Challenges of Faith: Transitional Objects,Faith,and Postmodernity

Abstract

Examines sources and challenges of faith in postmodern society, utilizing a revised concept of transitional objects and H. R. Niebuhr's understanding of the dynamics of faith. Indicates that “transitional objects” and their associated rituals and narratives provide persons with a) a subjective and intersubjective sense of identity and continuity and b) an interpretive lens for recognizing and working through diverse contexts and meanings of trust and distrust and loyalty and disloyalty (a hermeneutics of faith). Claims that the characteristics of the postmodern situation undermine persons' beliefs in the transcendence, universality, and essentiality of their transitional objects, and that loss of confidence in religious “transitional objects” and their hermeneutics of faith reduces the safety and security of the intersubjective space that establishes and maintains subjective and intersubjective identity and continuity, thus contributing to experiences of alienation, shame, and isolation. Offers five types of faith responses representing the various ways people and groups handle religious transitional objects in a postmodern milieu.