Rating: 
Summary: Good primer on an important topic
Review: This is a very helpful book that introduces the reader to the basic contours of postmodernism in its cultural, historical and philosophical dimensions. Grenz helpfully traces the ethos of the postmodern context, showing how it reacts against Enlightenment concepts of rationality. He likewise examines the shift in philosphy of science that has taken place in the postmodern context, largely attributable to Kuhn. He then spends two chapters chronicling the rise of modernity and the transition to postmodern. Following this discussion, Grenz offers a basic portrait of crucial postmodern philosophers, Foucault, Derrida and Rorty. Grenz concludes his book with a small chapter on the gospel in the postmodern context.
On the whole this is a helpful book that adequately introduces the reader to the basic issues, currents and philosophers of postmodernity. Certainly some of Grenz's readings of Foucault and Derrida will be controversial (whose aren't?), but it is a helpful intro nonetheless. It was also unfortunate that Grenz spent so little time on the gospel in the postmodern context. Readers wanting more on this issue should consult Grenz's "Beyond Foundationalism", or for something more substanatial, the many works of Lesslie Newbigin.
Rating:
Summary: Postmodernism without the weird stuff
Review: This is one of the most accessible books on postmodernism (PM) available. While other authors become almost unintelligible when discussing PM, this fellow remains clear and fairly concise. For those that are new to the concepts of PM or are especially interested the philosophies and philosophers of modernism and PM, this is an excellent book. The early chapters lay down the groundwork for some well-considered conclusions towards the middle and end of the book. The features of the book that I thought could have been better were the rather slow build-up of the story, and lack of connections to PM art, film and architecture. Nevertheless, a great book on a tricky subject.
Rating:
Summary: Postmodernism without the weird stuff
Review: This is one of the most accessible books on postmodernism (PM) available. While other authors become almost unintelligible when discussing PM, this fellow remains clear and fairly concise. For those that are new to the concepts of PM or are especially interested the philosophies and philosophers of modernism and PM, this is an excellent book. The early chapters lay down the groundwork for some well-considered conclusions towards the middle and end of the book. The features of the book that I thought could have been better were the rather slow build-up of the story, and lack of connections to PM art, film and architecture. Nevertheless, a great book on a tricky subject.
Rating: 
Summary: Best in it's class
Review: This is probably the best book I've read to understand postmodernism and it's imact upon the church. Grenz is highly readable and immensely insightful in making plain the complexities and realities of our day.
Rating:
Summary: Great overview of postmodernism from evangelical perspective
Review: This is the best overview I have seen, summarizing a good variety of strands of thought that comprise postmodernism, including elements from both philosophy and science. The author presents these from a moderate evangelical Christian perspective, and puts postmodern thought in dialogue with Christian theology. The authors' conclusions may not coincide with your own, and there are other theological solutions (mine would tend more toward process and feminist theologies), but his critical method is worthy of study in any case. I highly recommend this book and plan to assign it in relevant seminary courses.
Rating:
Summary: Best of 6 I read on the topic
Review: This is the most lucid and complete introductory discussion of postmodernism that I have read. His discussion is helpful and accesable. He deals with individual thinkers and cultural trends enough to be complete but not enough to overwhelm someone getting started on the 20th century. He has an excellant grasp of the scollarly and cultural aspects of the trends corperately referred to as postmodernism.
There was some nearly verbatum repetition which could have been avoided. However, on the whole this was one of the most enjoyable and helpful books I have read in some time...the first A+ I've given this year.
Rating:
Summary: Best of 6 I read on the topic
Review: This is the most lucid and complete introductory discussion of postmodernism that I have read. His discussion is helpful and accesable. He deals with individual thinkers and cultural trends enough to be complete but not enough to overwhelm someone getting started on the 20th century. He has an excellant grasp of the scollarly and cultural aspects of the trends corperately referred to as postmodernism.
There was some nearly verbatum repetition which could have been avoided. However, on the whole this was one of the most enjoyable and helpful books I have read in some time...the first A+ I've given this year.
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