Deep Talks | Cultural Theology with Paul Anleitner

What is Metamodernism? | Brett McCracken

Sep 16, 2024

Brett McCracken, a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and author, discusses metamodernism as a hopeful counter to postmodern cynicism. He highlights evolving storytelling in film, blending sincerity and critical awareness. The conversation dives into the intersection of faith and popular culture, emphasizing authenticity and the church's engagement with contemporary longings. They explore how digital overload affects connections and the appeal of traditional practices in a fast-changing society, advocating for meaningful narratives amidst the chaos.

01:27:01

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Brett McCracken

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Quick takeaways

Metamodernism emerges as a hopeful response to the cynicism of postmodernism, reintroducing sincerity into human experience and storytelling.

Cinema in the early 2000s reflects metamodernism through earnest narratives that combine sincerity and self-aware irony, engaging audiences emotionally.

In a post-Christian culture, Christianity faces the challenge of connecting with seekers by balancing doctrinal integrity with genuine community longings.

Deep dives

Understanding Metamodernism

Metamodernism emerges as a response to the perceived limitations of postmodernism, which has become increasingly regarded as unsustainable. While postmodernism often emphasizes deconstruction and cynicism, metamodernism seeks to reintroduce elements of hope and sincerity that resonate more authentically with human experience. It aims to synthesize aspects from both modernism and postmodernism, advocating for a worldview that acknowledges both truth and the complexity of existence. This cultural shift indicates a desire for meaningful narratives that are constructive rather than merely critical.

Intro

3min

Navigating Metamodernism in Film

28min

Navigating the Intersection of Faith and Culture

24min

Embracing the Cringe: Sincerity in Modern Culture

10min

The Impact of Digital Overload

5min

Metamodernism and the Future of Faith

16min

Exploring Digital Technology and Church Practices

2min

Brett McCracken is a senior editor and director of communications at The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of several books, including The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World and Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community.

brettmccracken.com

In this conversation, Paul Anleitner and Brett McCracken explore the concept of metamodernism as a response to postmodernism, discussing its implications in storytelling, culture, and spirituality. They delve into the characteristics of modernism and postmodernism, the cultural shifts observed in cinema, and the search for authenticity and resonance in a world saturated with superficial content. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by Christianity in a post-Christian culture, emphasizing the need for the church to engage meaningfully with contemporary cultural longings while maintaining its core beliefs.

Deep Talks is a listener-supported podcast. Become a member on Patreon today:

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For the lecture series on Metamodernism: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EZScsHowQFM32YIYXZ3ch?si=2CCbm5mMT_arZBSAtzsn7w

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