Concluding Comments

Linford Stutzman¹

Assistant Professor of Culture and Mission, Eastern Mennonite University

Everything we say that is contradictory is "true." The power to control truth has shifted. We as Christians no longer have a monopoly on controlling truth. "Truth," and who controls it, determines who has power and authority. We must move from a monopoly understanding to a free-market understanding.

During premodern times, the church defined theology and had the monopoly on truth. This period was marked by confidence. With the rise of modernism, the monopoly for defining truth shifted from the church to the academy: to the universities, to philosophy, and to science. The distinguishing mark of this period was optimism. Between 1600 and 1850, over 6,000 books were published on the topic of "utopia."

Since 1950, there have been no "utopias" published. The postmodern world in which we are now living is characterized by deconstruction of the previous two eras. Postmodernity shows no control of truth. It is a period that is tentative and dystopian. Truth exists locally—it cannot be stated for others. Groups of "truth" exist in the midst of other statements of "truth."

There are three levels of postmodernity that impact Anabaptists:

This level is marked by deconstruction of language and story to demonstrate they offer a system of structure and control. It is marked by literary criticism, critical thinking, suspicion, and political correctness. Some radical feminist views come from this perspective. But despite its emancitory talk, it has nothing to offer. Some Anabaptists have made an effort to deconstruct Anabaptist truth, equating, for example, the word "sin" with violence and suggesting that it be avoided. Yet they have offered nothing to replace it.

The New Age Movement is a religious postmodern emphasis based on personal, autonomous themes. It focuses on the concepts of personal divinity, freedom, and self-realization. Anabaptists have resisted making authoritative statements, which has led to an inability to say anything that may make one appear to be intolerant. Churches have become ethnic enclaves for some groups but have been exclusive of other groups. Freedom as a matter of choice makes it difficult to say anything universal.

MTV, television talk shows, music, nihilism, naturalism, existentialism—all together form a part of the culture of a worldview. Postmodernism is not itself a worldview but a collection of worldviews. Theism is deemed oppressive and intolerant. The movie Titanic is a postmodern movie, illustrating the demise of technology and modernism. At the popular level, the emphasis is on what a person "thinks" (the world of opinions) rather than on what that person "believes" (the world of truth). Choice is a sacred rite.

Anabaptist responses have ranged from being "wimps" to being "thugs"—from coexistence to trying to convince people strongly and loudly. What is needed is a third approach: a Christian hegemony following the example of the early Anabaptists. They exerted influence without force but with a powerful apologetic. In a free market, we can compete and win because Jesus has a monopoly on truth—he is truth. He is the way of emancipation, and the church can demonstrate that way. We can confess locally that Jesus is the universal truth so that people may "see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Stutzman recommended three books on the subject:

Rodney Clapp, A Peculiar People: The Church as Culture in a Post-Christian Society. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Darrell L. Guder, et.al. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998.

George Hunsberger and Craig Van Gelder, eds. The Church Between Gospel and Culture: The Emerging Mission in North America. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996.

¹ Linford Stutzman was asked to sit on the panel of presenters to represent the Mennonite Church due to the absence of one of the presenters. Thus, he did not prepare a presentation in advance. At the conclusion of the presentations, he shared several insights summarized here by Ronald W. Waters, editor of the booklet.

Taken from Anabaptist Witness in a Postmodern Society (© 1998 New Life Ministries). Permission to reproduce for local church use only is granted. Provided by New Life Ministries, 6404 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46807, through its web site at www.NewLifeMinistries-NLM.org

This and all presentations from the council meeting, along with a record of the proceedings, are available in booklet form for $10.00.  Use the online order form (product code AEC98).

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