Premium Essay

What Is a Worldview

In:

Submitted By kbchoka
Words 598
Pages 3
WHAT IS A WORLDVIEW?
A worldview is your system of beliefs, values and philosophy in life. It is your framework and ideas and attitude related to the world, ourselves and life situations. It encompasses your feelings, emotions, habits and behavior. Worldview is similar to culture, but it is more than culture. A worldview is the unifying perspective from which we organize all of our thinking about life, death, faith, work, money, etc.
A biblical worldview is based on the word of God. If you believe the Bible is entirely true, then you allow it to be the foundation of everything you say and do.
The question of origin is answered in the very first verse of the bible. (Genesis 1:1). We must start by believing before there was anything else, there was God and he is the creator of all things. Throughout the bible we are told that in many ways that he formed something from nothing. We were not hatched or discovered but uniquely designed by him. In Psalms, David gives praise to God because we are so fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14) and that is why each of us is different. Isaiah tells us again that he is the creator of all the ends of the earth (Isaiah 40:28)
Who are we and why are we here? This is a deep question and many search on and on to determine the answer. Notice in the bible that God had an order to all he did. Humans were special because they were different than all other creation. First man was made to have dominion over all other creation (Gen. 1:26), man was made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27), man was formed from the dust of the ground and man had a living soul (Gen. 2:7). All of this tells us that we as humans are superior to other creation. We also have a responsibility and purpose for being here. We are to worship, praise and serve our Creator all the days of our lives; whether young (Eccles. 12:1) or old. We are to love God and

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

What Is a Worldview?

...I. Part One: What is a worldview? There are many definitions of a worldview. The first that comes to mind is how a person views the world. This if partially correct but there are many other definitions. With that said you can define a worldview as a persons philosophy of life due to how our thoughts are organized. II. Part Two: The biblical/Christian Worldview. 1. The Question of Origin---- If you ask this question to the average person you would get many different answers. There are those who believe that mankind developed from nature. They feel that we are not here due to the creation of God. Then there are those who believe that everything may have been created by God but that is as far as it goes. According to those believers God is just an impersonal, infinite force. Many however believe in only one origin and that belief is based on God as our creator and that he is a kind and forgiving God (Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16). 2. The Question of Identity---- Many people believe that our identity can be found in evolution. In other words we were evolved from lower life forms which make us nothing more than sophisticated animals. Then there are those who believe in a life cycle known as reincarnation. In other words if you do good in one life you will be rewarded in the next life but do bad and you will receive negativity in the next life. This belief is close to a Christian view of reaping what you sow (Galatians...

Words: 813 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

What Is Worldview

...Erik Ellis 05/30/2012 APOL104 What is Christian Worldview? A worldview is a set of assumptions and beliefs that someone uses to interpret and make opinions about his humanity, morals in life, goals in the world, responsibilities to family, relief the of truth, and social issues. Every individual in the world has a worldview. A Christian should show all these things, guided by the light that is spread upon them by the Bible. A Biblical worldview starts with the policy that God has created all in the world and is the commander and chief and He rules over it dominantly. He is not a part of creation, and He also concurs the goodness of what He has created (Gen 1:31, 1Tim 4:4-5.) Some important aspects of creation are that God confirms the goodness of physical reality. Also mankind (male and female) is made in God’s image and is the crown of creation. Genesis 1:27 says that man was created in the image of God. Mankind has dignity because man has been made in God’s view, and though fallen, we still retain that perception (Gen 9:6.) From the creation account in Genesis we find what our purpose is. We are called to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, in everything we do, as image bearers living in a covenant relationship with our Creator-God. To glorify God is man showing the greatness of God’s creation, the climax of which is man in God’s image. However, we are not only to glorify God, but also to appreciate Him for who He is, John 17:3 sums up the point of life to know God...

Words: 608 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

What Is a Worldview

...What is a Worldview and What are the Important Aspects of a Biblical Worldview? Kelli M. McClellan Liberty University What is a Worldview, and What are Important Aspects of a Biblical Worldview? A worldview is the perspective from which we, as mankind, view everything in life. It is considered the foundation of our thinking process about all things, such as family, money, culture, faith, relationship and morals. Our worldview is shaped by the things that we see, experience, and are taught from the beginning of life. It is the influence by which we think and make decisions about every aspect of our life. (Words: 71) What is a Christian Worldview A Christian Worldview is formulated through the teachings of the Bible. There are five important questions that are addressed when identifying our worldview. The questions include our origin, identity, meaning and purpose, morality, and destiny. Christians have a definite and absolute answer for each of these questions that can be supported by the bible. These truths will inspire our perspective and provide us with reliable answers to carry out the purpose for our life. The first question in the Christian worldview concerns origin. How did life begin and how did mankind come into existence? Christians believe that God spoke the world into existence, and creation began from nothing. (Weider & Gutierrez, 2014) In six days, God created everything (including mankind), and He created man in His image. (Genesis 1:27)...

Words: 1169 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

What Is Worldview

...What is a worldview? "Worldview" is the framework of beliefs by which a person views the world around him. (Hindson & Caner, 2008) Personally, I see it as how an individual interprets the world and the issues they are face. According to Ken Hemphill, "Life Answers", he defines "worldview" as the unifying perspective from which we organize our thinking about life, death, art, science, faith, learning, work, money, values, and morals." (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011) Not necessarily in this order, but this is "life" in a nutshell. Our life is based on how we response to the things of the world, which we do consciously and subconsciously. Everyone is confronted with "worldview"; it’s basically our nature, it becomes a defense mechanism that helps to us to make sense of this world. Biblical/Christian Worldview The Question of Origin: Our views lay in the “Theism” belief which states that “God exists”. The first five words in the bible states “In the beginning God created” show the first cause or inception of creation and existent (Gen.1:1). It shows that God is the infinite, eternal, self-existent creator and that he exists outside of his creation. David shared in (Psalm 139: 13-16) how God also created humans in the depth of their mother’s womb. He planned our life and destiny before he even created us. God spoke the world in existence out of nothing (exnihilo). Biblical/Christian worldviews are based on the inspired word of God that was written by God’s ordained...

Words: 816 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

What Is a Christian Worldview

...I. What is a worldview? Whether conscious of it or not, every person has a their own set of unique perceptions and beliefs of the world which constitutes their reality. It serves as a basis for all areas of their life which they use to govern their judgments and interpret the world around them. II. The Christian Worldview Origin - The Christian worldview is entirely rooted in God. Christianity affirms that God is infinite, omniscient, and sovereign Creator that is completely independent of all things. There never was a time that God did not exist. Genesis 1:1 tell us that "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". Romans 11:36: "For from him and through him and to him are all things". He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and has the absolute power to create the universe. He created all things and sustains his creatures.  Act 17:25 "And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else". Identity - The scripture clearly teaches that mankind was made in the very image and likeness of God. Because we are created in His image, that alone distinguishes us from all the other aspects of God's creation. Among all of His creatures, only made was created in his image; therefore, it is the highest and richest revelation of God. Genesis 1:26-27 " Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in...

Words: 881 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

What Is a Worldview; What Is Believed by Biblical/Christian Worldview; Biblical Worldview Influence

...I. Part One: What is a worldview? A worldview is the way in which we structure our thinking about life, death, science, faith, politics, morals and values. A worldview is a person’s core belief and philosophy of life that is used in decision-making. It can also be considered a lens which one looks at the world through. II. Part Two: What is believed by Biblical/Christian Worldview Christianity is not a movement of ethical prescriptions or philosophical beliefs that mark humanity’s search for God. The core essentials that compose a Christian’s faith are marked by clear distinctions that separate us from the rest of the world. Christians believe that all that exists was created by God and Genesis 1:1 supports this belief. David states in Psalms 139:13-16 that God is our Creator. Psalms 8:5 tells us that God created mankind above the animal. Christians also believe that men and women were created in the image of God according to Genesis 2:15. Christians believe that mankind exists and their purpose is to know God. Christianity is not based upon religion but instead a relationship. Mankind’s purpose is clearly stated in John 17:3 which states our purpose is divinely to know God more intimately and to be in a personal relationship with Him. Deuteronomy 11:13 speaks of the importance of loving God with all our heart and soul. No other system except Christianity speaks of an intimate, personal relationship between the Creator and humans. Christians believe in the fall of man, which...

Words: 529 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

What Is the ‘Georgian Worldview’ and How Has This Concept Influenced the Archaeology of Eighteenth-Century North America?

...What is the ‘Georgian worldview’ and how has this concept influenced the archaeology of eighteenth-century North America? The ‘Georgian worldview’ is a theory that uses a study of cultural development to determine the thoughts of the eighteenth-century North Americans. It was initiated by James Deetz in his first edition of In Small Things Forgotten (1977). The term encapsulates Deetz’s structuralism-based idea that the evident alteration within English material culture and landscape design was more than a change in style, but a universal change in human consciousness—from medieval to modern—and this extended across the Atlantic despite the colony’s increasing political distance from the homeland (Deetz, 1996: 62-63; 2003: 221). Deetz believed that shared artefact form reflected shared thought (2003: 220). The theory has enabled historical archaeologists to recognise a distinctive shift in many areas of material culture which subsequently encouraged a succession of scholars to further this idea by posing key questions: why did the worldview develop, where else was a Georgian worldview visible, how did it present itself in areas outside New England? In the quest for answers to these questions, archaeologists have developed the concept which accordingly shaped interpretations of the material discoveries of eighteenth-century North America. Deetz’s model for the cultural development of New England illustrates that following an interval (1660-1760) of limited English...

Words: 3625 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

What Does Genesis 1-11 Teach Regarding the Natural World, Human Identity, Human Relationships, and Civilization? How Does This Teaching on These Topics Affect Your Worldview?

...What does Genesis 1-11 teach regarding the natural world, human identity, human relationships, and civilization? How does this teaching on these topics affect your worldview? In the book of Genesis the bible teaches about the creation, the beginning of the human race, the fall into sin, the destruction of everything because of this and God’s promise to never destroy the Earth again. God created the natural world by speaking it into existence. He put all living things on the land, in the sea and in the sky. He then formed man into his own image and breathed life into him, and his name was Adam. Man was created to rule over all the creatures of the Earth. Adam was given the task of naming all the creatures that were created. Genesis tells us that Adam had no one or nothing that was comparable to himself so God made him a companion. God put Adam into a deep sleep and took a rib from Him. Adam called her woman because she was taken out of man, and God married them. Biblically, the union of marriage is where the two flesh become one. A man is to leave his father and mother to be joined to his wife. Adam and Eve knew nothing but good and knew nothing of sin and shame, at the beginnings of their lives. Unfortunately, this did not last. Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which was forbidden by God. Eve ate as the serpent told her and gave some to Adam and then they were instantly aware of their nakedness and were ashamed...

Words: 790 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Worldview Paper

...Christian Worldview Felice A. Renfro Oklahoma Wesleyan University Abstract A worldview is the way you look at the world, your perception of how the world works, why things happen the way they do and what is your purpose in the world. A worldview is also referred to as a comprehensive conception of the world from a specific standpoint. A “Christian worldview,” is a comprehensive conception of the world from a Christian standpoint. A worldview is there even if people feel they have one or not. A worldview is the crucial starting point for understanding the world of ideas and cultural expressions, as well as responding to these in a particularly Christian way. Individuals acquire a worldview because of their beliefs of how they see the world and why it works the way it does. Every person has a worldview whether they realize it or not. Christian Worldview A worldview is the way you look at the world, your perception of how the world works, why things happen the way they do and what is your purpose in the world. A person’s worldview is their basis for making daily decisions and is extremely important. A worldview can range from seeing the glass half empty to seeing the glass half full. Every person has a worldview even though they may not realize it. Humans live their lives by worldviews. Deciding on what to wear to work or how to wear your hair is a basis of a worldview. Society puts standards out there that...

Words: 842 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Christian Worldview

...Christian Worldview Worldview Essay Many people go about their lives believing and practicing different religions. These beliefs usually develop through how an individual interprets or perceives reality, also known as a worldview. Everyone may not follow a certain religion or believe in the same God or a God at all, but everyone has a set of views and beliefs about the universe and life in general that they live their life by. Whether it is conscious or subconscious, everyone possesses a worldview. A Christian worldview is a more specific belief system that consists of many aspects. It is a view that mediates from our understanding and experiences of the world and I believe that my worldview generally matches up to that of a Christian worldview, but has its differences. Christians generally believe that God is the center and origin of all things, he is self-defining and he created everyone for a specific purpose. For one, I do believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I am also a follower of the Christian faith. However, I am still young and trying to discover different aspects of myself and how I see and interpret the world. Since I am still experiencing the world and seeing different aspects of it daily, my worldview is constantly changing. What I perceive as my worldview has its similarities and differences from a Christian worldview. For example, there are two views to the development of the universe. One is that the universe was an accident and just happened...

Words: 1464 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Importance of a Christian Worldview

...Worldview is a way of viewing the world which affects how someone understands their life and experiences. For Christians, worldview is formed by one’s faith. Even though some people might not recognize it, everyone has a worldview. It is especially imperative for believers to know their worldview so that they can apply it to their everyday lives. It is important for Christians to develop a worldview in order to be a witness for Christ, defend one’s faith, and discern what is good. Being a witness for Christ is one of a Christians primary purposes. Scriptures say that people were created for God’s glory and to proclaim his praises (1 Chronicles 16:23-25); therefore, a worldview is necessary in order to know exactly what to believe and teach it. A worldview is a person’s ultimate beliefs and assumptions about the universe. In order to be a witness for Christ, believers must follow the basic set of beliefs Christianity teaches. For example: there is a God, God is everything, we were created by God in his image, morality is grounded in Gods character, etc. Without these basic principles there is no basis for what is being taught and what the prophet believes. Jeremiah 1:7-8 says, “But the LORD said to me,’ Do not say I am too young, you must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you declares the LORD.” The Bible teaches that Christians are expected to spread the Lord’s message no matter what...

Words: 726 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Worldview Development

...The Bible, Theology, and Worldview Christian Worldview Development There is a strong relationship between the bible, theology and worldview. The bible is what informs us on how to do theology and one’s worldview. Reading scripture allows us to understand the will of God and perform theology. Performing theology is useless without the knowledge of scripture and hermeneutics. Many people express their own personal worldview, but they must know how to use the bible to sculpt their view of the world correctly though the eyes of a believer. The bible is perfect and without error; for one to do perfect theology one must use scripture and that will shape their worldview. All theological methods should start with the Word of God. According to 2 Timothy, all scripture is breathed out by God. Everything the bible says is through Him and one must not go against that. One must accept scripture as fully authoritative and that it is our source to understanding theology. Worldviews can have an effect on how one reads scripture and interprets it. People come from different cultures and church traditions that approach the Word of God differently. In order to perform this theology correctly it is important that one holds a high view of scripture. Through the study and reading of scripture, wisdom is gained. Martin Luther had three basic rules for studying theology. The first step is prayer, the second step is meditation, and the third step is suffering or experience. It is important that...

Words: 1347 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Chapter 3-11, By James W. Sire Chapter Summary

...about our daily personal struggles of discovering our own worldviews and faith. He dives quite profoundly into philosophy and logic as he discusses the main presuppositions and nature of worldviews. He also evaluates and compares and contrasts the main belief systems that exist in our culture today, while illustrating from art and music. Sire provides a number of quotes from literature and philosophy from major philosophers around the world to support his writings. He talks about how every worldview addresses, in some way, the basic questions of ontology, cosmology, anthropology, thanatology, epistemology, ethics, history, and praxis. Reading further along, we get to see the views and answers of Christian...

Words: 621 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Worldview

...Washington  Apologetics 104 week 3  June, 4/2012  What is a worldview? : In my opinion a worldview is one's perception of the world, and how it affects the manner in which he/she responds to the world in which they live. Ken Funk (Kenneth H. Funk II, PhD, and Associate Professor at Oregon State University) in his paper “What is a worldview?” cited the German word Weltanschauug which means “worldview” as… “Seems self-evident: an intellectual perspective on the world or universe.” As well as the 1989 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary defines “Weltanschauug” as …”literally, a perception of the world…” as a particular philosophy of life; a concept of the world held by an individual or a group…” Weltanschauug is also cited in “Weider and Gutierrez’s’ text Consider as a widely accepted term and was first coined by the Prussian philosopher, Immanuel Kant in his Critique of Judgment published in 1790.” It appears that many philosophers will agree that “Worldview” is one’s perception of the world. Everyone has a “worldview” but may not be aware of this view. Conscience or not it dictates how they live or act in the world…Worldview does not necessarily have to do with a perception of the world or the planet but instead it deals with a thought process that is developed from several sources. Our culture, our environment, Parents, teachers, beliefs, and our own reasoning affect our worldview. One can have many worldviews; however the worldview that” most” allow to dictate or the view that...

Words: 1875 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Christian Wordview

...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...

Words: 1003 - Pages: 5