How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith: Questioning Truth in Language, Philosophy and Art [Paperback]

Crystal L. Downing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2006

Thinking that postmodernism is a threat, many Christians take a duck-and-cover approach to dealing with it. But that will not make postmodernism go away. Can Christians learn from postmodern thinkers and their critique of modernism? Yes, says author Crystal L. Downing. Postmodernism should not be judged by some of the problematic practices carried out in its name. In a lively engagement with literature, philosophy and art, Downing introduces readers to what postmodernism is and where it came from, aiming to show how Christians can best understand, critique and even benefit from its insights. She draws on her own experiences as a graduate student and her careful research into this worldview's modernist and artistic origins, the challenges of foundationalism and poststructuralism, and the complexity of relativism. She ends with a challenge to Christians: that they not be postmodern in their attitudes towards postmodernism, but instead to "be in the world and not of it" and to extend grace where it is most needed. Downing believes that the challenges, questions and insights of postmodernism can contribute to a deeper and clearer grasp of our faith, as well as providing unique paradigms for sharing the truth of Christ.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Downing, a professor of English at Messiah College, explains what postmodernism is and why Christians shouldn't fear it; indeed, postmodernism can help Christians articulate, experience and embrace faith. For example, postmodern challenges to foundationalism can help Christians move beyond an Enlightenment-based focus on the reasonableness of Christianity and toward a trust of the Incarnate God. Postmodernism also offers Christians new tools for discussing the age-old problem of scriptural inconsistency. Downing, however, is not an uncritical apologist for postmodernism. In a concluding chapter, she raises some concerns: postmodernism has "failed to conceptualize a transcendent Other," and that Other—God—is central to Christianity. The chapter on the arts is sure to distinguish Downing's account from pomo Christian books more narrowly focused on philosophy and theology. Downing deserves kudos for writing about abstruse topics in lucid and clear prose; no one will breeze through this book, but Downing has done everything possible to open up academic concepts to thoughtful readers. Well-placed autobiographical vignettes help illustrate technical arguments from literary theory. While the cutesy postmodern parentheticals—as in the titular "(My)," or in "Opening a (La)can of Worms"—are a bit much, on the whole, this is a winsome introduction to postmodernism. (June)
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Review

"I never thought I'd describe a book about po-mo theory as exciting--but this book is. Crystal Downing not only explains where postmodern theory came from and what its aims are but, more important, shows how postmodern theory can help articulate a Christianity free from modernist assumptions. This is the single most helpful introduction to postmodernism I've read." (Lauren F. Winner, author of Girl Meets God and Real Sex )

"Shortly after a few of us started using the word postmodern, the term in the hands of some became a club--a blunt instrument used to intimidate, insult or exclude (one way or another). Thankfully, thoughtful and articulate scholars like Crystal Downing are now stepping forward, providing nuanced reflection so more charitable dialogue can prevail. Her treatment of relativism alone is worth the price of the book. Highly recommended." (Brian McLaren, author/activist (brianmclaren.net) )

"Crystal Downing provides us with a wonderfully personal glimpse into the ways in which postmodernism has served to deepen her faith. Drawing in the reader through everyday vignettes, Downing shows that postmodernism isn't necessarily the 'dangerous' entity that so many evangelicals take it to be. Of course, Downing in no way uncritically accepts all things postmodern. Rather she deftly guides the reader through the positive contributions--and pitfalls--of postmodernism. Although Downing writes on postmodernism in terms of her own faith journey, I suspect that many readers will readily identify with that journey, and find that postmodernism likewise serves their faith." (Bruce Ellis Benson, associate professor of philosophy, Wheaton College, and author of Graven Ideologies: Nietzsche, Derrida and Marion on Modern Idolatry )

"Crystal Downing has provided a wonderful resource for those who are wrestling with the challenges of relating their Christian commitments to postmodernity. In a personal and winsome style, she invites readers to consider the ways in which her own critical and constructive engagement with postmodern thought has served to strengthen and deepen her faith. In so doing she has marked out a clear path for others to follow and produced one of the most enjoyable and helpful books currently available on postmodernism and its implications for Christian faith." (John R. Franke, professor of theology, Biblical Seminary )

"Crystal Downing has written a superb exposition of postmodernism for Christians, utilizing personal experience, concrete examples and a delightful literary style. She explains complex ideas without oversimplification, while clearly having fun with language. This book will go a long way toward dispelling unnecessary fears concerning the bogeyman of postmodernism, while demonstrating its positive value for thoughtful Christians." (J. Richard Middleton, associate professor of biblical studies, Roberts Wesleyan College )

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (May 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830827587
• ISBN-13: 978-0830827589
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #774,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." ~Einstein, June 29, 2006

By 

Gene B. Chase (Grantham, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith: Questioning Truth in Language, Philosophy and Art (Paperback)

What distinguishes Downing's book from fourscore others explaining postmodernism to Christians? She practices what she preaches. She preaches that language is a servant not a master; she is a master of oration. She preaches that truth is inseparable from the personal; she weaves her personal narrative into an engaging account. Her goal is to "celebrate deconstruction of the reason/faith binary," "inspired by C. S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers." (138) She succeeds.

Downing's book illustrates Chase's theorem: "Things are more complicated than they seem, even after taking into account Chase's theorem." A children's Halloween story opens up into a sophisticated discussion of relativism. Children's construction paper towers first become transparent, then represent the Tower of Babel, and finally the Twin Towers destroyed on September 11. Downing has surveyed mountains of postmodern resources both primary and secondary, here converting intimidating mounts into inspiring montages.

Downing has exposed a secret more arcane than a DaVinci code: Academics is fun. Consider this, delivered with deadpan humor. "Note the dictionary definition of relativism. ... of course other dictionaries may define it differently." (185) Too many other explainers of postmodernism take themselves too seriously. A labyrinth can be fun; a labyrinth can be a prayer path. A labyrinth does not have to be a formal English garden. This book is both fun and a prayer path.

Take a leaf from Dante, whose Comedy Dorothy L. Sayers translates. If you're going to explain heaven and hell, write poetically. If you're going to go there, take a poet as a guide. And for heaven's sake, write in the language of the common people! Thank you, Crystal Downing, for doing that.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent job about describing the post-modernism's influence on the Christian message, November 5, 2006

By 

Yung Joon Kim "Ted" (Seoul, Korea) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith: Questioning Truth in Language, Philosophy and Art (Paperback)

In order to describe Postmodernism, one has to first explain what Modernism was -- since Postmodernism is something that comes after Modernism. In fact, until I read this book, I was not sure about what Modernism was, let alone what Postmodernism was. The author of this book does a superb job elucidating the entangled relationship between Modernism and Postmodernism, and their relationship to Christian faith. As the author points out, there is no one singular definition of Postmodernism, since it is a phenomenon that envelops art, literature, music as well as philosophy. I think Postmodernism is something that you FEEL, rather than THINK. So it is terribly difficult to describe what it is, let alone explain its relationship to Christianity. Nevertheless it is a task somebody has to accomplish in order to equip Christian apologetics in this Postmodern era. But I had one question as I was reading this book: if Postmodernism can be defined, for the sake of simplicity, as "Any Way You Make It," and it can aid our Christian faith, does it mean that the Christian truth is also any way you make it? I think not. We believe in absolute truth, and it is written in the Bible and capsulated in the person of Jesus Christ. It is not negotiable and not open to any twists and turns of human interprepation. However, I agree with the author that, in so far as Postmodernism destroys the tower of skepticism that Modernists had set up so high, Postmodernism can help our Christian faith and advocacy.

7 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, but inclusive, December 4, 2006

By 

A. Blake White (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith: Questioning Truth in Language, Philosophy and Art (Paperback)

Downing is an excellent writer making postmodern philosophy very accessible. Another plus is she has interacted with the primary sources. Too many evangelicals just read critiques by other evangelicals. Downing has spent some time with postmodern writers. Much of the book was helpful. She shows that postmodernisms exposing of the flaws of modernism has served our faith. This is very true in many ways, but Downing goes too far the other way. She leans toward inclusivism, which is a very tempting thing to do in today's postmodern culture in order to not offend, and remain respectable. The problem is the biblical worldview will not allow it. Christians must build their worldview from Scripture, as unpopluar as this may be. You just can't mix worldviews and remain faithful to both. I would reccomend Veith's 'Postmodern Times' then this one.