In a postmodern world that rejects exclusive truth claims, let’s commit ourselves to be believers and teachers and preachers who place the spotlight of our preaching and teaching and living on the great God of the universe, as the Bible defines Him.

The postmodern world is known for its rejection of exclusive truth claims. Postmodernism views all truth as relative, and exclusive truth claims as arrogant, offensive, and impossible. As we live and minister in this post-modern context, how should we present God’s character to those to whom we minister and know?

On the one hand, we must navigate the fine line between beliefs and practices that are negotiable and those that are not. In light of biblical teaching on “liberty” and the issues of a weaker and stronger conscience, there are times when we must not be adamant for everyone to accept or arrange their lives according to our personal understanding or conviction. The following are some such examples: the music we listen to, the movies we watch, whether or not to drink, etc. There is room for disagreement on these issues. There are, of course, biblical principles that offer guidance on these matters, but broadly speaking, if the Bible does not explicitly or clearly address an issue, we need to allow for differing opinions rather than holding to our preference as an exclusive truth claim.

On the other hand, generally, the above reality is not what threatens the church. Even though this arrogance of a “just my way” attitude can be destructive, it is not as dangerous as the other extreme: reticence. Reticence is a “whatever works for you” attitude about all beliefs—especially those that are explicitly, clearly, and repeatedly taught in Scripture.

We do not want to crash on either rock of extremity, but instead we should desire to allow the Bible to determine those exclusive truth claims that guide our lives and determine our understanding of the Bible. What our world needs most is a biblically-based presentation of God in all His glory, majesty, and power.

Jonah’s View of God’s Character

There are numerous truth claims presented by the Word of God that should serve as core values for every believer that longs to honor our great God. In this article, my intention is to focus on one passage’s definition of God from the book of Jonah. Although this is not necessarily a debated passage with postmodernists, it makes a central point. God Himself defines who He is, and that biblical definition should impact our understanding of God in far-reaching ways.

Most are familiar with the account of Jonah—the prophet who was opposed to carrying God’s message to the Ninevites. Chapter 1, however, gives no indication of the basis for Jonah’s opposition to God’s directive. Later, after Jonah’s deliverance from the great fish, his preaching on the imminent judgment on the Ninevites, and the widespread repentance that caused God to withdraw His promised punishment (to Jonah’s horror), we read what originally drove Jonah to flee in the opposite direction, away from Nineveh. What Jonah knew to be true of God drove him to rebel against His command. He declared:

. . . I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. (Jonah 4:2b)

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