Postmodern Mind and Authenticity

Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 Posted: 5:18:46PM HKT

We live in a world saturated by simulations from learning to drive a car to flying an air-craft. Simulations are replicas produced by the media, advertising, television, motion pictures and anything that influences our daily lives. Every day, as we travel from home to offices, to schools etc, we encounter these simulations. whether listening to a radio, watching a television programme or even surfing the Internet, we see and hear catchy phrases and signs, trying to entice us with the latest eateries and products. none of these things are real, in themselves, but symbols or signs for something else. Today models and super stars live to demonstrate that the only physical beauty is created by plastic surgery, the only urban beauty by landscape horticulturist, and now, with genetic engineering, comes cloning for the whole human species. these simulations have invaded our consciousness so greatly that we confuse the virtual with the real. Can we then conclude that by using reason and critical thinking we can overcome this deception?what is troubling the Christian Church today is that our current generation is so hyped with activities and movement, every second flashes by with rush of adrenaline as a validation of their existence in our world. Body-piercing, tattooing, talk-shows, MTV, giant video screens at all kinds of events or concerts, celebrity worship, surround-sound, virtual reality, self-help manuals, crystal ball, mysticism and fad diets, these things could all find a place in the attempts for recognition. Postmodernism is characterised by uncertainty about what can be known and by moral relativism (consider the “whatever” attitude). Postmodern people yearn for experience; authenticity; genuine relationships; wholism in worship and life; mystery, wonder and awe in personal and communal spirituality; service to those in need; and relevant stories that help make sense of their own stories.Churches today try to become “Postmodern”. With the falling attendance on Sunday worship, our failing Churches, and our growing concern for the future has created a phobic-reaction against the possibility of mediocrity and are willing to forgo traditions or anything that looks trendy in order to boost our attendance. We give into any fad or gimmick that will fill the pews. Watch out! this generation does not want to be entertained; so much as they want to be engaged. they desire intimacy, high touch and low-tech experiences. how easily we fall trap into just replacing one simulation of the ministry with another! We need to intentionally move our next generation to “listening for God.” just as John Stott warns the frightening possibility to do ministry without God, a constant challenge for anyone seeking God’s work. Christian leaders must constantly check our intentions to keep them in line with God’s. The consumer mindset is designed to give us what we want. We want branded goods and are ready to pay anything for it. it may be faked, plastic, but who cares?

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Tan Cheng Huat Christian Post Guest Columnist

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<a href="http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase/editorial/692/section/1.htmtag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase/editorial/692/section/1.htmFri, 25 Feb 2011 09:24:03 GMT 00:00″>Postmodern Mind and Authenticity