What is a worldview?
The increasing complexity of today’s pluralistic therapeutic world which views truth in terms of feelings rather than facts calls for an examination into what is a worldview. This series on worldviews will seek to answer the following questions: Today we will examine the question of what is a worldview. The rest of the series will deal with the following questions: 1) why does engaging worldviews matter? 2) How does one deal with opposing worldviews? 3) How does one preach to varying worldviews? 4) How does “one engaging” worldviews relate to evangelism? 5) How do I witness to my neighbor or friend who’s a Wiccan? 6) How do I witness to my neighbor who’s an atheist? And finally, 7) how do I share with people of other faiths? This list is not exhaustive and will more than likely be expanded to more fully address the issues under which these questions address.
Before we get into the question “What is a worldview?” it’s important to discuss the significance of engaging a worldview. Jesus called His disciples to “go forth and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15). In the process of making disciples the Christian inevitably faces the task of dealing with worldviews. Understanding what a worldview is, and what distinguishes the Christian worldview from opposing worldviews, is vital. At this point, defining which doctrines are essential to Christianity, and what doctrines are not essential to evangelical theology, would be important before we define what a worldview is. By understanding the essentials of the Christian faith one will be able to distinguish what separates biblical Christianity from the rest of the world’s religions.
All of the following are necessary for salvation in the broad sense, which includes justification, sanctification and glorification. Other essential issues to evangelical theology are 1) Scripture {2nd Timothy 3:16, 2nd Peter 1:21}; 2) Virgin Birth, and Incarnation {Matthew 1:18-23; John 1:14}; 3) Sin {Romans 3:23; 6:23}; 4) Heaven, eternal life {John 6:47, 14:1-4}; 5) Hell, eternal judgment {Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:41-46}; 6) Creation {Genesis 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16}; and, 7) 2nd Coming {Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 1:7}. When one studies the early creeds and councils, what emerges as essential includes (1) human depravity; (2) Christ’s virgin birth; (3) Christ’s sinlessness; (4) Christ’s deity; (5) Christ’s humanity; (6) Gods unity; (7) Gods triunity; (8) the necessity of Gods grace; (9) the necessity of faith; (10) Christ’s atoning death; (11) Christ’s bodily resurrection; (12) Christ’s bodily ascension; (13) Christ’s present high priestly service; and. (14) Christ second coming, final judgment (heaven and hell), and reign.
A “worldview” is the framework of beliefs by which a person views the world around them; the grid or filter by which a person views the world they live in. For the Christian this grid is the Bible. Scripture is the grid through which believers view existence, truth, sin salvation, ethics and evil. Therefore the Christian is to have a biblical worldview.
Every worldview is marked by the guiding premise of evaluation. There must be an evaluation method by which a person measures his or her worldview. The basis for this, for the Christian, is the Word of God. Scripture, not opinion, is the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.
Understanding a worldviews is important because the Christian lives in a world where everyone around them engages worldviews whether they realize it or not. It is vital that Christian know what they believe so they can accurately, boldly, and precisely represent Christ as His ambassador in a pluralistic therapeutic culture. Finally, understanding worldviews is vital because it is necessary in order to be an effective witness for Christ in today’s world.
In Christ Alone,
Pastor Dave
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