Nature of Worldviews Lecture 1

LECTURE 1 Nature of Worldviews Worldview –definitions  Framework of thoughts which people use to make sense of the world  It refers to people’s way of looking at reality and how they perceive the world around them  It is culturally structured assumptions that underlie people’s perception of reality  It is a cognitive and evaluative presupposition that people make about things  It is a structure of understanding we use to make sense of our world  It is a way of looking life from a person’s own interpretation  It’s a commitment; a fundamental orientation of the heart that can be expressed to be story that we hold  A worldview refers to power that influences people’s perception of reality; an internal mechanism for assigning meaning to external reality  It is a religious inclination of heart/mind Note: A person’s worldview is a combination of all beliefs and assumptions internalized by a person as values, and convictions. These then apply in generating thoughts, feelings, attitude, decisions and actions. Christian worldview Christian worldview refers to:  A way in which Christians look at reality or the understanding of the meaning of life  Is the integrated system of beliefs derived from faith in Jesus Christ which Christians use to make sense of the world.  Is a biblical worldview –The Bible is the basic book that Christian’s faith is pegged.  Is a Christo-centric mindset that is oriented towards the things of God. Relationship between worldview and culture A worldview is a mindset whereas culture is a way of life. A worldview informs culture and culture modifies a worldview. Culture embodies thoughts, feelings, attitudes, decisions, words and actions whereas worldview embodies convictions and values. Importance of Christian Worldview  Provides answers to fundamental questions of human life, example, where did the universe originate?  Explains precisely and vividly the origin of the universe and the entire creation and their destiny, nature of spiritual reality, visible and invisible aspects of life as well as external and temporary realities  It offers authentic answers to basic questions that humans ask  Christian worldview approves human as God’s special creation created in His image and likeness; …fearfully and wonderfully made –Ps. 139:13,14. Characteristics of worldviews Worldviews are learned – they are not genetically acquired. People learn worldviews from others in the group and gradually identify self with that group through socialization They are subjective–One perceives a worldview individually and crafts own reality. A single reality can be viewed differently by people in different worldviews. Since worldviews are subjective, a person can abandon his/her worldview and adopt another one. They are holistic –this means that worldviews affect all aspects of life in an integrated version. There is no aspect of life that is not addressed by person’s worldview They are invisible –Worldviews are mental constructs and mental processes. They cannot be seen however, they demonstrate in people’s actions and thoughts. Most times they operate unconsciously. People give meaning to life spontaneously without realizing that their decisions are guided by deeply rooted worldview convictions. They are typically human –Worldviews are typically human because all humans subscribe to a particular worldview. No one lives without a culture and none lives without a worldview. How worldviews are: Acquired Through media –electronic, print, mass Through education –in schools, public lecture, crusades Through socialization –learning from people in the society Through movements of people –from a place to another as they transmit worldviews Through cyber world –world of computer communication