...Biblical Worldviews Helen M. Pombert Liberty University Defining Secular and Biblical Worldviews I. Defining a Secular Worldview The term worldview was formulated between 1855 and 1860, with many scholars believing that it arrived approximately 1858. The term is derived from the German word “Welt-anschauung”. According to Ergun Caner, this is a union of two German words: (1) welt, the word for world; and (2) anschauung, the word for perception. Several online dictionaries have various definitions for worldview. The Free Dictionary by Farley defines worldview as (1) The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world; (2) A collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group. The website www.asa3.org/ASA/education/views/index.html defines worldview as a theory of the world, used for living in the world. It also calls it a mental model of reality – a framework of ideas and attitudes about the world, ourselves, and life, a comprehensive system of beliefs – with answers for a wide range of questions. Other sources have called worldview a perspective, collection of beliefs, a theory about life, an interpretation of life, presuppositions or assumptions about life. There are as many definitions as there are people. Thus, worldview can be described as belief, perception, idea, model, attitude, answers to questions, etc. Freethesaurus.net also uses some of the following synonyms to describe worldview: body of...
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...Personal Worldview Grand Canyon University HLT 310 Personal worldview Spirituality is defined in several ways as it pertains to different worldviews. Today we will look at the worldview as it relates to Pluralism, Scientism and Postmodernism. Pluralism is a worldview in which the society members structure their culture based on acceptance and diversity. These common traits all strive for the common good of all and also realize there is some truth in other beliefs (Pluralism, 2015). This worldview stresses the importance of tolerance of other religions but does not however deviate from their own beliefs. Scientism is a worldview based on the scientific method. “All that ‘is’ and all that ‘can be known’ is verifiable of falsifiable through the scientific method and that which cannot be measured is simply an opinion, belief or fantasy” (Scientism, 2007). According to this worldview everything that exists has been proven scientifically by using the appropriate method, this does not exclude new advancements in science which will enable the proof of other existence. Postmodern worldview focuses on the benefits of science and recognizes that science alone cannot give meaning to life. These theorists say the world is made up of energy and this energy can be manipulated (Shelly & Miller, 2006). These theorists no longer endorse dualism which focuses on good vs. evil but welcome the philosophy which...
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...The definition of worldview is that it is a theory of the world, which is used to live in this world. A worldview is considered to be a mental model of reality. Worldviews can affect how a person lives his/her life. Someone’s worldview can be affected by many factors. Such as characteristics, life and the many habits that a individual may or may not develop. A biblical worldview is based solely on the word of God. Some individuals Unfortunately do not see the need to follow the biblical worldview. The first Question regarding the worldview is the question of origin. Based on the Christian worldview it shows that everything and everyone lives because of God. In Genesis 1:1 is says that man is not a result of a evolutionary process Man is unlike animals and that he is created in the image of God. This answers The questions of origin. Those who are in opposition of this reading need to only look into the Bible for This very important answer. There is another verse that can answer this question. It is found in Genesis 1:27. What is basically is saying is that we did not evolve From animals, but we share God’s nature with animals. To those to say humans Evolved from animals should take a look in their Bible and understand ...
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...Crystal McClure Professor Duane Carmody Contemporary Worldviews APOL 104 8/2/2016 What is Worldview? Worldview seems to have different wording of the definition. For instance, the American Scientific Affiliation website, defines worldview as “a theory of the world, used for the living in the world.” (“What Is a Worldview?) On Focus On the Family website they define worldview as a framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. (Tackett) According to Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly about the World, they define worldview as, “the unifying perspective from which we organize our thinking about life, death, art, science, faith learning, work, money, values and morals. A worldview is our underlying philosophy of life.” (Gutierrez) What I take from both of those sources is the worldview is what your philosophy on life is. How you look at life, what defines your life and what you believe in. How would you deal with things on a daily basis? Worldview is dealing with making decisions in life. The Question of Origin can be answered in different ways. Naturalism is when the matter has always existed and with given enough time and chance, the end result is what is seen around today. Basically naturalists believe there is no existence of supernatural. Pantheism refers to viewing God and the universe as one. Theism is stating that everything existing, including human is because of God. Genesis 1:1 talks about God creating the heavens and the earth...
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...Worldview Assignment I. To have a worldview means that one has created a personal philosophy of life and those philosophies go on to frame decision making choices as well as how one sees and portrays the world around them. It’s therefore safe to say that ones’ worldview is constantly evolving through time based on circumstances, and the “groups” by which one identifies with. Perception changes and as a result of those changes one’s interpretation or “worldview” of the world around them deviates as well. II. 1. The Question of Origin: According to the Christian worldview on the origin of life, the inception of everything that exists to include humans and animals was as a result of God, our Creator. Instead of life coming from non-living matter, as the Naturalist theory presumes, life came from life in the form of our eternally living God (Genesis 1:1). Man is not a result of an evolutionary process; man is unlike animals in that he is created in the “image of God” as thus stated in Genesis 1:27. We did not evolve from animals, but we share God’s nature. 2. The Question of Identity: The Bible answers the question “what does it mean to be human” by stating that men were created in God’s image and likeness, to replenish and subdue the earth and have power over every living thing on Earth (Genesis 26-28). We are unlike animals in that man has a spirit along with bodies whereas animals do not. Animals lack that special intrinsic value that comes from being created...
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...They’re several different definitions when it comes to the term worldview. An overall description and definition of worldview, is the entirety and general attitude or frame of reference of our perceptions and convictions. (Weider, Guterierrez 58). The question of origin asks “how did life begin”. (Weider, Guterierrez 64). The Christian worldview through theism involves all that exists, which is ultimately the outcome and creator of God himself. 65. (Genesis 1:1). (John 17:17) What is believed through Christian worldview, with the question of Identity is through the belief of theism. (Weider, Guterierrez 67). Theism’s perspective is that God is forever immortal and all of his creations are made through God himself. “Male and female were both created “in the image of God”.67 (Genesis 2:15). (Genesis 2:7). The Question of Meaning/Purpose simply is a question as to why mankind was created. (Weider, Guterierrez 68). It asks simply “Why do I exist?” 68. Christianity is simply in respect to our relationship between us and God himself. 70. God isn’t necessarily a dweller of religion. Religion is perceived through a man’s ability to approach and cease to make contact with God. (John 17:3). (Philippians 1:21). The Question of Morality seeks to answer the question “What is meant by right and wrong and “How should I live?”. (Weider, Guterierrez 71). Theist’s base morality off of the essence and spirit of God. We can further say that God’s revered definitive...
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...Rachel Garcia Personal Worldview Inventory Grand Canyon University Spirituality in Healthcare HLT-310V Personal Worldview Inventory There are many different meanings to the word spirituality; spirituality is defined in several ways, as it pertains to different worldviews. Worldviews have been known to be a matter of the heart, cultural beliefs and traditions. A worldview is a commitment, fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions that we hold consciously or subconsciously, about the persons reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and have our being,” (Sire, 2015). Pluralism Pluralism is a worldview where the members of minority groups structure their culture on acceptance and diversity. These common traits all strive for the common good of all and also realize there is some truth in other beliefs, (Pluralism, 2015). These types of theorists stress how important it is to be tolerant of other religions. However, these theorists do not tend to deviate from the beliefs of their people; they strive to maintain their independent cultural traditions. Cultural traditions that effect the person in their every day life. Scientism Scientism is a worldview that is based on the scientific method. “All that ‘is’ and all that ‘can be known’ is verifiable of falsifiable through the scientific method and that which cannot be measured is simply an opinion, belief or fantasy,” (Scientism, 2007)...
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...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...
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...including this one, have continuously addressed controversial topics and discussions amongst society throughout time. Divinity School Address is an essay that many Christians have discussed, using its comparing Emerson's contradictory and harsh accusations and statements to their own Christian worldview. My goal of this essay is to discuss the reasons why I disagree with the claims that Emerson makes about his worldview and his view of religion as they starkly contradict with a Christian's worldview, as I contradict them when in comparison with a Christian’s worldview....
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...Dr. James Sire, in the book The Universe Next Door, asks seven questions that get ‘to the bottom’ of any worldview assumption of any type of worldview. By answering these questions in the light of the worldview you are attempting to analyze, the definition of this worldview becomes abundantly clear. The first two of these questions deal with the nature of reality: “What is the nature of prime reality?” and “What is the nature of material reality?” Sire asks these questions in order to define what a particular worldview believes are the absolute fundamentals of reality. In other words, the first question asks whether or not the worldview believes in any supernatural realms, and if there is one or multiple or no gods; the second seeks to...
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...Personal World View Mandi Longoria Grand Canyon University January 31, 2016 Personal World View Worldview defined how individuals view the world around them (Shelly & Miller, 2006). A few current worldviews are the Christian worldview, pluralism, scientism, and postmodernism. This paper will discuss spirituality and the aforementioned worldviews. Additionally, she will her Christina worldview will be evaluated using Sire’s seven basic worldview questions. Spirituality Every individual views spirituality differently. The personal opinion of the author is that spirituality is the relationship between God and myself. The bible states that God desires a relationship with his people (James 2:23). Merriam-Webster defines spirituality as a state of being in religion or attachment to religious values (Merriam-Webster, Inc, 2015). Preparing for this assignment, the author discussed spirituality with several co-workers. The overwhelming definition provided is a relationship with a higher religious being/power. Pluralism The occurrence where people from different walks of life co-existing, but continue to have their different traditions and beliefs is how pluralism is defined by Merriam-Webster (2015). Pluralism is based on individuals conversing with the intention to gain a better respect and understanding for differing beliefs (Eck, 2006). Individuals are not expected to agree with other’s beliefs or change their own personal identities (Eck, 2006). Everyone involved...
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...Part I What is a worldview? The definition of “worldview” is a particular philosophy of life or conception of the world. Let’s first understand how to define philosophy. Philosophy is investigating truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct. To define worldview let’s look at our reading for this week in Consider. The most descriptive sentence and the one that I feel describes and defines worldview the best is, “A worldview, then, is a response of our heart or inner being; our intellect, emotion and will. It is the total framework we bring to decision-making” (Weider 59). I am a fiery and passionate speaking person when delivering my worldview and when I read that sentence it resonated with me and I felt that fire spark within. Part II Articulate the biblical/Christian Worldview 1. The Question of Origin The Christian Worldview on origin believes that God is the creator of the world and everything in it. The creation process lasted for 6 days and it culminated for mankind on this day as that is when it is said man and woman were created. Notable scripture references to this are found in the book of Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:27. 2. The Question of Identity The Christian Worldview with regards to the question of identity sees man as a special creation of God. They believe God created man above the animals, below angels, and that man and woman were made in His own image. God intended for man to rule over and care for the earth and His creations in...
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...tossed out the door. These were founded on Judeo-Christian principles. When these went out, there was no motivation to do good anymore. If you do not have a higher authority, like God, than why should anyone not do whatever is right in his own eyes? This belief is tearing this culture apart. It starts in the homes and schools. This leads into a perverted view of mankind. The humanity and...
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...Secular Humanism Vs Biblical/Christian Worldview Richard Puller Liberty University Secular humanism is defined as a theory of ethics and human fulfillment devoid of spirituality, the supernatural, or God. Man becomes the measure of all things, (Secular Humanism and Evolution by Caleb Colley, PH.D). Tom Flynn executive director of the Council for Secular Humanism and editor of Free Inquiry magazine defined Secular humanism as a comprehensive nonreligious life stance that incorporates a naturalistic philosophy, a cosmic outlook rooted in science, and a consequentialist ethical system. Secular Humanistic beliefs regarding origin, identity, meaning/purpose, morality and destiny are as follows. The Secular Humanist believes in the Evolutionary Theory. They believe that the universe already existed, that man is a part of nature and that he has emerged as a result of a continuous process. Secular Humanist believes man is a result of naturally occurring chemical reactions that have occurred through the evolutionary process and that we have no particular purpose. Secular Humanist see mankind’s existence again as a result of the evolutionary process, mankind is just matter and has no more importance than any other living thing. Secular Humanism utilizes the Ethical relativism theory, where morality is relative to the norms of one's culture. Whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. Secular Humanist believes that...
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...Everyone has a worldview, which is a set of principles that you are judged right or wrong and guides you in everyday living. One’s worldview is also based on decision making choices as well and how one sees and portrays the world around them. Perception changes and as a result of those changes ones interpretation or worldview of the world deviates as well. II. Question of Origin- Christians believe that mankind was created by the one and only God. (Genesis 1:27) The Christian worldview maintains that God created the world and everything in it within six days. God also created a man and woman on the sixth day that has originated the population of the world. (Genesis 1:28) Question of Identity- What does it mean to be human? The Christian worldview accepts that mankind is a creation of God. We believe that man was made in the likeness of God. (Genesis 1:27) and also given permission over the entire world. (Genesis 1: 28-30) God’s intentions were to make mankind responsible for animals and plants. In return the animals and plants were given to mankind for the main source of food. Question of meaning/purpose- Why does mankind exist? Our purpose here on is for God’s glory. In other words, our purpose here on earth is to worship him, praise him and proclaim his greatness and to live out his will. (Isaiah 43:7) We were created by him according to desire, and our lives are to be lived for him so that we might accomplish what he has for us to do. When we trust the one who has...
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