Postmodernism is characterized by skepticism of objective truth and focus on subjective experiences. It questions traditional systems and values. The document discusses how postmodernism shapes identity and self-reflection, with identity seen as a narrative project and reflection tied to the physical body. Postmodern thinking emphasizes feelings over facts and rejects absolute truths.

2. Post-­‐modernism
defini.on
“Post-­‐modernism,
in
Western
philosophy,
is
a
late
20th-­‐century
movement
characterized
by
broad
skep.cism,
subjec.vism,
or
rela.vism;
a
general
suspicion
of
reason;
and
an
acute
sensi.vity
to
the
role
of
ideology
in
asser.ng
and
maintaining
poli.cal
and
economic
power”.
Encyclopedia
Britannica

3. Modernity
Metaphor:
Microscope
• “I
think,
therefore
I
am”
-­‐-­‐
Descartes
• Reality
is
observable,
dissec.ble,
and
explainable.
• Progress,
trust
in
human
ability,
systems
and
power.

4. Post-­‐modernity
Metaphor:
Kaleidoscope
Reality
• “an
ever-­‐changing
mosaic
of
pieces
of
broken
glass
that
is
beau.ful
when
light
shines
through
it”
Erwin
McManus
• Reality
is
evolving
and
understood
through
brokenness
and
interrela.onships

6. Shaping
the
postmodern
mindset
• Separation
between time and place
(no
rhythm)
globaliza7on,
24
x7,
internet.
• Social disembedding (no
roots)
worldwide
financial
and
other
systems
(no
local
influence
/
context).
• Re-ordering of knowledge and social
relationships (
no
tradi.ons)

7. Consequences
for
“Self”
postmodern
mindset

8. “Self”
and
postmodern
mindset
1. Identity
is
a
reflec.on
project,
for
which
the
individual
him/her
self
carries
the
full
responsibility
2. ‘Self’ is
seen
as
a
narra.ve
(
you
are
the
author
of
your
own
life)
3. Reflection
is
constant
and
prominent
(the
ever
con.nuing
stream
of
the
same
reflec.ve
ques.ons)

9. I
just
only
want
a
cup
of
coffee!!
Just
for
coffee:
512
varia.ons
….
in
3
steps:
1
out
33
drinks,
1
out
3
sizes,
1
out
6
addi.onal
flavors

10. 4. This reflection is
strongly
.ed
to
the
physical
body.
Your
body
is
your
main
compass.
What
do
I
feel
about
this?
The
body
is
the
source
of
informa7on,
something
to
exercise
control
over
and
to
express
yourself
(how
do
I
want
to
look?
Clothing,
make-­‐up,
taNoos,
style,
etc.)

11. This reflection is
strongly
.ed
to
the
physical
body

12. “Self”
and
the
postmodern
mindset
5. Identity formation
is
only
based
on
internal
reflec.ons
(it’s
not
tested
against
an
external
norm).
• There
is
no
master
story
to
direc7on
and
value
to
iden7ty
forma7on
• Life
has
no
higher
purpose-­‐then
self
forma7on
• There
are
no
social
role
models
to
follow

13. Post
modern
characteris.cs
Traditional / Modern emphasis Post modern emphasis
Facts, research, logic Feeling, imagination, speculation,
experience
Trust in absolute truth Rejects absolute truth – construct your own
meaning of things
Traditional religious convictions Spiritual pluralism – your own spiritual
journey
Individualism and personal relations Group relations, interaction, community
Values based on tradition and the Bible Moral relativism –based on feelings
Objective truth
(science, math, history, research)
Rejects objective knowledge. The vacuum is
filled with accumulated insights and
experiences driven by subjective needs
and community processes

14. Post
modern
characteris.cs
2
Traditional / Modern emphasis Post modern emphasis
Follows traditional values Creates own values – no objective good and
bad or sinful
Sexual boundaries from Christian /
religious morale
Leaves it to the individual to chose there own
sexual identity and fulfillment.
Perspective from logic and knowledge Open for the mystical experience and
spiritual exploration
Emphasis on doctrine Emphasis and personal discovery
Trust on systems and structures Suspicion of systems and structures, working
from organism and networks
Cynicism / with drawl from global
problems
Searching for meaning and hope, exploring
possibilities and cooperation
Preference for hierarchy and positional
authority
Authenticity and values define authority and
leadership

15. Barrières

16. Barrières
• Rejec.on
of
the
rigid
a`tude
towards
differences
• Rejec.on
of
the
absolute
truth
à
subjec.vity,
local,
personal
and
contextual
truth
• Inclusive
thinking
and
tolerance
• Informa.on
outside
the
own
experience
is
viewed
as
NOISE
–
desire
for
relevance
• Rejec.on
of
nega.vity,
judgementalism,
and
legalism
• Allergy
for
power
play
of
religion
and
poli.cs
• Not
quickly
commifed
to
tasks
or
posi.ons

17. Opportuni.es
and
Bridges
• Sensi.vity
for
spirituality
• Experimental
spirituality,
i.s.o.
words
• Open
for
mystery
and
parables
• Personal
spirituality
and
discipleship
• Pragma.sm,
what
is
relevant
for
me
• Social
needs
/
searching
for
meaning
• Personal
needs:
emo.onal
/
spiritual
brokenness
• Longing
for
shalom
and
jus.ce
• Desire
to
break
out
from
old
ways
and
forms,
searching
for
new
ways
• Search
for
spiritual
mentors
/
coaches

18. “As
he
approached
Jerusalem
and
saw
the
city,
he
wept
over
it
and
said,
“If
you,
even
you,
had
known
on
this
day
what
would
bring
you
peace…”
-­‐
Luke
19:41

19. “When
He
saw
the
crowds
He
had
compassion
on
them,
because
they
were
harassed
and
helpless,like
sheep
without
a
shepherd.”
Mafhew
9:36-­‐38