Somewhere about the time Columbus “sailed the waters blue,” a seed of thought began germinating in the minds of many Europeans — a seed which took root in the New World and sprang into a giant American tree during the next 500 years. This worldview saw “Progress” as the ultimate human goal, with the roads to that goal being Science (providing insight), Technology (providing power) and Economic Growth (providing wealth). That philosophy was “Modernism,” and by the end of the 20th century its promises were exposed as false. In its place has evolved a new philosophy, “Postmodernism.”
Because “Modernism” was closely associated with Christianity, many postmodernist thinkers also reject Christianity as they have known it — although postmodernism has plenty of room for “spirituality.” This subtle, almost invisible, shift in worldview calls for Christians to rethink the ways they communicate the good news concerning Jesus Christ. To such a situation, the Epistle to the Colossians speaks with special power, for it also was addressed to believers confronted with a philosophy which resembled Postmodernism in more ways than one.
In his new book, CHRIST — NO MORE, NO LESS, subtitled “How to be a Christian in a Postmodern World,” Milton Jones examines Postmodernism in pop culture all around us, explains its concerns and its consequences, and shows why this new attitude and way of thinking provides rich opportunities for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. As he does so, he works through the Epistle to the Colossians, pointing out its special relevance and giving it new voice in our postmodern world. This book is intended for non-scholars (which, on this topic, includes me).I found it interesting, exciting and actually hard to put down!
Reading this book reminded me very much of sitting in class nearly 40 years ago under Francis Schaeffer — because of the obvious similarity in the apologetic tasks, but even more because Jones manifests the same love for people and commitment to biblical truth which Schaeffer personified. Each of the 15 chapters ends with a series of discussion questions, making this an excellent tool for a stimulating adult class as well as delightful reading by any thoughtful individual. 150 pages, paperback, $13.95. Order from Leafwood Press by phone toll-free at 1-877-816-4455.