Modernism refers to a period of cultural and philosophical movement that arose from profound changes in Western society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some key features of modernism include rejection of traditional social, religious, and political beliefs, experimentation with new ideas and artistic styles, and a focus on progress and futurism.
For Christians, modernism presents several challenges as well as opportunities. On one hand, modernism promotes human reason, science, and individualism often at the expense of biblical authority and traditional church teaching. This has led many people to abandon their Christian faith or adopt more liberal theological views. At the same time, modernism’s focus on progress, freedom, and social justice resonates with Christianity’s vision of the kingdom of God.
As modernism spread rapidly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Christian response ranged from outright rejection to cautious adaptation. Conservative Christians saw modernism as a threat to biblical authority and the need for salvation through Christ. Liberal Christians tried to reinterpret their faith according to modernist philosophy, ethics and scientific advancements. Most mainstream Christian denominations adopted a middle ground, affirming scientific progress while upholding orthodox theology and morality.
When evaluating any modernist philosophy, Christians should assess it against biblical principles. The Bible warns against false teachings that deny Christ’s divinity, sacrifice for sin, and resurrection (1 John 4:1-3; 2 Peter 2:1). At the same time, Scripture encourages Christians to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Aspects of modernism that align with biblical truth and Christian compassion can be embraced, while unbiblical ideas should be rejected.
Here are some key areas where Christians need to develop a balanced, biblical response to modernist influences:
1. Philosophy and ethics
Modernism abandoned traditional morality in favor of humanistic ethics based on science and reason. Christianity affirms moral absolutes revealed by God in the Bible. At the same time, some modern philosophical ideas like human rights and social justice are consistent with biblical teaching.
Christians should reject modern philosophies that deny absolute moral truth but can endorse rational moral reflection that affirms human dignity and care for the disadvantaged. Core Christian moral values like honesty, compassion, fairness and service to others can be promoted even in a modernist context.
2. Science and faith
Modern science seems to challenge a literal reading of Genesis 1-3 regarding creation. But Christian doctrine is not dependent on any particular scientific theory. Christians can accept well-established scientific findings about the age of the earth, evolution, the Big Bang, etc., without compromising core teachings about God’s sovereignty, purpose and omnipotence in creation.
Rather than opposing modern science, Christians should see it as revealing the majesty and intricacy of God’s design. Scientific discoveries can actually strengthen faith when properly understood. At the same time, scientists should humbly acknowledge the limits of human reason and avoid claims that science disproves God and religion.
3. Higher biblical criticism
Modernist scholars promoted higher criticism, questioning the traditional authorship, dating, and accuracy of biblical books. Conservative Christians reject conclusions that deny the historical reliability of Scripture. But biblical criticism has helped Christians better understand the literary genres, cultural contexts, and theological themes in the Bible.
While affirming the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture, Christians can cautiously utilize some insights from higher criticism without undermining the gospel message or core doctrines. Close examination of biblical texts helps equip Christians to defend their faith against modernist skepticism.
4. Individualism and community
Modernism elevates the individual over community. But Christianity balances personal freedom with responsibility toward others. Self-actualization cannot come at the expense of loving neighbors and building fellowship. Even with its emphasis on individual spiritual growth, Christianity remains an intrinsically communal faith.
In a modernist society, Christians have opportunities to model Christ-centered community. Churches should be welcoming but challenging places that spur mutual growth and service. As individualism fragments society, Christian community can promote social cohesion around shared moral purpose.
5. Exclusivism versus inclusivism
Modernism adopted an inclusive approach toward truth and morality, rejecting traditional exclusivist claims. Christianity makes exclusive claims about Christ as the only way to God. But the Bible also includes visions of persons from every nation being redeemed (Revelation 7:9).
Christians can uphold Jesus Christ as humanity’s sole savior while also acknowledging God’s general revelation to all cultures and seeking common ground with nonbelievers. Defense of biblical truth can be combined with respect, dialogue and cooperation.
6. Social justice
Modernism encouraged social reform movements aimed at economic and political liberation. Christianity affirms justice as rooted in God’s righteous character. Biblical justice goes beyond modern human rights to include care for the vulnerable.
Christians should be at the forefront of remedying oppression, inequality, poverty and abuse in society. Churches can also exemplify reconciliation across class, race and gender barriers. God’s justice ultimately culminates in the world’s future restoration.
7. Art, culture and worship
Modernism transformed art, music, architecture and literature, moving beyond traditional forms. Christians disagree on how to engage modern culture. Some reject new cultural expressions while others accommodate. Biblical wisdom is needed to discern what honors God versus what degrades humanity.
Christians should reject modern cultural trends that promote immorality but can cautiously engage culture to glorify God, express truth and beauty, and create dialogue. Worship and church architecture can utilize both traditional and modern elements focused on biblical fidelity and mission.
8. Relationships and sexuality
Modernism condoned premarital and homosexual relations along with greater sexual freedom. The church must uphold biblical standards of sexuality despite social changes. Monogamous heterosexual marriage is the plan God established at creation.
Churches should avoid demonizing but cannot affirm sexual immorality. Christians should promote a biblical sexual ethic that unites love, intimacy and responsibility. Youth need help navigating sexuality in a hypersexualized culture. Marital commitment remains countercultural but biblical.
9. Truth and spirituality
Modernism is skeptical of supernatural or spiritual realities that cannot be proven rationally or scientifically. But Christianity claims a relationship with the infinite spiritual God is possible through Christ. Biblical faith engages both the physical and spiritual realms.
Christians can thoughtfully defend beliefs in the incarnation, miracles, the resurrection, new birth, prayer and the church’s witness through the Spirit. While rejecting an anti-supernatural modernism, Christians should welcome empirical inquiry that accords with truth, reason and experience.
10. Hope for the future
Despite its optimism about human progress, modernism lacks final hope beyond utopian dreams. Christianity offers ultimate hope in Christ’s resurrection and the future renewal of creation. Biblical hope inspires working toward progress while awaiting God’s final victory.
Christians understand human progress alone cannot usher in lasting peace. But the church’s witness, guided by biblical hope, promotes social and spiritual reform. Believers look forward to the day when God’s reign is consummated and every tear is wiped away.
Conclusion
Modernism presents Christianity both challenges and opportunities. As society has become increasingly modernized, Christians need to avoid reactionary fundamentalism and cultural capitulation. A thoughtful, nuanced engagement with modernism requires biblically grounded wisdom and discernment.
By holding fast to foundational Christian teachings, believers can thoughtfully participate in culture, celebrate scientific progress, promote justice, create dialogue and offer biblical hope. The church must adapt its practices and methods without compromising God’s eternal truth as revealed in Scripture and demonstrated through Christ.
Rather than seeing modernism as an enemy, Christians should engage this cultural moment as spiritual sojourners, winsome ambassadors of Christ, voices of conscience and agents of grace. Above all, believers must remain rooted in vibrant relationship with Jesus through ongoing worship, study, prayer and fellowship.
As modernism undermines traditional values, Christians have the opportunity to shine as counter-cultural witnesses to self-sacrificial love, moral integrity and eternal hope. By clinging to Jesus Christ as Lord amidst cultural flux, believers offer divine wisdom, perspective, and purpose to the modern world.