Postmodern Evangelism

In chapter twelve of Evangelism Outside the Box, Rick Richardson explores three different views of the Gospel. First of all, there is the satisfaction theory. It is this theory that evangelicals are most drawn towards. Jesus took our sin upon Himself and suffered for our sake. Through faith we find forgiveness and gain access to God. The second theory is that Jesus was an example to us. As we see His sacrificial death we are inspired and encouraged to choose such a life for ourselves. The third view is referred to as the classical view of the atonement. In it Jesus is seen as the Victor over sin and death and Satan. He frees us by taking away these things that hold us in bondage.

Richardson teaches that Jesus did indeed pay the penalty for our sins, that His death on the cross is an example for us and that He is Victor.[1] He believes that each of these ideas needs to be taught by the church. However, Richardson also holds that in different eras of history, the theory to first present to those outside of the church should change. In the modern era, with “growing individualism, economic freedom and rising nationalism”[2] Luther’s focus on justification by faith resonated strongly with the populace. Richardson believes that this is no longer the case.

Instead, he encourages us to start sharing the Gospel with the Christ as Victor approach. He explains:

In our postmodern culture we cannot assume . . . people are familiar with Scripture or basic biblical ideas. We cannot assume that they feel accountable in any way to a supreme being. We cannot assume that they even think at all in terms of sin. We cannot assume that they will need to have any logical consistency or coherence to their ideas about God. After all, the postmodern assumption is that we create our own reality in the arena of spirituality. In a biblically illiterate, subject-centered postmodern world we face new challenges to communicate the gospel in a meaningful, true and resonant way. [3]

Then he goes on to say:

The modern worldview saw belief in Satan and the powers and principalities as primitive and outmoded. In a postmodern world, interest in the spiritual world, in angels and devils, in magic, the occult, and fantasy has mushroomed. People today can see themselves as pawns of powers that are bigger than they are. They look to the spiritual world for meaning and help. Shows and books and articles on angels have multiplied. Jesus’ victory over darkness and Jesus’ deliverance from the power of addiction are dimensions of the good news whose relevance has returned with intensity.[4]

So, what do we think? Is the Christ as Victor theory the best way to first engage postmoderns with Jesus?

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[1] See Colossians 2:13-15 for example.

[2] Rick Richardson, Evangelism Outside the Box (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2000), p. 122.

[3] Rick Richardson, Evangelism Outside the Box (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2000), p. 122.

[4] Rick Richardson, Evangelism Outside the Box (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2000), p. 126.