The Christian Worldview entails the Belief That

Chapter 1 Review Worldviews are core beliefs that answer a set of questions concerning the big questions of life. These beliefs are more than casual opinions on theories; rather, they are commitments from which one builds a framework of understanding and interpretation. As such, core worldview beliefs affect our decision-making and our behavior. Everyone has one worldview made up of core beliefs that are philosophical in nature. These beliefs are sometimes called first principles, because they form a foundation to our belief structure. These beliefs can be based on assumptions or be more thoroughly tested. Worldview acts like a set of glasses with several lenses that we use to see more clearly, and acts like a foundation from which a larger structure is shaped and supported. Worldview beliefs are like a jigsaw puzzle where each piece is intended to fit in with other pieces. Worldview acts like an overarching, congruent story, of which our lives are seen as a part. Every worldview requires both faith and reason, and faith and reason support every worldview. Trust, loyalty, evidence, and logic are all part of each worldview belief. Key Terms Assumption: An underlying belief that is presupposed or presumed in advance of careful reason and reflection. Faith: Trust in and loyalty to a set of core worldview beliefs or in a person; within the Christian worldview, it is the act of trusting in Jesus Christ to define oneself, which constitutes a transformation of a person's spirit from selfishness to selflessness. Reason: The process of evaluating and then supporting, modifying, or rejecting particular presuppositions. Worldview: A foundational set of assumptions to which one commits that serves as a framework for understanding and interpreting reality and deeply shapes one's behavior. Chapter 2 Review Worldview commitments often are held as convictions that are assumed but not deeply analyzed or evaluated. Worldviews are heavily influenced by messages in popular culture where communication is powerful and critical thinking is disengaged. Evaluation of worldviews is essential. People do not approach this process with neutrality, but they must learn to exercise objectivity. Worldviews are deeply influenced by one's understanding of ultimate reality, whether that understanding is atheistic, pantheistic, or theistic. This first component is foundational and heavily influences the others. A second essential element of worldview relates to the nature of the universe. A third essential element of worldview relates to questions about human nature. A fourth essential element of worldview relates to the nature and source of knowledge. A fifth essential element of worldview relates to ethics, the moral principles that guide human behavior. A final element that forms one's worldview is the sense of one's purpose. Worldviews can be grouped into three major categories: atheism, pantheism, and theism. The spectrum within each of these is very broad. In some unusual cases, a worldview may even appear to fit into two categories. The authority and reliability of Scripture needs to be considered seriously in light of one's assumptions about ultimate reality and sources of knowledge. Worldviews need to be analyzed responsibly and objectively because, even though the world preaches tolerance of all, not all worldviews can be equally valid. Three worldview tests offer the starting point for validation: the coherence test, which examines whether a worldview is consistent within itself; the correspondence test, which examines whether a worldview offers a reasonable explanation of reality; and the practical test, which examines whether a worldview is practical in the most important areas of life. Learning how to analyze worldviews will give a person valuable skills that are essential for a well-reasoned life. Key Terms Agnosticism: A worldview position characterized by the conviction that it is not possible to know with certainty whether God exists or not and that the same is true of certain other religious claims. Atheism: Disbelief in the existence of a god or gods and, therefore, entails an understanding of reality that makes no reference to anything or any being beyond the physical universe. Cognitive Dissonance: An uncomfortable state in which a person holds inconsistent or contradictory ideas or beliefs, particularly in relation to morality and conduct. Coherence Test: A worldview test that examines the internal consistency and rational coherence of worldview assumptions. Correspondence Test: A worldview test that examines a worldview's ability to provide a cogent explanation of reality. Ethics: The systematic study of moral principles that is concerned mainly with beliefs and judgments regarding right and wrong for the purpose of guiding human behavior. Monotheistic: A theistic worldview that includes only one god. Naturalism: A worldview position characterized by the conviction that nothing exists beyond the natural world, emphasis on knowledge available through analysis of the natural world, and the exclusion of supernatural explanations and religious doctrine. Pantheism: Equates god with the universe and the universe with god by conceiving of both as identical and entirely consistent with one another. Plausibility Structure: A mental framework that functions like a filter by determining what one counts as genuine knowledge and what should be disregarded. Polytheistic: A theistic worldview that includes multiple gods. Practical Test: A worldview test that examines a worldview's workability and practical value in the most important areas of life and experience. Purpose: The underlying reason for which something was created and the ends for which it currently exists. Secular Humanist: A person who embraces a philosophy of life that excludes supernaturalism and a personal god, emphasizes reason and scientific evidence, and emphasizes personal fulfillment and social good as the basis for moral reasoning. Secularization: A societal process that involves a large-scale withdrawal of influence by religious groups from major areas of life, thought, and social activity. Theism: A worldview that entails belief in the existence of at least one personal and intelligent divine being. Ultimate Reality: The absolute, supreme, and final person, power, principle, or substance underlying the universe.