Postmodernism and the Crisis of Truth

In this opening episode of the Truth in a Post-Truth Culture series, Dave Jenkins examines the crisis of truth in modern culture and the growing influence of postmodernism. Many people no longer ask, “Is it true?” Instead, they ask, “Does it work for me?” “How does it make me feel?” or “Is it true for me?”That shift moves truth from something objective and revealed to something personal and constructed. It affects how people think about morality, identity, authority, relationships, and even God. It has also influenced the church, where personal experience, cultural acceptance, and individual interpretation are often elevated above the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.Christians must understand that truth is not created by culture, experience, or feelings. Truth is grounded in the unchanging character of God, revealed in His Word, and ultimately found in Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

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What Is Postmodernism?

At its simplest, postmodernism is skeptical of objective truth. It questions whether anyone can know truth with certainty and challenges the idea that there is one universal truth that applies to every person. Instead, truth is often treated as something shaped by personal experience, culture, language, or individual perspective.This is why statements such as “That is your truth,” “This is my truth,” and “Who are you to tell me what is right?” have become so common. But two contradictory claims cannot both be true in the same sense at the same time. Reality does not change because our feelings, preferences, or opinions change.The Christian worldview begins with God. Because God is the Creator, He defines reality. Because God is holy, He defines morality. Because God is truthful, He reveals truth. Truth is not invented by human beings. It is revealed by God.

How Postmodern Thinking Influences the Church

The church has not been immune from the influence of postmodernism. Instead of first asking, “What does the Word of God teach?” many people ask, “What does this passage mean to me?” But the goal of biblical interpretation is to understand what God intended to communicate through the human author under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Only then can we faithfully apply the text to our lives.When personal meaning replaces the author’s intended meaning, the authority of Scripture begins to erode. Difficult doctrines are softened in the name of relevance. Sin is redefined to sound less confrontational. Repentance is minimized. Love is separated from truth. Yet biblical love never requires us to abandon biblical truth.Experiences, emotions, and feelings are real, but they are not infallible. Every experience must be interpreted in light of God’s Word. Every feeling must be evaluated by Scripture. Every claim must be tested against divine revelation, because Scripture, not experience, is the final authority for faith and practice.

Scripture Is the Foundation of Truth

Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” God’s Word does not merely contain truth. It is truth. It is the standard by which every belief, experience, philosophy, and worldview must be evaluated.Postmodernism says truth is constructed. Scripture says truth is revealed. Postmodernism says authority comes from within. Scripture says authority comes from God. Postmodernism says truth changes with culture. God’s Word stands forever.The gospel itself rests upon objective truth. Jesus Christ truly came into the world, lived a sinless life, died in the place of sinners, and rose bodily from the grave. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile. Christianity is not merely meaningful if someone believes it. It is true because it is grounded in the historical person and saving work of Jesus Christ.

Standing Firm in a Post-Truth Culture

The answer to a post-truth culture is not fear, retreat, anger, or simply louder arguments. The answer is faithful confidence in the God who has spoken.Christians must know the Word of God, renew their minds by the Word of God, and speak the truth in love. We do not compromise truth, but neither do we weaponize it. God has graciously revealed Himself to us, and that should produce both conviction and humility.Culture changes, but God does not. Opinions change, but God’s truth does not. Feelings change, but God’s promises do not. The gospel remains the power of God unto salvation. As believers, our confidence is anchored in the unchanging God who has spoken through His Son and in His written Word.