According to Robertson McQuilkin, there are some elements of postmodernism that we should adopt, others that we should modify, and still others that we should reject.

1. Adopt

(a) The spiritual trumps the material

(b) Authenticity is crucial

(c) Reality must be experienced

(d) Heart is more important than head

(e) Relationships are paramount

(f) Hope is at a premium

2. Modify

(a) Anti-intellectualism – a healthy suspicion of the cerebral helps dethrone materialism and scientific naturalism

(b) Story-telling – while not neglecting propositional truth, we follow Scripture when we tell stories

(c) Diversity – when taken to extremes, the celebration of diversity means that everyone’s ‘reality is different, and intolerance is the only sin.  But Christians can celebrate diversity while also emphasising unity and objective truth.

(d) Personal fulfillment is the main goal of life.  Christians teach that God’s fulfillment, not our own, should be the main goal.  But it is in so doing that we find ourselves.

(e) Personal freedom is central to personal fulfillment.  Of course, Christians should be champions of freedom.  But this is a freedom to serve God, not a freedom to do as I please (which is, in fact, the ultimate bondage).

(f) Authority is suspect.  We can stand with postmoderns is resisting illegitimate authority or seeking to purify corrupt authority.  But we recognise God’s ultimate authority, and that of God-ordained human authority.

3. Oppose

(a) Absolute relativism.  We must expose this as an absurd oxymoron, and show how it leads to bondage, rather than freedom.

(b) Self-sacrifice is a betrayal of self.  The story of Jesus on the cross destroys this idea, and teaches that self-centredness is destructive and self-denial affirming of our true self.

(c) Commitment is foolish.  But no: commitment is the glue that binds us together in relationships with one another, and, supremely with God.

Based on: Robinson & Larson, The art and craft of biblical preaching, ch. 43.