...Biblical Worldview: According to Paul Justin Wilson BIBL 110-D21 November 12, 2015 Having a worldview contributes to each person’s evaluation of origins, which in return will impact each individuals life choices. Holmes defines a worldview that “is not disengaged theology; rather it represents the beliefs and values and purposes that guide our work, play, family, and society.” While many worldviews seek answers to life’s fundamental questions, Christians stand on the foundation of a biblical worldview. A biblical worldview is an overall concept of the world and humankind’s part in it, grounded on God’s authority, which He reveals to each person through the Bible. Specifically, Paul addresses the issue of the Christian worldview in his letter to a church in Rome. Paul clearly sets forth the foundations of the Christian belief. Through the truths Paul cites, he builds a solid basis for a biblical worldview: all people are sinful; Christ died to forgive sin; humankind is made right with God through faith; this begins a new life with a relationship with God. The Christian life is not abstract theology unconnected with life, but it has practical implications that will affect how choices are made in a person’s life each day. Having a biblical worldview sets the foundation of transformation by God’s word in every aspect of life. Paul addresses the issue of creation in Romans 1, “For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly...
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...The Bible and Myth: A Problem of Definition Continuity: The Basis of Mythical Thinking Transcendence: Basis of Biblical Thinking The Bible verses Myth The Bible and History 9 The Bible and History: A Problem of Definition Is the Bible Truly Historical? The Problem of History (1) Does it Matter Whether the Bible Is Historical? The Problem of History (2) Origins of the Biblical Worldview: Alternatives Conclusion 15 Introduction “The Bible Among the Myths” begins with the author, John N. Oswalt, establishing his credibility on the topic discussed. Following his studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and Brandeis University, Oswald went on to teach courses at multiple seminaries on the subject of the Old Testament. Due to his years of teaching, he followed the current thought in the scholarly world in reference to the Bible and the subject of myth. In a sixty year gap, scholarly thought went from a popular view of the Israelite thought being completely separate and unconnected to the ancient near eastern thought to currently seeing Israelite religion as simply one more of the complex West Semitic religions. Scholars shifted to view the Israelite religion as a result of evolutionary change where the religion developed from the effects of time and a similar worldview to the world around. The introduction brings up the discovery of such evidence as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the texts...
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...Colorado Christian University College of Adult and Graduate Studies HIS111A, History and Literature of Ancient Israel Course Syllabus (3 semester credits) Course Description Academic Catalog Description This course provides an overview of the historical development and fulfillment of God’s sovereign plan for both the people and the land of Israel. General Course Description This course focuses on the content, background, message, and significance of the books of the Old Testament. Required Textbooks and Course Materials You will need a standard translation of the Bible (NIV, NASB, NKJV, NRSV are acceptable). Paraphrases such as The Living Bible or The Message are not acceptable for this class. If you are using a Bible other than the translations listed, you need to secure permission from your professor. Arnold, B., & Beyer, B. (2008). Encountering the Old Testament (w/CD) (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. [ISBN: 978-0801031700] Clowney, E. (2013). The unfolding mystery (2nd ed.). Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing. [ISBN: 978-1596388925] Optional (but Recommended) American Psychological Association. (2009). Concise rules of APA style (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. [ISBN: 978-1-4338-0560-8] Student Learning Objectives 1. In this course the student will obtain a basic understanding of major themes that emerge from a reading of the Old Testament. 2. The student will be able to articulate...
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...Worldview Essay This essay is for the purpose of formally stating my worldview as a Christian and demonstrating how I perceive reality when it pertains to certain issues. While this will not have changed much from my original worldview outline, it serves to expand on the issues and give intelligent analysis to my beliefs. As this semester draws to a close, and I re-evaluate my worldview outline, I a consistency between my beliefs and those presented in the course material. After analyzing the major questions, I have been able to find academic support for each belief that I hold. The first question we were asked was ‘Who is God, and what is he like?’ my initial answer was that God is the creator of heaven and earth, the supreme celestial being that oversees and influences everyday events. As to His characteristics, I believe that he is absolutely just while being full of grace. He is absolute power, under perfect control. He has intense emotions, but perfect reactions to them. That is who God is to me. The second question was about humans, what they were, and what happened when they died. A human is a being created in the image of God, with capabilities for reason, and an innate understanding of right and wrong. When a human dies, they go to one of two places. Those who have chosen to follow God will go to heaven. Those who don’t will go to hell. The third question was ‘what is the nature of the universe?’ When I hear that, I have to ask what they mean by nature. I have to...
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...business within the atheist argument is that atheism is not a belief at all. Many Christians cringe when they hear the word atheism or that someone is an atheist, while some become angry, others consider it an opportunity to convert a lost soul. Statistics have shown an increase in atheism, which was predicted in the bible, and many tend to think that atheists all come from a scientific background and that as many as ninety-five percent of scientists are atheists. A study by Curry concludes differently reporting that seven percent of scientists are Christians and twenty-one percent are agnostic, while seventy-two percent report they do not believe they have a personal god.However, during this study it appears some skewness existed in the sense people were asked if they believed that God was affective and communicates with mankind. With this a part of the equation, most based their response on the fact they did not think God, if they believe He does exist, actually tried to communicate with mankind. At the end of the study, they concluded that thirty four participants actually were atheists by the above mentioned dictionary’s definition. They do not categorize themselves as other non-believers such as Buddhism or Hinduism. Since the 1920’s physicists have believed the Big Bang theory is responsible for creation some 13.7 billion years ago. They note it as “not a point in space and time, but a point of space and time. “ This created a problem for physicists in...
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...overall success of Bush’s work, this article deploys the use of a general summary, followed by a section of critical interaction, and finally a conclusion. In the end, elements of Bush’s argument prove invaluable, while others miss their target. Summary Chapter 1 begins with an historical review of the modern worldview formation. This includes first the secular worldview, inspired by the focus on freedom inherent in the Enlightenment. Bush then begins to explore the details of the Christian alternative. This discussion reaches a climax as he notes the contrast of the new and old worldviews. “In the earlier view there is a natural stability in both history and in nature. Progress or decline are products of a person’s relationship or lack of relationship to God, and neither is inevitable historically (15).” Ultimately Bush concludes, “The older worldview is not true (just) because it’s old, and it too may be in need of refinement in light of better understandings of the Bible, but authentic Christianity is the best antidote for a culture that is dying from the venom of the Advancement (17).” Chapter 2 begins to unveil the components of the overall worldview, that which Bush calls The Advancement. Here, again, Bush delves deeper into the historical...
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...Servant-Leadership Theory from a Socially Constructed World View and a Biblical World View Mark J. Dixon Jr. Liberty University Abstract Servant-Leadership Theory has been a progressive theory in which much study has been done. Robert Greenleaf began using the term servant leadership to encourage leaders to first want to serve. There are two different world views discussed in this research paper that will shed light into what it takes to be a servant leader and how it can be successful if there is a full understanding of the theory present. There is the secular and the biblical world view in which differences in the two are identified. Servant-Leadership is meant to be more than just a way to see positive outcomes in a business, but it also transfers into effecting people’s lives. An attempt to enhance understanding and the question trying to be answered here is what separates the secular view of Servant-Leadership Theory from the Biblical worldview. This paper examines the characteristics and goals of servant-leadership though both worldviews to give a better understanding of servant-leadership theory. Keywords: servant-leadership, characteristics, biblical, secular Servant-Leadership Theory from a Socially Constructed World View and a Biblical World View There has been much attention given to leadership theories since the introduction of Servant-Leadership Theory by Robert Greenleaf in 1970. Greenleaf’s intent for servant-leadership is to help not only the leader...
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...APPLICATION PAPER Glenda Campbell APOL 500 July 4, 2014 Outline Introduction 1. Summary of the Islamic worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2. Evaluating the Islamic Worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3. Correcting the Islamic Worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4. Defending the Christian Worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Apologetics Application Paper Introduction According to Brown, people everywhere filter what they read and hear through the grid of their own worldview. We all see the world different and the assumptions and prejudices that have about the world have an effect on how we regard the world. The Christian worldview and the Islamic worldview are similar, but they are different in many ways. But, what is a worldview? The ways a person views and understands the world have an effect on everyone. Sire defines a worldview as "a set of presuppositions (or assumptions) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously) about the basic...
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...Introduction OBST 510 May 4, 2014 Part 1 – Comparative Studies Chapter 1: History and Methods History: Walton begins the chapter with the “rediscovery of Egypt which began in the eighteenth century AD and of Mesopotamia in the mid nineteenth century AD.” There were discoveries of tens of thousands of texts that were excavated, translated and studied. Many of these tablets and texts did coincide with the Bible. Walton outlines comparative study which is the study that attempts to understand things when compared to their broader cultural context. The goal in this case is to understand the Old Testament compared to the ANE. There have been many debates on comparative study and the way in which is executed. Comparative studies deal with the cultures, myths, religions, worldviews and literature of all the people living in the ANE. A comparative study acknowledges that cultures are separate, but that these separate cultures are aware of and understand the religions and rituals of the other surrounding cultures and at times even engages in those rituals. Many of the Scholars were so biased that they tended to argue for the importance of the Old Testament, or vice-versa defended the mythology concept of scripture so vehemently that the cultural comparison was lost. Not until Friedrich Delitzsch, who was the son of the famous biblical commentator Franz Delitzsch, did a more focused and unbiased approach to comparative study begin to take place. Delitzsch created controversy with the...
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...CHRISTIANITY 2 Abstract This entire book explains how the two books of God can be consolidated to provide the needs of the whole man. The author stated that all truth is God’s and everything that he made was good. Psychology is the study of human behavior and theology is the study of religion; both perspectives are disciplines that are learned. Integration will allow a better understanding of human behavior which neither perspective can do along. Since the Christian faith could not support man along, the mentally challenged suffered. Critics stated that the Christian faith did not keep Bible law concerning love and acceptance of homosexuality; the faith didn’t have the science or intellect to cure sickness, distorted perceptions and mental defects. Sin brought the fall of man and brokenness; yet, science through testings, assumptions, methods, experiments and discoveries were needed to fully care for humans; a holistic approach was needed to cure man. The Church was challenged to provide supreme knowledge to care for souls which lead to many new worldviews which were made up of disciplines that governed people’s lives. These worldviews have Enemies and Allies which were obstacles to integration. The Church accepted psychological perspectives to help the mentally ill; they vacillated in their belief and had attitudes towards the scriptures; this is why the work to restore man could not be done alone through the Church...
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...Christian Worldview of Leadership Introduction The Christian worldview of leadership is distinctly different from most secular views on the subject. In the secular, leadership tends to be viewed primarily in terms of a company’s bottom line and how well the leader can urge employees to produce more and better work. That view is profit-centered rather than person-centered, and it does not give much attention to employees’ human needs and qualities nor on how developing excellent work relationships can promote productivity. In the Christian worldview, however, people are key, and their human needs are important. The leader in the Christian worldview understands how meeting employees’ needs promotes the kind of productivity desired and how developing strong work relationships can do more for the company’s success than micromanaging or other forms of harassment can achieve. This paper will discuss the characteristics of a leader and the keys of leadership, group behavior, and conflict management and resolution from the Christian perspective. Leadership Today’s business leaders often have difficult tasks to achieve in turning around failing companies and galvanizing an overworked workforce fearful of losing their jobs, but their tasks do not outweigh those of the great Biblical leaders, such as Moses, who led the Israelites out of bondage, or David, who had to slay the giant before becoming a leader. The characteristics of a leader in the Biblical context still differs...
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...contact us at: SUPPORT@WISEAMERICAN.US HLT 310V WEEK 2 WEEK 2 TOPIC 2 DQ 1 Refer to the GCU Introduction, The Death of Ivan Ilych by Tolstoy and the three concepts of the “healing environment” found in chapters 7-9 of Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing. What is the phenomenology of illness and disease (i.e. the personal “what it is like”)? Cite references from your reading to support your answer. What is a personal analysis of your own experience with illness and disease and how several factors colored that experience? How can you relate to The Death of Ivan Ilych? WEEK 2 TOPIC 2 DQ 2 What is the Christian concept of the imago dei? How might it be relevant to our unique approach in health care and why is it important? WEEK 2 ASSIGNMENT (BENCHMARK ASSIGNMENT) HEALING HOSPITAL: A DARING PARADIGM Max Points: 125 Details: Consider how the paradigm of a healing hospital might influence your philosophy of caregiving and write an essay of 500-750 words that addresses the following: 1. Describe the components of a healing hospital and their relationship to spirituality. 2. What are the challenges of creating a healing environment in light of the barriers and complexities of the hospital environment? 3. Include biblical aspects that support the concept of a healing hospital. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please...
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...Introduction: The Bible Among The Myths by John N. Oswalt The author Oswalt spent much time studying the subject of the ANE (Ancient Near East). This book will investigate the Idealism, history, culture and how they related to the relevance of the critical worldview of the Old Testament and the Hebrew belief as compared to the surrounding ANE. Oswalt’s views, thinking and direction have changed completely over his 50 years studying the ANE and the Bible. This book will show the similarities and differences in thought between the Hebrew Old Testament and the ANE. Oswalt will define what a myth is and argue why the Old Testament is not and cannot be considered a myth. The Bible, when compared to ANE literature, has a completely different understanding of creation and how the spiritual and natural realms interact and exist. There is not a continuous existence that just repeats itself over and over, but rather a series of single events that lead to a greater purpose. It is Oswalt’s position that the Bible is an accurate historical account of a people who received their relevance of belief from a single living transcendent God. The historical basis is important as God reveals himself through humans, in non-recurring human-historical events, to impose God’s will and direction to affect the will of humans. Chapter 1: The Bible In Its World In this chapter Oswalt addresses different beliefs on the existence of the world. Specifically how the Israelites and Greeks viewed the...
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...Study Guide: Lesson 3 The Importance of Philosophy for Christians Lesson Overview In our last lesson for this module/week, we examined why developing the philosophical mindset is important for people in general. In this lesson, we want to ask that question specifically for Christians. What value does philosophy have for Christians? We will begin by examining the biblical basis for developing a philosophical mindset. We will discuss the biblical mandate for philosophy and three elements in fulfilling that mandate. We will then survey a number of roles that philosophy functions for Christians. Finally, we will examine the role that the Bible plays in doing philosophy. Tasks Read and take notes from chapter 3 of Philosophy: Critically Thinking about Foundational Beliefs, “What Athens has to do with Jerusalem: The Importance of Philosophy for Christians.” As you read, make sure you understand the following points and questions: • Know the historical and literary background to Col 2:8. Paul starts this passage off with a Greek term “blepete” meaning “beware” or “be on your guard.” Then follows this with a strange phrase that literally means “to be carried off as booty” but here is probably meant more like “kidnap” The literal wording here is actually “philosophy and vain deceit” knowing the historical and literary context of this passage one can see that Paul is not condemning philosophy in general. He is contrasting two kinds of philosophy: one that is based...
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...Introduction to a Christian worldview A course in thinking Christianly about the whole of life Chris Gousmett (c) Chris Gousmett, 1996 This edition is produced solely for use as a course manual and is not to be sold, copied or otherwise reproduced in any form. i Contents Introduction 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 8. 9. 10. The nature and function of worldviews Religion true and false . . . . . . . . .. . . . 1 16 30 The problem of dualism and synthesis in Christianity Major themes in a worldview: Human nature, truth, meaning, purpose . 46 Scripture as the source of a Christian worldview The contours of a Biblical worldview . . . . . . .. . . . . . 59 70 87 104 119 136 157 Structure and direction. Sin and evil. Common grace The task and calling of humankind: to care for the creation . The nature of Christian community. A Christian view of society. The Kingdom of God: God's righteous rule over the whole creation . Bibliography . . . . . . . . ii Introduction The creation of the Father, fallen in sin, is redeemed by the death of the Son of God and is being transformed by the Holy Spirit into the kingdom of God. Herman Bavinck This series of studies is designed to provide a basic introduction to a distinctively Christian worldview that seeks to see the whole gospel applied to the whole of life. This Christian worldview makes a difference, because it is significant for our life in the world. It shapes and directs our lives in important ways, because...
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