Truth is Stranger Than It Used to Be

JUL96 LL Brian Walsh & Richard MiddletonFar from the eclipse of religious beliefs the Enlightenment so confidentlypredicted, postmodernism has resulted in a bewildering array of religionsand worldviews. In this perceptive evaluation, Walsh & Middleton point out both the strengths and weaknesses of the postmodern challenge, and showwhy the gospel is as relevant-and maybe more welcome-than ever. 220 pages,from IVP.

Publisher Description

Voted one ofChristianity Today's1996 Books of the Year!The carnivalesque, pluralistic culture in hich we live can be seen as a consequence of the breakdown of modernity (which touted itself as the "greatest show on earth"), combined with a recognition of the socially constructed character of reality.Since the old construction has been discredited and is in a process of decomposition, the season is open on the construction of new realities which are produced with the speed and ease of temporary circus tents being raised. Far from witnessing the erosion or even eclipse of religious belief that the Enlightenment so confidently predicted, the eclipse of the Enlightenment has resulted in a veritable smorgasbord of religions and worldviews for our consumption.So Richard Middleton and Brian Walsh colorfully describe our postmodern setting. In this book they survey postmodern culture and philosophy, offering lucid explanations of such difficult theories as deconstruction. They are sympathetic to the postmodern critique, yet believe that a gospel stripped of its modernist trappings speaks a radical word of hope and transformation to our chaotic culture.The book for those who wonder what postmodernism is and how biblical Christians might best respond.