Postmodernism, Truth, & the Church: A Biblical Response to Stephen Hicks
Stephen Hicks’ book, Explaining Postmodernism: Skepticism and Socialism from Rousseau to Foucault [1] takes the reader on a deep dive into the origins of postmodernism, tracking its philosophical development and highlighting its connections to Marxist ideology. As someone who values Judeo-Christian principles and upholds the Bible as the Word of God, I find his analysis relevant. His writing connects with two key concerns I share: the risks associated with abandoning objective truth and the ideological ties between postmodernism and Marxism. However, while I appreciate his critique, I take a different view of his emphasis on Enlightenment rationalism as the primary solution. Instead, I believe that true meaning and truth are ultimately grounded in biblical faith and divine revelation.
Affirmation: The Danger of Rejecting Objective Truth
One of Hicks’ strongest arguments is his critique of postmodernism’s denial of objective truth. Postmodern philosophers such as Michel Foucault, Jean-François Lyotard, and Jacques Derrida reject absolute truth in favour of radical subjectivity, asserting that truth is constructed through language and power structures.[2] Hicks argues that this epistemological shift undermines reason, morality, and societal cohesion.[3] As Christians, we believe such a rejection of truth is not merely a philosophical error but a direct challenge to God’s revelation in Scripture.
The Bible affirms that truth is not relative but absolute and grounded in God’s character. Jesus said, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17, ESV), and Paul warns against those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). When postmodernism erodes confidence in objective truth, it opens the door to moral relativism, where sin is redefined as a personal preference rather than an offence against a holy God. The great Francis Schaeffer warned about this danger, arguing that relativism leads to moral chaos.[4] If truth is merely a social construct, then biblical doctrines regarding sin, salvation, and righteousness become negotiable rather than necessary. Postmodernism’s rejection of metanarratives directly contradicts the grand biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.[5] Without believing in absolute truth, the church loses its prophetic voice in a culture increasingly shaped by feelings rather than divine revelation.
Affirmation: The Link Between Postmodernism and Marxism
Another helpful insight in Hicks’ book is his identification of postmodernism’s ideological ties to Marxism. While classical Marxism focused on economic class struggle, cultural Marxism, embraced by postmodernists, shifts the battle to cultural power dynamics. Hicks explains that after Marxism’s economic failures, its adherents turned to social and linguistic critiques, deconstructing Western values and institutions.[6] This shift is evident in the rise of critical theory, which frames all societal structures through the lens of Intersectionality.
As a pastor and leader, I have witnessed how this ideological shift infiltrates Christian thought and speech. The result is a worldview in which traditional Christian teachings on marriage, sexuality, and the family are dismissed as oppressive constructs rather than divine edicts. The Bible warns against ideologies that elevate human wisdom above God’s truth. Paul says, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8, ESV). Hicks’ analysis serves as a wake-up call for the church to recognise the dangers of adopting postmodern critical theory uncritically. While we must advocate for justice and compassion, we must do so through the lens of Scripture, not secular ideologies rooted in class struggle and power dynamics.
Challenge: The Role of Faith and Reason
While Hicks’ critique of postmodernism is helpful, I take issue with his solution, an exclusive reliance on Enlightenment rationalism. He argues that returning to reason, science, and individualism is the antidote to postmodern scepticism.[7] While reason is certainly a God-given faculty, it is flawed as the ultimate foundation for truth.
The Enlightenment elevated human reason as the primary means of discovering truth, often at the expense of divine revelation. Paul writes, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart’” (1 Corinthians 1:18-19, ESV). Faith and reason are not mutually exclusive, but faith must precede and inform reason. Without faith in God’s revelation, human reason is susceptible to deception and self-justification. If we rely solely on human reason to counter postmodernism, we risk replacing one flawed system (postmodern relativism) with another (secular rationalism). A biblical response recognises that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7, ESV). Surely, Biblically, reason is a tool, but divine revelation is the foundation.
Stephen Hicks offers an important critique of the philosophical and ideological currents shaping contemporary thought. His insight into postmodernism’s rejection of truth and its Marxist roots is an appropriate warning for the church. However, his reliance on Enlightenment rationalism as the primary solution falls short of the biblical standard. As Christians, we must resist postmodern relativism not by exalting human reason alone but by anchoring ourselves in God’s unchanging truth. We must be discerning, recognising that not every cultural movement aligns with biblical principles. Our call is not to adapt Scripture to cultural trends but to transform culture through the truth of God’s Word. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2, ESV).
[1] Hicks, Stephen R. C. 2019. Explaining Postmodernism: Skepticism and Socialism from Rousseau to Foucault: Expanded Edition. Redland Bay, Qld. Connor Court Publishing.
[2] Foucault, Michel. 1977. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. New York, Pantheon.
[3] Hicks, 17.
[4] Schaeffer, Francis.1968. The God Who Is There. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. 30.
[5] Lyotard, Jean-François. 1979. The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
[6] Hicks, Ch 6.
[7] Hicks, 160-163.
About the Author
Glyn Barrett
I am the founding & lead Pastor of !Audacious Church in Manchester, England. I was born in Manchester, but moved to Australia at the age of two. My wife and I were married in Australia and began married and ministry life in England 29 years ago. After serving as youth pastors for 12 years, we moved to Manchester to pioneer !Audacious Church. As a church we now have 7 locations. 3 in Manchester, Chester, Cardiff (Wales), Sheffield, and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2019 I became the National Leader of Assemblies of God in Great Britain. We have over 650 churches in our movement and have planted 98 new churches since May 2022 with a goal of planting 400 new churches between May 2022 and May 2028. I am the Global Chair for Church planting for Assemblies of God which currently has 420,000 churches and also chair Empowered21 Europe. I'm happily married to Sophia, with two children, one dog and two motorbikes. I love Golf, coffee and spending time with friends. I love to laugh, make friends and create memories!14 responses to “Postmodernism, Truth, & the Church: A Biblical Response to Stephen Hicks”
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Hi Glyn, I enjoyed reading your post.
From a Pastor’s perspective, how can Christians effectively balance the use of human reason as a God-given tool while ensuring that divine revelation remains the ultimate foundation for truth?
Thanks Shela. Christians should value human reason as a gift from God, useful for discerning and articulating truth. However, reason must never become the ultimate authority, Scripture must remain our foundation. Pastors play a crucial role in teaching believers how to think theologically, not just logically. By rooting reason in divine revelation, we help people develop a worldview shaped by God’s truth. In a culture that prizes subjective experience, the church must champion both clarity of thought and spiritual discernment, ensuring faith in Christ shapes how we interpret the world—not the other way around.
Hi Glyn, This is an incredible post—thank you! As I read Hicks, I kept thinking that if we as Christians aren’t confident in truth, we’ll have little to stand on within the postmodern movement, especially since its strategy often seeks to silence opposing perspectives.
I was also reminded of the words of Josephus: ‘I spoke with fervent exhortations, for I foresaw that the outcome of such a war would bring the greatest misfortune upon us. Yet, I could not persuade them, for the reckless desperation of doomed men proved too powerful to overcome.’
As you pointed out, even the Christian church is uncritically adopting postmodern beliefs. How do you think !Audacious’ congregants are responding to biblical truth in light of postmodernism? And how can I be praying for !Audacious?
Thanks so much Elysse! And thanks you for spelling !Audacious with the exclamation at the beginning 🙂
I think many believers are navigating postmodern ideas without realising it, absorbing phrases like “my truth” or prioritising feelings over Scripture. As a pastor, I see the need for biblical discipleship that equips people to identify and resist subtle cultural shifts. Please pray for courage for our preachers in teaching truth clearly, wisdom to shepherd gently, and spiritual awakening among those who’ve unknowingly drifted. Like Josephus, we see the danger ahead and long for hearts to respond. Pray that our church remains rooted in God’s Word, bold in truth, and compassionate in engaging those influenced by postmodern thought.
You are kind to ask that question. Thank you
I love your affirmations, and your critique, but would ask whether there is anything to consider in the postmodern pushback on truth, and promotion of ‘your truth and my truth’. Since Truth is a person — Jesus, how would you sharpen this grounding in divine revelation, in an era of subjective truth?
Hey Joel. Postmodernism’s emphasis on individual perspective highlights a cultural thirst for meaning but misdirects it. “Your truth” and “my truth” fragment society and dilute the Gospel. The church must respond by re-centering truth in the person of Jesus Christ. Truth isn’t just a proposition, it is a person. When we ground our faith in Him, we offer a compelling alternative to relativism, one that is rooted in relationship and revelation. In an age of subjectivity, our message must be that Truth walked among us, speaks through Scripture, and invites all into transformative grace. Jesus doesn’t just have truth; He is truth.
Glyn, you make a compelling case that while Hicks offers valuable critiques of postmodernism and Marxist ideology, his reliance on Enlightenment rationalism falls short without the foundation of divine revelation. Very similar to Shela’s question, and in light of your critique, how would you advise Christian leaders to practically balance the use of reason with reliance on biblical revelation when engaging a culture shaped by postmodern ideas?
Glyn,
I’ll add a little to Chad here.
Is there a place for some postmodern thinking in the church? You were nuanced and balanced in your post but I am wondering what, if any, place is there for aspects of a postmodern worldview?
Hey Adam. Yes, there are aspects of postmodern thinking the church can thoughtfully engage. Its challenge to oppressive structures and emphasis on narrative can enrich our understanding of justice and the Gospel’s redemptive story. However, the church has to reject postmodernism’s relativism and its denial of objective truth. We can listen, learn, and reflect critically without compromising biblical convictions. In this way, the church becomes a prophetic voice to this generation, recognising cultural insights but remaining anchored in Scripture. Discernment is key! We filter cultural perspectives through God’s truth, not adjust God’s truth to fit cultural preferences.
Hi Chad. Christian leaders must engage culture with both conviction and compassion. We should use reason as a bridge, engaging questions, highlighting contradictions, and pointing toward truth. But reason must always submit to Scripture. Our response to postmodernism isn’t simply better arguments, it’s deeper faith. Leaders must model how divine revelation informs every decision, interaction, and belief. This means cultivating biblically literate communities and training others to live out the truth in love. Culture changes, but God’s Word does not. When reason and revelation walk together, with revelation leading, we can confidently lead others in a confused and questioning world.
Hi Glyn, Your post said so eloquently what I muddled through to say. Thanks for clarity. The goal of your work to plant so many new churches seems pretty exciting. However, I am wondering, how do you know that the leadership that will be in place in those settings are truly grounded so that when the start up team leaves there is someone to truly nurture the faith of the new believers. I ask because could there be a risk that the start up crew moves back home but how do the newest believers get nurture and settled int their faith community. Thanks,
Thanks Diane, you are kind. In our church-planting strategy, we prioritise leadership development from the start. Before launch, we identify, train, and invest in local leaders who can carry the vision. Post-launch, we stay connected through coaching, oversight, and shared resources. Our aim isn’t just rapid expansion, it’s sustainable discipleship. We want every plant to mature into a self-governing, Christ-centred church. So, yes, there’s risk, but we mitigate it by building deep roots.
Also, we are asking churches to plant churches. In other words, it’s not so much about a sending team who later return home, but its churches opening new “stations for the Gospel and community” where people are already living who travel to church locations. So it’s really people planting where they already live and are invested.
Please pray for wisdom in leadership appointments, faithfulness in follow-up, and that each church becomes a flourishing home for new believers.
Thanks, Glyn. You wrote, “Surely, Biblically, reason is a tool, but divine revelation is the foundation.” I would wholeheartedly agree.
What are the signs that the church has become more trusting of reason than revelation?
Oh great question mate. A church that trusts reason more than revelation shows when Scripture becomes supplemental, sermons prioritise cultural trends, and prayer gives way to strategy. Truth becomes negotiable, the supernatural is downplayed, and cultural approval is sought over faithfulness. Success is measured more by outcomes than obedience. These signs reveal a shift from divine dependence to human logic. Reason is a gift, but it must remain submitted to God’s Word. Scripture must lead, reason has to follow.