Saturday, October 15, 2011

Postmodernism in Politics and Economics

Politics and economics are very much interrelated, so we will be exploring them together as they relate to postmodernism. Our keyword in looking at this worldview has been relativism, and politics and economics are also viewed through this lens. Leftism characterizes politics; values are based on personal opinion, not on established or absolute moral principles. Liberal politics were once based on popular opinion, or the popular sovereignty of the majority rule, but now even the pressures of a society do not keep politicians from making laws per their personal opinions. An example of this is the battle over homosexual marriage happening in America and around the world. In California a judge ruled that homosexual marriage was legal even though 58% of California citizens were opposed to it. Popular opinion now carries more weight in politics than even popular sovereignty.

In economics we see increased interventionism policies. This postmodern method of economics involves a liberal measure of government intervention in an otherwise free-market economy. The government may regulate wages (minimum wage), interest rates, and the prices of certain things in an attempt to increase employment rates and promote economic growth. When taken too far interventionism leads to a completely state run economy, or socialism. With interventionism policies the government simply changes regulations based on the circumstances of the economy, with no projected plan for long-term improvement.

Clearly postmodernism permeates every area of life, including government, law, and economics, just like any other worldview. This is important to recognize, because as Christians our biblical worldview also ought to affect every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, many believers tend to place their Christianity in a box which they open on Sunday mornings and possibly Wednesday nights. Instead we should be applying biblical principles to every activity and encounter of life. As followers of Jesus Christ our view of politics ought to be characterized by justice, freedom, and order, and our view of the economy should be based off of the godly stewardship of our property and our responsibility to serve the poor and care for orphans and widows. All of life should be touched, not with the relativity of our own opinions, but with the relevance of the Word of God which has the capacity and power to speak into every area of our lives.

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