Whose truth?

 

In today's world, truth is up for grabs. As the new postmodern world view takes root and grows, more and more of our children and teens live as if there are no moral absolutes. Instead, behaviors are guided by the belief that "I can do whatever I want! After all, who's to say I'm wrong and you're right?" Truth is left to the individual as we each decide for ourselves what is right and wrong.

 

One of the most thorough and compelling treatments of this growing crisis comes from Douglas Groothuis in his book, Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against The Challenges Of Postmodernism (InterVarsity Press, 2000. ISBN 0-8308-2228-3). Groothuis provide a helpful description of the basic tenets of the postmodern world view and sets out to show why postmodernism's dispensing of truth is bad news for Christian endeavors.

 

As one who continues to study the postmodern world view and its effects on our values, attitudes and behaviors, I have been somewhat troubled by the readiness of some Christians—particularly many involved in ministering to youth and young adults—to seemingly accept without question so many postmodern tenets. Yes, postmodernism contains some truthful and helpful insights. But all of us who care about kids—ministers, parents and teachers alike—would do well to dig through Truth Decay to see how some of postmodernism's basic tenets are both intellectually flawed, and hostile to the Biblical idea of truth and a Christian world and life view.

 

Granted, Groothuis draws richly from his background in philosophy. This is a book that will require you to think. But prayerfully thinking through the issues is the most responsible and timely approach those of us who love kids need to take. Walk with Groothuis through his book and you won't be disappointed. And when you get to the end, you won't want to miss his helpful and challenging appendix: "Television—Agent of Truth Decay."

                       

—Walt Mueller