Protestantism

» pink101 - Difficult Subject

.
Postmodernism is a difficult subject of study.
.
I am, only recently, beginning to get a handle on it. I doubt that very many people who stand up against it have the slightest idea of what it is and of how they are a part of it. Some do, of course.
.
I think the subject is worthy of its own thread. Even so, it is easy to see that this site is in the death throws for want of participation. It may~~yet~~experience a revival. We shall see.
.
I think I have learned enough about the subject of postmodernism to discuss it with anyone. Being far from expert in my understanding, I have a basic grasp and can see the problem areas where some people kick against it.
.
It would be good to see some concrete criticism.
.

-- posted by pink101

» Migisi - Dead topic?

In response to Difficult Subject posted by pink101:
.
Even so, it is easy to see that this site is in the death throws for want of participation. It may~~yet~~experience a revival. We shall see.
.
Participation has been dropping off dramatically since Suite closed the general forum, and lost a lot of good topic moderators/writers. Sad. But all things must pass.
.
Perhaps we're just in the wrong topic to discuss social issues, government history, the constitution, elections/politics, war, etc.? I thank Brian for allowing it, but what other participants would choose "Protestantism" for such discussions. IF we could find a more suitable (and active) topic, we could go there? And invite Brian to join us on those issues?
.
Frankly, after all the years I've spent discussing religion here, it's gotten old. I've lost interest and passion for it. What more can be said, after it's all been said a hundred times before?
.
Let me know if you go elsewhere on Suite, and I'll meet you there.

-- posted by Migisi

» pink101 - Dead topic?

In response to Dead topic? posted by Migisi:
.
I have found a good site; but, I'm not sure it is going to last. The format is not the same as here at Suite101 which has the best as far as I'm concerned. But, check it out for yourself. Here it is: http://dixienet.org/rebellion/rebellion.... You will have to experiment with it to find your way around.
.
Some phenomenon seems to be happening to discourse right now. I'm not sure about what it is.
.
But, postmodernism as a subject is very appropriate to discuss in a site for protestantism.
.
There is little doubt that the devout of Christianity are in opposition to it as an era.
.
I'll be back later--things to do and people to see.
.

-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - Repeating from Other Thread

In response to Difficult Subject posted by pink101:

Pink, since you've brought the issue of postmodernism into a thread on its own here, I'll repeat my statement from a different but related discussion...

To the extent that postmodernism challenges us to look again at some of our assumptions and/or to approach life from different perspectives, it has been very helpful and has contributed much to our society.

To the extent that postmodernism, however, has caused us to question knowledge and truth themselves, it has become very dangerous.

I categorically reject the notion that it is impossible to acquire and/or to possess knowledge. Obviously, a person can't possess ALL knowledge. No human being is all-knowing, but human beings can know SOME things. And some things are indeed known.

» Brian Tubbs - Book Recommendation

For anyone interested in the subject of postmodernism, I strongly recommend the following book...

Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism by Douglas R. Groothuis

http://www.amazon.com/Truth-Decay-Christ...

» Brian Tubbs - Ravi Z on Postmodernism

Ravi Zacharias, one of the most brilliant apologists for Christianity, has written a nice, albeit brief refutation of postmodernism...

http://www.rzim.org/slice/slicetran.php?...

» pink101 - Kicking Against The Barbs

In response to Ravi Z on Postmodernism posted by BrianTubbs:

.
Reality is a difficult thing to proclaim.
.
But, one thing is for real, we have come to a time in civilization's history wherein the story that we are improving and moving toward better and better social conditions no longer holds water. Plus, we are learning that what was true yesterday isn't necessarily true today and probably will be replaced with some better knowledge tomorrow. The times--they are a changing!
.
For want of a better word, some philosophers have tagged this time with the title, postmodernity. That which comes after modernity which was so strongly in step with the idea that society was constantly on the grow for better and better things and that science was beginning to add up its knowledge to a state of total truth.
.
NOT!!
.
To kick against the idea that postmodern is here or to act like complaining about it will make it go away is to end up with bloody toes.
.
The best thing we can do is to accept it as a fact of life. And, rather than question its existence, we will do better to question our old values and to enter into dialog toward over coming our differences based on the past grand narratives for which we have given so much weight.
.
We MUST learn the truth and that is not going to come to us if we continue kicking against the evidence that tells us what we have depended on is shaky ground. We have to stop arguing with each other as a people. We must look for common ground.
.
Instead of telling each other stories about pie in the sky, we need to develop a desire toward erudition.
.
I think each and every one of us has something of value to add.
.
It takes courage to face an uncertain future; but, it is what we must do. We can't get into a good future holding our breath in the hopes that the old stories will carry the day.
.

-- posted by pink101

» pink101 - The Apostle Paul

.
I think the apostle Paul is one of the most important philosophers of Western Civilization.
.
And, one of the most undervalued of all time.
.
He represents a particular type of thinking that allows us to see ourselves in a most unusual way--that of change agent--you and me--the reader and the author.
.
The apostle Paul took what had been and turned it around to be something new. Yes, he promoted his views as they came to him through the messages put out by Jesus--no doubt including divine inspiration. I agree with that. But, the Pauline Gospel is specific and it is different from what might have been had it not been for his philosophy on life which has to do with transcendence, i.e., getting beyond where we find ourselves--you and me.
.
Postmodernism offers us the opportunity to do just that. Instead, we have so many of us kicking against the barbs just like Paul did early on--you and me.
.
Postmodernism has~~within it~~opportunities to help each one of us be change agents--you and me.
.
There are ideas in postmodernism that just don't exist in modernism.
.

-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - The Apostle Paul

In response to The Apostle Paul posted by pink101:

You over-value postmodernism and under-value its predecessors. And you're making some blanket assumptions about postmodernism that just aren't so.

Postmodernism has its strengths. I have acknowledged those. I believe my perspective on postmodernism is sober-minded and balanced. I appreciate what it has to offer, but I'm also aware of the dangers it presents - if taken too far.

» pink101 - A Thorn In Our Side

In response to The Apostle Paul posted by BrianTubbs:
.
I think I see your mistake.
.
It appears that you see postmodernism as some objective philosophy or ideology of life.
.
It is neither; but, it is an evolving condition--an era in which we are living.
.
You wrote, I believe my perspective on postmodernism is sober-minded and balanced. I appreciate what it has to offer, but I'm also aware of the dangers it presents - if taken too far.
.
Sober-minded? I suppose so; but, also unrealistic due to the comments I made in opening this post.
.
IT, as you say, is LIFE in the fast lane itself, And, yes, it is dangerous--I have no doubts about that.
.
So, it is going to take courage for us to face it. That's what it took for the apostle Paul--courage.
.
Until and unless we are able to face up to the realities of the moment, we're going to be kicking at the barbs--we will have a thorn in our side that keeps us from transcending our present condition.
.

-- posted by pink101