Worldview

...get the right one, Christian.

by Anthony Foster

Whether you know it or not , you have a worldview. If you are a Christian, it is of paramount importance that you learn to think and act Biblically. Not just at church, but whatever you face and wherever you go, in all the small places of life. Right now counts forever... Whether you eat or drink (i.e. whatever you do) do all to the glory of God.

Everyone has a worldview. It is a perspective informed by philosophical underpinnings, logical presuppositions and experiential biases. It determines how you think, how you react to experience, and how you form values in the context of that way of thinking. The challenge when discussing worldviews is that they are so universal in scope, and short treatments belie the complexity of practice in a real world. On the other hand, having a well developed Christian worldview can simplify your life tremendously. It can serve as a remedy for discombobulation. (I like that word).

Everyone has opinions. The real issue is whether they adhere to the truth. A Christian worldview is one where these presuppositions, predilections and judgments are informed by what is true from God's perspective. It is a world view brought into an ever increasingly closer alignment with the Truth from God's point of view. Then it is practiced in the culture one finds oneself living in, either in accordance with or in opposition to (usually the case these days) the prevailing cultural worldview. So your worldview has serious consequences in your Christian walk.

A well developed Christian worldview has the following features: it must be Authentic, Absolute, Articulated, Active, and Applied. These features are not discrete- they all work together in practical terms. Let's look at these major features.

Authentic

Fot it to be authentic, the Christian world view must necessarily be based on special revelation. God had revealed to us truth which would otherwise be debatable based on mere empirical evidences alone. This truth is absolute and objective and propositional in nature.While other resources from men approved and taught by the Spirit in the Word can be helpful in putting your worldview into practice, the Bible is the final, first and foremost authority on how the Christian should think and act. The Word, as Jeremiah said, is a fire in our bones.

It is paramount that the Christian worldview be applied critically- don't be afraid to challenge your presuppositions in discerning the Truth- in fact this is a very important exercise, as the world will certainly try to knock you off balance. Test all things by the scriptures. As a matter of fact, a great deal of divisiveness in the church itself is due to men taking up their beliefs by proxy. A Christian worldview cannot be handed down, lock, stock and barrel. It requires critical analysis of the facts exposed in scripture and their ramifications.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction , and for instruction in righteousness. II Tim 3:16

Absolute

A worldview was once described as a pair of glasses through which we view the world. I differ with that analogy, as it tends to break down very quickly. Whereas a pair of glasses may be fogged or out of focus, or cast aside under various circumstances, a worldview is evidenced by the way a person lives, how he responds to external stimuli. Just as valid ethics are not situational, a Christian worldview is lived in the context of the authority found in the absolute truth of scripture.

A Christian worldview, then , I think, is better exemplified by a grid system based on eternal and unchangeable points of reference as revealed in scripture. It is like a sieve that filters all information and allows the good to pass through and denies the veracity of other truth claims which do not adhere to a scriptural standard. I am not speaking of censorship- I am speaking of understanding the ways in which the world does not conform to God's standards as revealed in scripture and acting accordingly.

The Christian's grid system is based then on a thoroughgoing knowledge of God's revealed Word about Himself, ourselves, and the world. These reference points form the basis for properly responding to any experience life has to offer. It is the Christian disciple's charge to have the Word written on his heart so as to be able to make life judgments in a natural and godly fashion.

The Christian worldview, then is the truth from Christ's point of view, informed by His prerogatives, not our feelings or experience. This is the TRUTH that, when known, will set us free.

Articulated

The Christian worldview, at its most fully developed is a totally integrated worldview. The well developed Christian worldview is internally consistent and consistent with the Bible, coherent and non contradictory in its structure. That is, it is an articulated system of parts. It exhibits internal consistency when it is fully Biblical, as it is an expression of God's perfect Word. This integration makes it comprehensive in scope. It does not make a false dichotomy between sacred and secular, for Christ is Lord of ALL and is sovereign OVER all. There is therefore no area of life to which it does not speak. Every realm of human knowledge and endeavor, be it psychology, economics,law, politics, science, history, ethics, sociology, or the arts are under His sovereign authority and have meaning only because they emanate from the bearers of the imageo dei.

Another aspect of this articulation is its application- we will speak more of this below, but in this context I want to look at a ramification of articulation. The Christian worldview must be communicated and applied in order to be valid. Francis Schaeffer blamed America's drift toward secularism on the Christian community's failure to apply it's worldview to every facet of society

"the basic problem of the Christians in this country in the last eighty years or so, in regard to society and in regard to government, is that they have seen things in bits and pieces instead of totals."

He went on to say that Christians have very gradually

"become disturbed over permissiveness, pornography, the public schools, the breakdown of the family, and finally abortion. But they have not seen this as a totality- each thing being a part, a symptom of a much larger problem. They have failed to see that all of this has come about due to a shift in the world view- that is, through a fundamental change in the overall way people think and view the world that was at least vaguely Christian in people's memory (even if they were not individually Christian) toward something completely different- toward a world view based upon the idea that the final reality is impersonal matter or energy shaped into its present form by impersonal chance" (from A Christian Manifesto, p. 17, 1981)

Active

A Christian worldview, while absolute, is nonetheless active and dynamic, somewhat as our Lord is. This is an inner process that changes the disciple from within and shows a necessary result without (we'll cover that in the "Applied" section).The process by which we study to show ourselves approved in this manner involves developing a spirit that is teachable by the power of the Holy Spirit.This is an ongoing process that happens within the framework of our sanctification. The spiritual disciplines of Prayer, Bible study, meditation, and witness (both spreading the good news and giving a reason for our hope) are God's method for building a Christian worldview. These disciplines are not an end in and of themselves however. The end is a disciple that reflects God's glory and is conformed to the likeness of Christ, and acts in practical terms to exhibit this reality. The overarching concern is getting to know God's will and ways on a personal level.

With prayer, we commune with the Father in a personal and intimate way, focusing on the Truth of who He is in His awesome and radiant glory. This is transformative in that this reality brings us to confession, adoration, thanksgiving and petition for His will to be done in our lives. We become prayers ourselves, interceding for the lost and ministering to others as a result. In the word we find renewal of the mind, exercising our privilege to take every thought captive for His glory. The goal is to think God's thoughts as revealed in scripture after Him. Our souls are strengthened by living, moving and having our being In Christ alone. This touches every aspect of life itself, for He IS our life. Our weakness is made strength by the indwelling glory He pours into us as earthen vessels, and this is evidenced in works and acts of service which conform us to the likeness of Him who took on a servant's nature. We are to work out what He works in. In meditation, we reflect on God's mighty acts and discern their impact on our life.

So the development of a Christian worldview is important in the process of sanctification. It is only by being conformed to the likeness of the Son that we may love Him with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. He must be Lord of ALL. Without Him we can do nothing, but abiding In Christ we can do all things. Fruit is borne in the Christian life in its season. This leads to a healthy and well balanced spiritual life.

Applied

While I intimated this above, I am compelled to make the following point again. You really don't have a Christian worldview if you are passively uninvolved in your world, waiting for Jesus to return and seeking to insulate yourself from the dying culture around us. Involvement is key- too many Christians are more involved in the latest NFL game than they are in the battle for souls. We are to be extending the Kingdom of God while we live in this world. The Bible was never given to satisfy idle curiosity. It was given to change lives, to change societies, to change the world. You can say you have a Christian worldview, but if you live moment by moment like there is no God, then you are a practical atheist. The just shall live by faith, and true Biblical faith necessarily by nature produces good works.

So become involved and stand in the light for what is right. It is amazing how passive the Christian public is- where is the salt and light we hear Jesus speak of regarding the affairs of the world? This is not about tradition or the way we were. Because I am before God as His servant I cannot remain silent. I dare not sit back. Spiritual lethargy has swept like a fire across the church today. Powerful preaching can shake us out of that, preaching and teaching based on the word of God which is characterized as a sword and true love, not an implement of "tolerance".We need to understand that the Christian worldview embraces the reality of the depravity of man and our only hope in Christ. We are to become redemptive vessels in our society.

The net result of having a solid Christian worldview that is Authentic, Absolute, Articulated, Active, and Applied is a life lived with assurance and purpose. A sense of belonging, mission, and excitement are the overflow of living a disciplined Christian life within this context. It is a life that has impact by the power of the Word of God. The Word first transforms us personally but then motivates us to action in our world.

Resources for the journey...

As noted above, the very idea of a "worldview" requires breadth of scope that is not possible in this short defining treatment. Following are a few resources that have a solidly Biblical perspective on forming a Christian worldview.

I cannot overemphasize the impact of the writings of Francis Schaeffer on my life. I have read his entire oeuvre as well as many of the writings of those he influenced so greatly, such as Ravi Zacharias, and Os Guinness, and others. I have attended the Francis Schaeffer Institute at Covenant Seminary irregularly for the past three years as well. The essential works follow:


***Back to Freedom and Dignity. Westchester, Il. ; Crossway, 1972.
***Escape From Reason. Westchester, Il.; Crossway,1968.
***The God Who is There. Westchester, Il. ; Crossway,1968.
***He Is There and He Is Not Silent. Westchester, Il. ; Crossway, 1972
***How Should We then Live? Westchester, Il. ; Crossway, 1976.

The Christian worldview is not only a discipleship of the mind. Pursue God Himself with a passion, and let that be your motivation, not knowledge, which puffs up! Besides practicing spiritual disciplines consistently, to keep yourself in balance intellectually and devotionally, I recommend reading ANYTHING by A.W. Tozer. Being a Christian doesn't mean you have to be soft headed or mealy mouthed to be humble. Some Tozer links:

Tozer Bibliography

The Pursuit of God online- a life changing read! Drop everything and read it now. Just kidding about the second part, but not the first.

Audio Tozer

I guess I have read every book Chuck Colson has written- here is a link to Breakpoint, his daily broadcast. Check out the Worldview links on the main page especially. Check out the latest Christianity Today (January 2000) for a review of his latest work How Now Shall We Live? an obvious tribute to Schaeffer's How Shall We Then Live? It is a magnum opus which seeks to define a Christian worldview for disciples living in a postmodern, post-Christian society.

Here's a pretty good article I mostly agree with as an introduction to why it is important to understand that you have a weltanschauung, I have a weltanschauung, all God's chillun got a weltanschauung. Whether you know it or not.

From my PGA files, (PRETTY GOOD ARTICLES) is a ditty by Southern Seminary's Al Mohler on ministry in a postmodern era, a time when we may see the Christian worldview fill the coming vacuum. But only if we can articulate that view coherently.

Christianity Today is an indispensable resource. I get mad as hell sometimes when I read it, but I keep coming back to it for news and information, especially for what fellow Christians are facing around the world.

Kerby Anderson was one of my teachers at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas and Ray Bohlin at Rhinehardt Bible Church. Both are principals with Probe Ministries in Dallas. I also have a friend who works for them-so you might say it's one of my favorite sites for resources. Here is an excellent article pertaining to Christian worldviews- almost as good as THIS one :-) They also have a great resource library in Richardson, Texas, if you are ever down that way. Here is a resource page on their site.

Ligonier Ministries has provided plenty of mind renewal for my family over the years. I have several hundred of R. C. 's tapes and have attended several conferences and seminars as well. While I diverge from him on a few topics, Sproul is a champion for loving God with all your mind, an oft neglected area with evangelicals.

Sound doctrine is an essential part of an appropriate Christian worldview. Sound doctrine is simply sound teaching from the Bible on those points I mentioned that make up the grid system. The basics of Christianity is something we all need to agree on. Easier said than done. Here is a Call to Evangelical Unity that I can finally agree with. I was humbled that over a dozen of the Endorsing Committee members are former teachers, pastors, seminar leaders, or fellow church members from our past. I am amazed at the places God has taken us and what He has exposed us to. God gives to all liberally and without reproach when asked.

The Christian Research Institute Site- The Bible Answer man, Hank Hanegraaff hangs out here. Along with lots of info to equip you for the battle.

I've also come to rely on Greg Koukl's Stand to Reason site for apologetics info. Learn to give a reason for the hope that dwells within you- Not argumentative, always done with love and respect.

ICLNET is one of my favorite resources for Christian info. More than you'll ever read.

McKenzie Study Center-articles and materials from back issues of Context, the monthly MSC webzine.

First Things is published by The Institute on Religion and Public Life, an interreligious, nonpartisan research and education institute whose purpose is to advance a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society. This is challenging, thought provoking reading for the Christian who wants to live as Christ's servant in the culture in which he is placed. A little too ecumenical and elitist at times for me though.

My former pastor Duane Litfin is now President of Wheaton College- I learned from him that the Christian worldview extends to history as much as any other discipline. Here is a great site there with an online Classics library of Christianity's greatest hits.

Bible Gateway- More Christian information on the Web

Christian Cyberspace Companion at Baker Books- no longer being updated.

A few good books I would recommend:

The Transforming Vision-ISBN: 0-87784-973-0 -Brian J. Walsh and J. Richard Middleton help readers develop a Christian worldview. And they offer a vision for transforming economics, politics, technology and every part of contemporary culture.

Truth Is Stranger Than It Used to Be-Biblical Faith in a Postmodern Age.ISBN: 0-8308-1856-1 Middleton and Walsh are expert tour guides through the complexities of postmodern culture--offering in this book an introduction, evaluation and response that comes straight from the heart of the gospel.

Understanding the Times by David A. Noebel was a help to me early on. It's pretty dated today in the postmodern milieu, but much is transferable. Read it with discernment, as it oversimplifies some of the issues. I suppose I am guilty of that as well though, as we are talking about universal field theories here. This book was a resource for the Christian Worldview site accompanying this essay. Here is a summary adapted from the book- sort of a summary of a summary.

The Universe Next Door by James Sire outlines the progression of philosophical thought that has shaped western civilization by explaining the progressive breakdown from the theistic worldview into deism, naturalism, existentialism and the new age. Sample chapters here.

Lifeviews by R. C. Sproul (Fleming R. Revell,1986). This is a pretty simplified treatment looking at competing world views and then focusing on the Christian's role in society. As always, Sproul makes the difficult more simple, but in this case in the process the complexities of life are a bit compromised. He is up front about that, which makes this very useful tool for group discussions. His tape series The Battle for Our Minds incorporates some of this material.

I'm dying to plow my way joyfully through an author I have just recently discovered. I'll let you know what I think later.

SoulTsunami: Sink or Swim in New Millennium Culture; Leonard Ira Sweet
Eleven Genetic Gateways to Spiritual Awakening; Leonard Ira Sweet
Faithquakes; Leonard Ira Sweet
The Jesus Prescription for a Healthy Life; Leonard Ira Sweet


CRI Journal back issues at ICLNET in cooperation with the Christian Research Institute .

Reasons to Believe from Radio Bible Class

Contra Mundum ("Against the World") is a forum for discussion and exploration of ideas and issues in Reformed thought today.

Intervarsity Press- site contains interview, challenging articles and information "Books & Bible studies for those who take their Christianity seriously."
Credenda /Agenda- Credenda Agenda is a free, bimonthly periodical exploring all areas of life from a biblical, classical Protestant perspective.

Mars Hill Forum-In the dim light of postmodernism, MARS HILL FORUM exists to reveal Christ in culture. We were launched into existence by the power of a single inquiry, "Who or what mediates the presence of God in your life?"

Ravi Zacharias Ministries- To reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the
credibility of the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

Unravelling Wittgenstein's Net--A Christian ThinkTank "Critically examine EVERYTHING. Hold on to the good." (Paul, First Thessalonians 5.21)

 

More to follow...

Anthony Foster 8-98

Last updated 1-12-2000