretic, when asked what is needed to inherit eternal life. Note that the early church community quickly accepted 4 different gospels as "true" even though they take somewhat different approaches - couldn't this be fairly described as a pluralistic view?
Look at where Paul tells churches to accept different views. There is a degree in pluralism in Paul.
Grover42
11/5/2009 12:09 PM
Al,
Your article is absolutely correct in my opinion.
Franke seems all too willing to use 'truth(s)' in every situation. To pluralize the singular is a faulty hermeneutic. We can all agree that there are many truths in the body of Scripture, but the BODY of Scripture must be emphasized here. Perhaps I've oversimplified the case, but how else may we interpret Scripture? Postmodernism is slowly permeating our churches; it is reminiscent of the 'Downgrade Controversy' of Spurgeon's time. May it fail miserably lest our gospel witness is further diminished.
Your article is absolutely correct in my opinion.
Franke seems all too willing to use 'truth(s)' in every situation. To pluralize the singular is a faulty hermeneutic. We can all agree that there are many truths in the body of Scripture, but the BODY of Scripture must be emphasized here. Perhaps I've oversimplified the case, but how else may we interpret Scripture? Postmodernism is slowly permeating our churches; it is reminiscent of the 'Downgrade Controversy' of Spurgeon's time. May it fail miserably lest our gospel witness is further diminished.
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Valerie Caraotta