why we should understand...

Millard Erickson gives an excellent introduction to the issue of understanding postmodernism in Christian Theology.

"Modernism, with its 'belief in the rationality of the universe,' has been the hallmark of the of the twentieth century. Today, however, there has been growing dissatisfaction with the modern view. The result has been the emergence of the postmodern movement, which is affecting every area of intellectual endeavor, including theology. It is important for Christians to understand postmodernism and to construct a theology to evidence awareness of and response to it. Some aspects of postmodernism are compatible with and supportive of biblical Christian theology, while other parts are antagonistic. Christian theology needs to support and use the former while rejecting the latter." (p. 158)