The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal... 73 Hadje C. Sadje, M.A. Hadje C. At the turn of the millennium, recent debates debates recent the turn of the millennium, At Appropriation, Evangelical Christian, Postmodernity, Christian, Postmodernity, Evangelical Appropriation, Must Embrace Postmodernity? Must Embrace ostmodern thinking is the are told. threat The threat, in of the least in the reality, has at age, times or we Keywords: Abstract: Abstract: Evangelical Theological Faculty-Leuven, Belgium Faculty-Leuven, Theological Evangelical an exposition of Raschke’s main argument and criticism on main argument of Raschke’s an exposition his popular book, The Next from Christian evangelical Postmodernity Must Embrace Evangelicals Why : comments. concluding I will provide (2004). Lastly, Reformation Thinking, Postmodern such reason to embrace postmodern thinking, eventually, postmodern thinking, eventually, embrace to reason such do have Christians evangelical why presented he critically postmodern thinking. In for ‘appropriating’ a reason good this I firstly, paper, will introduce Carl Raschke as a Christian provide I will Secondly, thinker. postmodern Evangelical critique modern dualistic thinking, on for some, that is Carl Christian theology. evangelical imbedded in modern that contends critically scholar, an evangelical Raschke, postmodernity must embrace Christian scholars evangelical (postmodernism) as a new Christians have evangelical whether ask Raschke glance, form of Reformation. At first within evangelical Christian circles on ‘appropriating’ on ‘appropriating’ Christian circles within evangelical Christian theology evangelical postmodern thinking into postmodern thinking on whether a number of issues raised that offers a philosophical standpoint suitable a provide can P The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Carl on Reflection Critical A Embrace? Fatal The Raschke’s Proposal, Why Conservative Evangelicals Evangelicals Conservative Why Proposal, Raschke’s and philosophers to address postmodern thinking (its ontology, interpretation, epistemology, ethics, etc.). In his famous classical ruined the foundational claims of Christian Theology. Over decades, the there have been many attempts by religious scholars Introduction Sadje... n em o te oa, hlspia, n sinii challenges. scientific and philosophical, moral, the of terms in project, Enlightenment the of promises unfulfilled narrative)and grand the of end (example, modernity of failures the to reaction a was general, in postmodernism, Lyotard, For postmodernism. of notion the explain and describe to attempts LyotardFrancois essay, 1991), 158-159. New GermanCritique,No.22,Special IssueonModernism.(Winter, 1981):9,3-14. Theological Faculty-Leuven, Belgium. September 2006,34-47. Evangelical Theology,the Fromin Philosophy of Doctor of Degree the for Submitted Dissertation a reconstructing and History ofLiterature, VolumeTheory are 10,(USA: Manchester UniversityJameson, Press, 1984),71-84. Fredric byForeword Massumi Brian and Bennington Geoff by French theythe from whether about ambivalent are postmodernists. of criticism Habermas’ of summary executive an provides intellectual, German century 20th and 19th the in scholar leading a Holub, C. Robert thinking? favorEnlightenmentprojectin postmodern or postmodernism of the of intentions entire project ofmodernityalostcause?” the the declare to we should or on be, may they as hold feeble Enlightenment, to try we “…should writes, Habermas postmodernism. of favor in (Modern) of Enlightenment project the up give not should we that argues thinker, social German living famous a Habermas, thinking. postmodern the to critical are who philosophers worldly contemporary important thinking. For example, Jürgen Habermas and Slavoj Žižek, are two postmodern of whys and hows the about thinkers contemporary quite discourses. theological and a has term different signification in The contemporary philosophical, sociological, “postmodernity.” or “postmodernism” strong senseoftheunpresentable.” presentations,orderin ordernot toin enjoy a but to collectivelyimpart them new for share searches which to that unattainable; possible the for it nostalgia the make would which taste a of consensus the forms, good of solace the itself denies which that itself; presentation in unpresentable the the in forward which, puts modern, that be would postmodern “The writes, Lyotard Now, the question is why Habermas is not willing to give up the defining of ways various and problems still are there Yet, Answeringthe Question: is Postmodernism? What 5 5 4 3 2 1 Jean-Francois Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge, Translation Jean-Francois Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge, (1984), 81. Jürgen Habermas, “Modernity versus Postmodernity,” translated by Seyla Ben-Habib, Postmodernity,”Seyla versusby translated“Modernity Habermas, Jürgen Robert C. Holub, Jürgen Habermas: Critic in the Public Sphere, (London: Routledge, (London: Sphere, Public the in Critic Habermas: Jürgen Holub, C. Robert zsa Bsaa Psmdr Hreetc ad h Eaglcl epne A Response, Evangelical the and Hermeneutics Postmodern Bassara, Czeslaw 3 There is much disagreement among disagreement much is There 74 2 5

4 Firstly , postmodernists , Jean- , 1

The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal...

, 6 Lastly , Holub Similar with 9 Thirdly 8 For example, Habermas 7 75 10 Hans Hans von Zon, “The Unholy Alliance of Neoliberalism and Poltieke Postmodernism,” , Habermas is under the impression that postmodernists Deborah Cook, “Symbolic Exchange in Hyperreality.” In D. Kellner (ed.), Baudrillard: A Deborah Cook, “Symbolic Exchange in Hyperreality.” Holub, Jürgen Habermas: Critic in the Public Sphere, 158. in the Public Sphere, Habermas: Critic Holub, Jürgen 159. in the Public Sphere, Habermas: Critic Holub, Jürgen Slavoj Žižek, The Plague of Fantasises, (New York: Verso Publications, 1997), 130, 107- 130, 1997), Publications, Verso York: (New Fantasises, of Plague The Žižek, Slavoj 7 8 9 10 6 With the rise new of both initiatives, , Slavoj Slavoj Žižek, another prominent contemporary social thinker, Filosofie, Jaargang 47 Nummer 2 I (Zomer, 2013): 110-114. 47 Nummer 2 I (Zomer, Filosofie, Jaargang Critical Reader, (Oxford: Blackwell, 1994), 150–167. Blackwell, (Oxford: Critical Reader, 160. repressive. repressive. Each individual should establish for himself what is good or bad.” and autonomy and places the ‘me’ in the centre In of its projects. postmodernism everything normative is experienced as postmodernity or postmodernism, “Postmodernity fits very well with the cult of authenticity and an attitude of ‘anything goes’ (in whatever field). Postmodernism lumps together individualism the form, that is, of the social mode of production.” Žižek’s observation, Hans van Zon cite Jean-Claude Guillebaud, a famous French writer and essayist, succinctly describes what is the very process of production, the of laying-bare its mechanism, functions as the fetish which conceals the crucial dimension of criticises postmodernist philosophy that fits to the ideology global capitalism. of According to Žižek, “The central paradox (and perhaps the most succinct definition) of postmodernity is that Habermas accuses postmodernists and its practices. life central---everyday of ignoring the absolute that occur within modern contends, society. postmodern social analysis does not presuppose any concrete answer to sources of the modern oppression. argues that Habermas accuses postmodernism of being a totalizing totalizing a being of postmodernism accuses Habermas that argues perspective that fails to differentiate phenomenon and practices the readers? Holub argues that the reader is unable to understand understand to unable is reader the that argues Holub readers? the what postmodernists are really up to. are He evaluating society from questions their own why intentions. they Secondly are inspired by moral however what are those sentiments and why is sentiments this hidden from or normative sentiments, postmodernists’ postmodernists’ work becomes incomprehensible due to refusal to their engage in the institutionally established vocabularies. serious serious system or literature. Holub argues, via Habermas, that Sadje... neovd mn sca tikr. lo I bevd Christian observed, I Also, thinkers. social among unresolved pastors, of minds and hearts seminary students,andothersinvolved inChristianscholarship. the in abjection and fear forays ‘postmodern’ term, the Just thinking. postmodern of challenges Evangelicals), (including Protestants and Catholics Publication, 2013), 4-9. 2004). Publishing, Baker (US: Milbank, John by forewordTheology, Post-secular a Mapping Orthodoxy: Critique the at A Radical Introducing Smith, Theology A K. Turn: James of see Also, 2009. May Master Postmodernin Seminary Theological of African South Degree the the and for Submitted “Christianity Thesis Epistemology,” A Lee, Postmodern of Siew Hock 1-11; 2013), Publication, greymatterresearch.com/index_files/Grey_Matter_Report_Americans_Define_Evangelical.pdf. challenge. and impose their belief or standard. See “American’s address Definition: What is Evangelical to Christian?” http:// tries Raschke wanttheyfanatical,to sometime Scriptureconvert(Gospel), the strongfaith,torelianceon others Carol what to fits According to it 2008 survey, evangelical Christian basically Also, describes as the following; who zealously (2008). Arizona, Consulting Phoenix, & Research Matter Grey on based Christianity’ ‘evangelical of descriptions American characteristics ofPostliberal theologicalpropositions, and descriptions succinct offers EvangelischeLeuven, Faculteit, the Theologische at Theology Systematic of Department the of Michener, an associate professor of systematic theology and chair T.Ronald diversities, and differences subsumes often the Postliberal theologians of “Yale School”. as known commonly also Hauerwas; Stanley and Griffiths, Paul Lindbeck, George Frei, Hans our example, For into philosophy. Christian themes postmodern appropriate could we that argue theologians Christian Some scholars. non-Christian and Christian This question is long standing and has been addressed by various thinking? Christian to contribute to thinking postmodern can differentlyhow respond and distinctions, and viewpoints varying From thinking. perceivepostmodern to appears theologians n h itouto I ae ihihe te at ht is that fact the highlighted have I introduction the In o Mcee, oee, vn huh otoen thinking postmodern though even however, Michener, For and plurality (5)itembraceddiversity agenerous orthodoxy. respects it (4) first, community or centered non-foundationalist (2)itisintra-textual (3)itissocially variousthe of expressionsPostliberal of theology:is (1)it representative characteristics or themes basic five least at Postliberal theology. On reflection, we suggest that there are sometimes overlappinginterconnected and themes of 13 12 11 There ofways are variety to describe anddivide these Although this concept is contested among evangelical Christians, I preferred to use the Ronald T. Michener, Postliberal Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed, (UK: Bloomsbury Ronald T. Michener, Postliberal Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed, (UK: Bloomsbury 76 12 Although Postliberal 13 11 take up the up take The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal... 15 77 , and was very provocative and The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Czeslaw Czeslaw Bassara, Postmodern Hermeneutics and the Evangelical Response, A Douglas Douglas Groothuis, Truth Decay: Defending Christianity against the Challenges of 14 15 From a From balanced Bassara points point out of that view, calling For For some, they perceived pro and anti-postmodern thinking

14 Theological Faculty-Leuven, Belgium. September 2006. Belgium. September Theological Faculty-Leuven, Postmodernism, (USA: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 16-31. Press, InterVarsity (USA: Postmodernism, Dissertation Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in From the Theology, Evangelical thinking. There is a great deal of serious and technical content in this book for Christian philosophers and systematic theologians. Must Embrace Postmodernity Must Embrace controversial. The book gives an excellent on Christian postmodern debate for challenges and the prospects introduction to the compelled to address book in this 2004 entitled, challenge. Raschke published a this idea into question does not mean contributions dismissing of the valuable postmodern thinking to Christian Carl philosophy. Raschke, an American Christian postmodern thinker was acknowledge the holistic and relational aspects of postmodernism of aspects relational and holistic the acknowledge post-critical thinkers.” by as developed of postmodern to need “We writes, thinking he conclusions, his of one project, dissertation vis-à-vis Christian thinking in his the interaction with postmodern thinking, including modernism. For example, Czeslaw Bassara, a Ph.D. graduate Theological of Evangelical Faculty-Leuven, conducted a critical evaluation integrated, integrated, and middle way between extremes. and anti-postmodernism They thinking as find two types pro of exaggeration. As Christian scholars, they argue that we can also benefit from as polarized positions that contradiction led contemporary the explain to To simplistic discourse. postmodern arguments against holistic, a seek to argue they crisis, global and existence human of ” and values. Groothuis writes, “Nevertheless, the conclusion that the to hostile only not are claims these from draw postmodernists Christian notion of truth but are seriously intellectually flawed… postmodern postmodern thinking into evangelical Christian philosophy. For example, Douglas Groothuis sees its fundamental as propositions intellectually flawed and hostile to Christian belief system hardcore hardcore secular are modernism, still not willing many to embrace such Christian ‘appropriation’ model of theologians offers offers numerous critics and useful theological arguments against Sadje... Embrace (2004) Postmodernity publication, entitled: postmodern Christian a thinker.Raschke’sreviewfamousof providebook a will I as Second, Raschke Carl introduce will I First, postmodern thinking. The main outline with of this paper is as follows. deals Raschke how book, this on focus will I paper, this In facultystaff/raschke.html. Accessed May 3,2017. See Carl Raschke, Faculty & Staff, University of Denver, http://www.du.edu/ahss/religiousstudies/ scholarship. evangelical among provocativeespecially and book well-known his perhaps 2004, in Movement’,Age NextReformation:The Why Evangelicals EmbraceMust Postmodernity published ‘New contemporary on commentaries controversial his from Aside (2015). Democracy Liberal of Crisis the and Theology Political God: of Force (2012), Culture and of Religion in Semiotics Studies Event. a Towardthe Theory: Religious in Revolution the Postmodernity and Postmodernism Embrace (2008), Culture Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: (2004), GloboChrist: The the NextGreat Commission of Takes Coming The a Postmodern the Turn. and The (2002), RevolutionChurch and Digital Postmodern PostmodernThe (2000), Theology of End The (1996), RaschkeSusan with D. Co-authored God. of of Faces Female Thought and the Male God. and Engendering Postmodernity The Roses: (1995), Body and the Fire (1978), Affluence of End the at Culture and and Editor co-author with Image Mark C. Human Taylorthe and and James KirkReligion (1976), books;The Bursting numerousof New published Wineskins: Religion He theory. Globalization and culture, digital Islam), (including religions theology,world philosophy/political Political religion, philosophy/philosophyof continental researchinterests include: His obscure. sometime although direct style,distinctive a with author prolific a is Raschke 1999. in founding in instrumental was (www.jcrt.org),he Theory Religiouswhich and Cultural for Journal the to contributor regular and (www.politicaltheology.com/blog)blog Theology Political the to contributor active an for known Journal for Cultural andReligious Theory, vol. 12no.3(Spring 2013):149-160. biblical-theological in force revelation and faith intellectual with relationship its new specifically discourse, a as emerged Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity An Overview ReviewThe Next of Reformation: Why digital culture, andGlobalizationtheory. interests Islam), (including religions researchworld theology, philosophy/political His Political religion, of obscure. philosophy/philosophy continental include: sometimes although direct 1999. in Religious and Cultural for (www.jcrt.org),Theory Journal wasfoundingwhichhe of of instrumental the to contributor and regular (www.politicaltheology.com/blog) blog Theology Political the to contributor active an as known best University,Colorado; A ShortBiography ofCarl Raschke hlspia, oiia, oilgcl ad utrl theories cultural and sociological, political, Philosophical, Denver the at studies religious of professor is Raschke Carl c 16 Carl Raschke is professor of at the Denver University,best DenverColorado; the at studies religious of professor is Raschke Carl 16 Victor Taylor, “From Alchemy to Revolution: A Conversation with Carl Raschke,” in Raschke,” Carl with Conversation A Revolution: to AlchemyTaylor, “FromVictor ack i a rlfc uhr ih dsicie style, distinctive a with author prolific a is Raschke The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must . In the final part, is the conclusion. 78 17 The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal... , Sola Lastly, to Lastly, 19 Chapter 4 Chapter , Dancing with the , The Religious Left , Sola Scriptura: Beyond , Thoroughly Postmodern Chapter 8 Chapter Chapter 3 Chapter 79 Chapter 5 Chapter Chapter 7 Chapter He depict it as simplistic and naïve 18 The book is divided into nine (9) 20 21 , Raschke provides three main reasons , The Priesthood of All Worshippers: From , The New French Revolution: Derrida and , Postmodernism and the Crisis of Evangelical , is to first explicate the primary notion of Chapter 6 Chapter Chapter 2 Chapter Chapter 1 Chapter , The End of Theology: The Next Reformation. Raschke’s Raschke’s Reformation. Next The Theology: of End The , The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Must Embrace Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 9. Postmodernity, Must Embrace Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Raschke, Ibid. 7. Postmodernity, Must Embrace Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Raschke, Carl Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, Carl 18 18 19 20 21 The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Must Embrace Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Raschke Raschke starts this book with his personal story, spiritual (USA: Baker Publishing, 2004), 9. Baker (USA: postmodernism, and its impact on Christianity, the evangelical face to of thinking academic postmodern culture, of outlook the and Chapter 9 Chapter strategy, Postmodernity Ministry: Postmodern Revivalism; Lord: Charismatic Renewal and the Deconstruction of Worship; Fide: Beyond Worldviews; Inerrancy; Hierarchy to Relationality; Thought; Thought; the Origins of Postmodernism; Bank: Origins of Religious Postmodernism; journey, journey, and ministry (Preface) postmodern that thinking. led him chapters: to engage the evangelical Christianity. evangelical evidentialism evidentialism as far back as the seventeenth century. explore and suggest how embracing, rather than simply vilifying, thought widens the the postmodern for prospect turn in Western reactionary reactionary force against postmodern offer a historical analysis thinking. on how evangelical Christianity Secondly, made to its own unholy alliance with Cartesian rationalism and British postmodernism postmodernism really said, as opposed to what the polemicists are telling us too glibly. Postmodernity (2004) why he wrote this manuscript. straightforward. His Firstly, he intention were challenged clear and and responds to what relativism. relativism. The notion of postmodern thinking as anti-Christian truth has been a colloquialism in evangelical Christians. book, In his For typical For Christians, evangelical behind the grip of postmodern thinking lies concepts such as, antifoundationalist, nihilism, and often often marked by mutual distrust, especially among Evangelicals. Sadje... the ChallengesofPostmodernism. Raschke argues, against Christianity Defending Decay: Truth The book, popular Deleuze, Giles Baudrillard. Heidegger, Martin Derrida, Emmanuel Levinas, Frederic Jameson, Maurice Blanchot, and Jean Jacques as, thinkers such postmodern of contributions valuable the recognized Raschke thought. Christian evangelical of crisis the discusses another he (persuades provocateur Afterward, act). immoral agent and unacceptable an commit of to person kind a as thinking discusses and those misperceptions of evangelical Christians thinking about postmodern postmodern of challenge Christianity the evangelical Raschke identifies 3, how and 2, 1, of Chapter thinking. demands postmodern understand main the examines Raschke detail theology, in Christian evangelical in thinking Conservative of Criticism and Evangelical ChristianTheology Argument Raschke Carl and then,crisisofevangelical Christianthought. instead tofamiliar rhetorical usethe deviceassociating of textsoffending the postmodernist writers,of preferring against postmodernism. Groothuis rarely cited orpresented anythingof substance to say, philosophically ortheologically, nextThe Raschkesection, strongly Groothuis’scriticises Doug In a discussion on the possibility of appropriating postmodern about Postmodern Thinking Christianity forgenerationsChristianity philosophers hadbeenmakingagainstBritish claims the of argumentsagainst Americanpostmodernists that and course, Groothuis foundhimself makingmany ofthesame trend thathascome down thepike since Vietnamera…Of avant-gardethe term ‘postmodernist’withevery intellectual A. 23 22 The value ofGroothuis’s book was notthatithad Raschke, TheNext Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity, 15. Raschke, TheNext Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity, 11. h msecpin o eaglcl scholarship evangelical of misperceptions The 23 80 22 The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal... Aside 27 25 24 Raschke his reiterating critique 26 81 Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 23. Postmodernity, Must Embrace Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Raschke, Postmodernity. Must Embrace Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Raschke, Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 16-17. Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 22-24. Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 24 24 25 26 27 Oddly enough, Groothuis sound a lot like Bertrand Bertrand a lot like sound enough, Groothuis Oddly Raschke’s Raschke’s thought here is that postmodern thinking are silly and stupid people because they base their belief they base their belief because and stupid people silly are huffed. Russell than ‘argumentations,’ on emotion rather the use to it comes when non-negotiable are Christian beliefs evidence. and scientific analysis of logical After demonstrating the misperceptions of evangelical Russell in his famous, or infamous essay, Why I am Not a Why essay, or infamous in his famous, Russell the national in 1927 to delivered In this essay, Christian. the Securityhistory lambasted of Society in London, Russell enthusiasms. Christians of ‘irrational’ as a record the church Raschke added, Raschke that everything are comprehensible (subjectivism), by modern universal rationalism logic (apologetics), and empiricism-- successfully successfully committed, demonstrates Christianity failures Evangelical modern and what as same arrogances thinking, of modern the texts representing their arguments, and positions, suggests then substance.” one of apparel more that the clash is far Groothuis toward Groothuis postmodern toward thinking. He writes, “The fact that generalities either at aimed have postmodernism on attacks most or caricatures of the than rather movement, at specific writers or ideology due to arrogant called this, ‘modernist idolatry’. attitude about Christian against this truth. theological propositions and simplistic vilification of He postmodern thinking. By citing Bruce an committed Ellis act of modern movements that modern evangelical Benson, he argues Western Western philosophical tradition empiricism’ has (extreme dubbed scepticism from ‘commonsense this, he also by critics the antifoundationalist attacks David toward Hume). contending that postmodernism is congenial with evangelicalism. evangelicalism. with congenial is postmodernism that contending foundationalism’. ‘minimal term, Groothuis’ attacks Raschke Again, According to him, it is actually an updated version of what the scholarship about postmodernism, he advance his arguments by Sadje... oen ainls (rpstoait) i rsl, hy perceive they result, in (propositionalists), by rationalism influenced modern and premature shaped are the and Christianity that evangelical argues modern it further He recognize thinking. postmodern to of criticisms failed nevertheless, Christian religious, basically evangelical is postmodernism of origins ideology. -Enlightenment Embrace Postmodernity, by Carl A. Raschke, Pro. Rege, Volume 2006):32-35. 34Number4(June, Abraham including Schaeffer, Francis evangelist is Raschke, to Dutch of according scion scholars, Christian leading the (the of One neo-Calvinism). worldview of theologians or theologians writes, Raschke’she proposals,of 3 chapter and 2, 1, chapter summarise idolatry. ‘ ‘over ‘ prioritizing by establish to trying is thinking postmodern mystical. even or relational Jacob…, of is God the Abraham… of God the God, biblical the that however,logical, as God follow.not argues does he response,it In n hpes ad , e icse te presuppositionalist the discusses he 5, and 4 chapters In (15,cf.92-5). “rationality” while criticizingitssidelining of“objective and truth” evangelicalism absorbsmores the ofpostmodernity, even at thesame time, thepragmatic andopportunisticsideof liberalism, adopting apro-objectivist posture (12).Yet, they tend to unintentionally mimicrecent “modernist” themselvesaligning withcontemporary neo-conservatism, Where evangelicals critiques offer ofpostmodernism, evangelicalsmost than foundationalism, appreciate(140f.). withitsrational of theassumptions of theEnlightenment, both liberalism and fundamentalism have absorbed more not foolushere becausecharacteristic intheir outlooks, Evangelical Enlightenment. the of anti-liberalism should logos 31 31 30 29 28 B. Modernism isdriven andcontrolled byrationalism the 30 Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity , 57-59. Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 27-33. Raschke, TheNext Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity, 81. Keith C. Sewell, The Book Review of The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The of Review Book The Sewell, C. Keith o ocue hs eto, et C Swl succinctly Sewell C. Keith section, this conclude To ad o eae oaiig huhs ul o modern on built thoughts totalizing negate to and ’ Revelation precedes presupposition 28 oevr Rshe lis ht the that claims Raschke Moreover, 31 29 82 o hm ti i eaty what exactly is this him, For theos The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal...

35 34 However, he favored and 32 83 Dehellenizing evangelical faith Dehellenizing evangelical for Raschke, faith is not a presupposition but is before 33 See Kevin Vanhoozer, Faith Speaking Understanding: Performing the Drama of Raschke, Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must 131- Embrace Postmodernity, Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 114. Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 104- Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 32 32 33 34 35 C. The loss of foundation in postmodernism is a welcome is a welcome of foundation in postmodernism The loss In chapter 5, he addresses the authority of the Scripture. precept of ‘foundationalism,’ because it is secure in itself. it is secure because of ‘foundationalism,’ precept Christians, of some evangelical the misperception to Contrary somehow an equally superior worldview. Faith is not a Faith superior worldview. an equally somehow presuppositions, all is prior to at all. Faith presupposition Faith is presuppositionless. Faith or presuppositionalisms. thought, radical is open to Faith the idol of the age. shatters the very question thought that seems to a radical even development, because faith itself---not some discursive discursive some development, faith itself---not because Faith ‘foundation.’ sure the only banner of certitude—is warrants that a superior presupposition is not in itself 105. 2014). Press, John Knox Westminster Doctrine, (Kentucky: Raschke argues that we need to dehellenize our evangelical faith. evangelical our dehellenize to need we that argues Raschke in the various fundamentalist movements. For Raschke, an Raschke, For fundamentalist movements. in the various and living. having is not worth faith unexamined presuppositions should be open to possibilities of reforming our reforming of possibilities be open to should presuppositions Christians urges Also, Raschke and practices. worldviews religious of into and the fixed immutable to fortress retreat doctrine found epistemological foundations. For Raschke, our present uncritical present our Raschke, For foundations. epistemological and improve reform, correct, us to certitude should not prevent put, Christian our current simply learn To in some. we what by Raschke does not mean that we do not have any ontological and ontological any do not have not does mean that we Raschke a drama, He writes, presupposition. and beyond commonly known as ‘presuppositionalist theologians’. Somehow, commonly known Somehow, as ‘presuppositionalist theologians’. he was quite is adamant faith that argument Vanhoozer’s to Kevin with Similar theologians. the certitude of presuppositionalist method---‘Christian method---‘Christian Socratism’. or than ‘theologians of worldview’ more John Caputo appreciated Kuyper. Kuyper. He critically evaluates Francis Schaeffer’s apologetic Sadje... the postmodern argot we can say that Scripture is not a system a not is Scripture that say in can we added, argot postmodern the Raschke interpretation). higher modern the of (example school criticism categorisation modern a and irrelevant, mistake’. ‘category as describing been have philosophers twentieth-century what from derived is Furthermore, he contends that the infallible authority of Scripture 154. 151. 134. the and relational is real relational is real. the On this intuition, follows:the postmodern Christians take as up summed be lifecould corporate Christian of rule poststrationalist (postmodern), with directly it Trinity.of coupled doctrine Christian the and ontology relational a developed relational ontology. culture. and system social our in imbedded thinking hierarchical the rejected and He Foucault. Michael and Baudrillard philosophical Jean of contributions social significant the explores Raschke ethics. and chapter, hewrites, fullness. divine the of ‘traces’ but ‘facts,’ of n hpe 6 h atcs irrhcl hnig n ontology in thinking hierarchical attacks he 6, chapter In case ourvows to God. because itislike saying ‘Ido’inourmarriage vows---in this can say thattheBibleisabsolutely andunconditionally true appreciationaequivocationrule of the for understood…We and free of‘errors,’medieval asthe theologianswiththeir restnot on whether is logicallyit andseamlessly consistent can quibbleover such terms as‘inerrant,’‘inspired,’ does endeavorhuman a response but to God’scommand. We 41 40 39 38 37 36 D. The taskbiblical of interpretation isnotanautonomous Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 151- Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 145- Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 152. Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 143. Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 135. Raschke, TheNext Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity, 134 39 He argues that we need to advance the notion of notion the advance to need we that argues He Relational Godversus hierarchical God 40 For example, Stanley Grenz and John Franke 38 84 41 36 He argues that post-Hegelian that argues He n hr, t s misapplied, is it short, In 37 n ocuig this concluding In The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal... Despite Despite 45 85 For Raschke, however, the reality 46 Grace is the disturbing event that destabilises that event disturbing the is Grace 44 In contrast, grace is a rather disturbing event 43 Global Pentecostalism/Charismatic Movement In chapter 7, he critically attacks the authoritarian 42 Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 158. Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 178. Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 187. Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 172- Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 179- Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 42 42 43 44 45 46 E. as a New Form of Reformation Form as a New In chapter 7, Raschke claims that the global Pentecostal/ 173. 205. complex. complex. Raschke further contends Charismatic movement that poses a global serious Pentecostal/ forms challenge of to Christianity. establish They promote, as Raschke argues, non- that should be corrected.” about global Pentecostal/Charismatic movement is much more about global argues, image “...the of Pentecostal along Pentecostal/Charismatic mainstream Christians, movement, carries a somewhat derogatory connotation or distorted images Raschke Pentecostal/Charismatic preachers are the best possible example the best possible example are preachers Pentecostal/Charismatic time. our in thinking postmodern of appropriation the of of mainstream media put forward a different picture entirely Pentecostalism Pentecostalism or Charismatic Christianity global that argues further He evangelicalism. postmodern of form is an emblematic Charismatic movement is a new form of Reformation. As global Pentecostal/Charismatic movement is the fastest growing strand of Raschke Christianity, strongly claims, the emergence of global postmodern thinking in the pastoral theology. He ministry. of the pastoral widen our understanding wants us to and delegitimizes any type of authoritarian regime. Raschke’s goal Raschke’s regime. authoritarian of type any delegitimizes and for this chapter is modestly ambitious. He wishes to appropriate fostered fostered by postmodernism like what Martin Luther emphasized during the reformation period, grace. ‘sola of revolution gratia’. He added, it is a derived from modern philosophical epistemology, inaugurated by by inaugurated epistemology, philosophical modern from derived Descartes, and replaced classical authoritarianism with the deal of ‘authorship.’ nature of modern ministry. He claims nature of that modern the ministry. modern concept of as authority, foundations and legalists, in the modern ministry is their their stand. Sadje... rts hw h Elgtnet oeet iw i) Raschke it). views movement Enlightenment the (how truths emphasizes that Christian faith is relational and not propositional and emotional, (liturgy). music, performative worship over traditional forms loud of worshipChristian liturgy. encourage and Pentecostals spirituality example, of form traditional 213. 180. be should theology thought of system dualistic or dichotomy artificial fromliberated Christian that contend Raschke speaking, Raschke once again clarifies his slogan, ‘end of theology’. Generally philosophical Western in thinking. imbedded (ontotheology) thought (Levinas,Hebraic,toovercome biblical) language-- metaphysicsthe Greekof to regard with turn. word the -linguistic of sense provisional a in revolution Copernican a implies theology’ of ‘end that argues He Scripture isthevoice thatcallsusinto thatrevelation.” relation. into us calls who God, Almighty and infinite the to body and mind heart, one’s of surrender total the is faith “For writes, Finally, in chapter 9 (The End of Theology), Raschke repeatedly n h fnl eto (h Mti ad ytr o Otherness), of Mystery and Matrix (The section final the In has overshadowed thetradition ofWestern thinking. him we mustsetaside thedualism of subject andobject that relationship withhim.And to enter into relationship with worship andadore Godphilosophically, we mustenter into only lays the groundwork fortrueworship. Inorder to repudiation of linguisticfoundationalism.Iconoclasm reductionthe representationthe of to and the sign the Next, Raschke clarifies his expression of ‘the end of theology’. F. 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 The overcomingmetaphysicsof entails more than Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 179- Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 211- Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 210. Raschke,The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity, 212. Raschke,The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity, 212. Raschke,The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity, 211. Raschke, TheNext Reformation: Why Evangelicals MustEmbrace Postmodernity. 52 Hewrites, The EndofTheology 51 oehls, e rfre a ilgcl turn dialogical a preferred he Nonetheless, 86 49 53 47 For 48 50

The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal... 54 87 55 Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 9. Postmodernity, Must Embrace Evangelicals Why Reformation: The Next Raschke, Raschke, The Next Reformation: Why Evangelicals Must Embrace Postmodernity, 215. Postmodernity, Embrace Must Evangelicals Why Reformation: Next The Raschke, 54 54 55 Carl Carl Raschke is beyond question one of the most distinctive The book purport to be a comprehensive overview of all ideas covered all in ideas this covered book will be accepted, generally but they thinking. I personally believe that it can, and that in general it can that it can, and that in general believe thinking. I personally help us rethink our Christian Not beings. theology human of (theological reality system) everyday and the to relevant more it make evangelical evangelical theologians. This raises a number whether postmodern thinking can of provide a suitable issues standpoint about from which to give a philosophical critique of modern dualistic Christian figures (non) in the landscape of contemporary to to regain the offensive after more than three hundred cravenly years throwing of incense before the statue Caesar.” intellectual of the modernist a proposal for to the us appropriation want he of postmodern ‘appropriation’, thinking beyond to goes the Raschke fact, in present, intellectuals Christian for time is “It writes, He proactive. more be or horizon of the specific arrays of theological and moral crisis of Evangelicalism and modern thinking. this Essentially, work is who who would understand all the basic debates postmodern thinking, and this book issues is more about than an introduction to them. Raschke attempts to articulate the broader background evangelical Christian philosophy. This book is designed for general general for designed is book This philosophy. Christian evangelical Christians, readers, evangelical particularly yet it will appeal also to specialists as an authoritative one-volume resource. For those postmodern thinking, and its impact and contributions to Conclusion Conclusion metaphysics metaphysics and the Babylon of modernism and drawing it back of ‘to God,’ ‘letting God be in God,’ the face-to-face relationship of our faces.” must all get on theology we After and worship. faith it is’ (in to Raschke continues, French) God.” --- “It literally, is the power of God liberating evangelical, if not the whole of Christian thought and theology from its long captivity in the Egypt of an invitation to a-theology (opposition like it to ‘say to is theology). theology to adieu an He saying as theology of end writes, “The and drawing it back ‘to God’ of ‘letting God be God’; it is not saying saying not is it God’; be God ‘letting of God’ ‘to back it drawing and Sadje... otoln dsore f h clnaiain f oen thinking modern of colonialisation the of discourse controlling the and legacies dualistic the unmasks He EvangelicalChristians. discourses and a constructive criticism of fundamentalism among Raschke’s proposal tries to offer important insights to non-Western evangelicaltheology.of contentsphilosophical the on myview,In discussion and reflection critical continued stimulate to serve do to theMountofOlives, backto Sinai!’ back Bible, century.say,confidentlyRaschkethe 21th to As ‘Back the of crisis moral and dilemmas theological of challenges the to responding is movementthat reformation new a for call to order in thinking, postmodern appropriate to embrace’ ‘fatal a not is it Christian evangelicalinvitation, or proposal Raschke the with agree with I Overall, thought. relation book in thinking this postmodern conclude, of To churches. issue the in Bible interested those for point starting helpful a provides called many so than today’s posttheological) of and (postpropositional oriented biblically more are they that stating by right is Raschke Perhaps, America. Latin and Africa, Asia, like contextnon-Western the in movements religious growing rapidly revivalism Charismatic or Pentecostalism global is why example, For discourse. Asian with Raschke’s proposal would be able to open up spaces for a dialogue Asian. With the emergence of contextual or intercultural theology, in particularly explore discourse, non-Western the to in God tools relational the theoretical and terminologies metaphysics new modern generates of critics its and thinking postmodern of use making Through theology. evangelical modern in imbedded 88 The Fatal Embrace? A Critical Reflection on Carl Raschke’s Proposal... ------89 Bibliography 2013. 47 Nummer 2 I:110-114, 2013. Filosofie. Jaargang Poltieke religiousstudies/facultystaff/raschke.html. religiousstudies/facultystaff/raschke.html. Duncan. Spirituality: An Assessment. Louisville, KY: 1993. Press, West Knox minster/John 149-160, 3: no. 12 vol. Theory. Religious and Cultural for Journal in ke,” ume 10, USA: Manchester University Press: 71-84, 1984. Press: University Manchester ume 10, USA: Bloomsbury Publication, 2013. The of Master of Degree the for Submitted Thesis A Epistemology,” ern 2009. May Seminary, ology at the South African Theological Habib, New German Critique, No. 22, 3-14, 1981. 1981: Winter, Special Issue on Modernism. Tanslation from the French by Geoff Bennington and Brian Massumi by Foreword Fredric Jameson, Theory and History of Literature, Vol ology, From the Evangelical Theological Faculty-Leuven, Belgium. Sep Belgium. Faculty-Leuven, Theological Evangelical the From ology, 1967. tember, 1994:150–167, 1994. Blackwell, Oxford: A Critical Reader. udrillard: 2000. Press, InterVarsity USA: of Postmodernism. search.com/index_files/Grey_Matter_Report_Americans_Define_Evan gelical.pdf. 1967. Fall/Winter, Online Edition. Dissertation the Submitted of for in Degree of Doctor The Philosophy Žižek, Slavoj. The Plague of Fantasises. New York: Verso Publications, 1997. Verso New York: The Plague of Fantasises. Žižek, Slavoj. von von Zon, Hans. “The Unholy Alliance of Neoliberalism and Postmodernism,” Taylor, Victor. “From Alchemy Victor. to Revolution: Taylor, A Conversation with Carl Rasch Raschke, Raschke, Carl. http://www.du.edu/ahss/ Faculty & Staff, of University Denver, ______. "The New Age: The Movement toward Self-Discovery". In Ferguson, Lee, Hock Siew. “Christianity and the Postmodern Turn: A Critique of Postmod of Critique A Turn: Postmodern the and “Christianity Siew. Hock Lee, Michener, Michener, Ronald T. Postliberal Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed. (UK: Lyotard, Lyotard, Jean-Francois. The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge. Groothuis, Douglas. Truth Decay: Defending Christianity against the Challenges Challenges the against Christianity Defending Decay: Truth Douglas. Groothuis, Ben- Seyla by translated Postmodernity,” versus “Modernity Jürgen. Habermas, Cook, Deborah. “Symbolic Exchange in In Hyperreality.” D. Kellner (ed.), Ba Bassara, Czeslaw. Bassara, Postmodern Czeslaw. Hermeneutics and the Evangelical Response, A Barthes, Ronald. “The Death of the Aspen Author” trans. Richard 5/6. Howard. “American’s Definition: “American’s What is Evangelical Christian?” http://greymatterre