Who's Afraid of Postmodernism? (The Church and Postmodern Culture): Taking Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault to ChurchThe philosophies of French thinkers Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault form the basis for postmodern thought and are seemingly at odds with the Christian faith. However, James K. A. Smith claims that their ideas have been misinterpreted and actually have a deep affinity with central Christian claims. Each chapter opens with an illustration from a recent movie and concludes with a case study considering recent developments in the church that have attempted to respond to the postmodern condition, such as the "emerging church" movement. These case studies provide a concrete picture of how postmodern ideas can influence the way Christians think and worship. This significant book, winner of a Christianity Today 2007 Book Award, avoids philosophical jargon and offers fuller explanation where needed. It is the first book in the Church and Postmodern Culture series, which provides practical applications for Christians engaged in ministry in a postmodern world. |
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LibraryThing Review
User Review - deusvitae - LibraryThingA charitable interpretation of Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault by a noted Christian philosopher. The author begins with a general overview of postmodernism and these three philosophers. He then ... Read full review
Bogeyman?
User Review - Russ - Christianbook.comSmith has delivered a good primer with his treatment of Postmodernism as (1) he “unpacks it” (i.e., provides guiding explanations, etc.) and (2) shows why rather than being the “bogeyman” of the ... Read full review
Contents
9 | |
15 | |
Nothing outside the Text? Derrida Deconstruction | 31 |
Where Have All the Metanarratives Gone? Lyotard | 59 |
Foucault and | 81 |
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affirmation ancient autonomous become begins believe biblical body called catholic chapter Chief Christ Christian faith claim commitment condition confession consider context creation critical critique culture deconstruction Derrida described determinate disciplinary discipline discussion domination emerging church engagement Enlightenment evangelical event Everett experience fact formation Foucault give given gospel Grand Rapids hand human ideas images incarnational individuals instance institutions interpretation John kind knowledge language legitimation Leonard liberal look Lyotard material matter means metanarratives modern myth narrative notes notion objective Paikea particular philosophy postmodern church practices prison question Radical Radical Orthodoxy reading reality reason recognize rejection relations religion religious requires revelation role Scripture seems seen sense shape simply society space Spirit story suggest term theology theory things thought tion tradition true truth ultimately understanding University worship