I think the mistake postmodernism makes (although it does the same sleight-of-hand as mentioned here) is to try and replace a scientific (broadly speaking) view with narratives when they are both needed by us and dependent on each other.
We cannot have a meaningful narrative without the brute facts.
Thanks for your comment George, I absolutely agree. Materialism created a narrative vacuum that Postmodernists are desperately trying to fill with a lot of nonsense. Not just any narrative will do. The result is that many people create a false dichotomy between "brute facts" and narrative. Jesus on the cross paying for our sin by God's wrath is the ultimate image of brute facts and narrative blended. God could have given us that information divorced from story but that was the best way to convey what we need to know.
The materialists, particularly those in the church of scientism, delude themselves into thinking they are not bringing narratives to their examination of the brute facts. All the while, even the scientific method itself is a narrative. Then they go one further by filling in the gaps of those brute facts with their own narratives.
Your point about the cross is a good one. I don't think Jesus HAD to die to forgive us, but I think He chose to show us He redeemed us that way.
I'd have gone with a card or something, but then again, I'm a bit of a jerk.
Great and thought-provoking read! I've been thinking about this concept lately, too; thanks for adding some things to consider regarding narrative and materialism.
This was a great read!
Thanks Cody!
I got here as a recommendation from your dad's philosophy lectures.
You can check my essays out too if you want.
Thanks Clobberler, glad you're here!
I think the mistake postmodernism makes (although it does the same sleight-of-hand as mentioned here) is to try and replace a scientific (broadly speaking) view with narratives when they are both needed by us and dependent on each other.
We cannot have a meaningful narrative without the brute facts.
Thanks for your comment George, I absolutely agree. Materialism created a narrative vacuum that Postmodernists are desperately trying to fill with a lot of nonsense. Not just any narrative will do. The result is that many people create a false dichotomy between "brute facts" and narrative. Jesus on the cross paying for our sin by God's wrath is the ultimate image of brute facts and narrative blended. God could have given us that information divorced from story but that was the best way to convey what we need to know.
Agreed.
The materialists, particularly those in the church of scientism, delude themselves into thinking they are not bringing narratives to their examination of the brute facts. All the while, even the scientific method itself is a narrative. Then they go one further by filling in the gaps of those brute facts with their own narratives.
Your point about the cross is a good one. I don't think Jesus HAD to die to forgive us, but I think He chose to show us He redeemed us that way.
I'd have gone with a card or something, but then again, I'm a bit of a jerk.
Great and thought-provoking read! I've been thinking about this concept lately, too; thanks for adding some things to consider regarding narrative and materialism.
D. T. Adams thank you! I'm so glad you found it helpful!