Another symptom of postmodernism’s influence on evangelical hermeneutics is what couldbe called “middle-ground mania.” The interpretive atmosphere of today appears to impose an insatiable appetite for theologians to have the best of two worlds-to locate themselves between established positions-thereby mixing literal and nonliteral hermeneutical principles in various combinations.

John Piper provides an example of this by classifying himself in three theological camps, dispensationalism, covenant theology, and new covenant theology. JohnPiper has some things in common with each of these views, but does not classify himself within any of these three camps. He is probably the furthest away from dispensationalsim, although he does agree with dispensationalism that there will be a millennium. 

Many of his theological heroes have been covenant theologians (for example, many of the Puritans), and he does see some merit in the concept of a pre-fall covenant of works, but he has not taken a position on their specific conception of the covenant of grace. In regards to his views on the Mosaic Law, he seems closer to new covenant theology than covenant theology, although once again it would not work to say that he precisely falls within that category. 

Postmodernism sees merit in contradictory systems to the point that a person positions himself in either a”none-of-the-above” or an “all-of-the-above” category as has Piper.

For a time, progressive dispensationalism was alone in seeking a compromise between covenant theology and dispensationalism. Now at least three theological camps are vying for position in the hermeneutical gap that separates the two systems. All this comes because of the “middle-ground mania” that postmodernism has generated. Further, it all comes through the sacrifice of consistent grammatical-historical hermeneutical principles. (Postmodern Hermeneutics and Bible Prophecy)

Dr. Robert C. Thomas