Introduction to the Christian Worldview

Every subject we think about is filtered through our worldview. The picture of reality we hold in our minds is what we use at the most basic level to answer every question in life. This is especially true of big questions, like those pertaining to man’s origin, ethics, life’s meaning and ultimate destiny or purpose. This makes faith central to every aspect of our lives and being. The bigger question, of course, is whether or not the picture of reality we have is actually true.

(Faith with Reason by Joseph R. Farinaccio)

What is a worldview?

It is an overall view of the world or network of underlying presuppositions by which we interpret everything else.

What is a presupposition?

• It is a belief held to be true even before any argumentation or discussion happens.
• Presuppositions (in plural) are the things that we already believe.
• Presuppositions are inescapable.
• Because presuppositions are the heart of everyone’s view of reality.

The term Worldview is sometimes referred to as:

• Philosophy
• Philosophical view
• Belief
• Belief system
• Outlook in life

Worldview & Presuppositions put together

“Everybody has what can be called a “worldview,” a perspective in terms of which they see everything and understand their perceptions and feelings. A worldview is a network of related presuppositions in terms of which every aspect of man’s knowledge and awareness is interpreted. This worldview, as explained above, is not completely derived from human experience, nor can it be verified or refuted by the procedures of natural science. Not everybody reflects explicitly upon the content of his worldview or is consistent in maintaining it, but everybody has one nonetheless. A person’s worldview clues him as to the nature, structure and origin of reality. It tells him what are the limits of possibility. It involves a view of the nature, sources and limits of human knowledge. It includes fundamental convictions about right and wrong. One’s worldview says something about who man is, his place in the universe, and the meaning of life, etc. Worldviews determine our acceptance and understanding of events in human experience, and thus they play the crucial role in our interpreting of evidence or in disputes over conflicting fundamental beliefs.” – Greg Bahnsen

Therefore, our worldview is the lens through which we interpret all of life. Every time you say that something is good, bad, just, unjust, true, false, logical, illogical etc., you’re speaking from underlying assumptions or presuppositions that make up your worldview.

We hold that the Christian Worldview is not just a set of values or positions on moral issues, but that it is actually the very foundation of knowledge itself. That may be a bold claim, but when you consider that God is God and that this is His universe, it is the claim that necessarily follows.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. ~ Colossians 2:8, ESV

James’ contrast of two philosophies

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. ~ James 3:13-18, ESV

We (Christians) are always at war.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, ~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Therefore, biblically speaking there are only two worldviews.

Necessary implication

We all have a worldview, and that we must think, talk and act in terms of our worldview.

What makes up a worldview?

1. Metaphysics – Study of the nature of reality
2. Epistemology – study of knowledge
3. Ethics – study of morality

Metaphysical Questions:

• Does God exist? (Theology)
• What is man? (Anthropology)
• What is the nature of the universe and its origin? (Science)

Epistemological Questions:

• How do you know what you know or how do you know what’s true?
• What is the relationship between belief and knowledge?
• What are the standards and procedures for justifying belief?
• How should the procedures of science be evaluated?

Ethical Questions:

• Is morality real or mere illusion?
• How do we know what’s right from wrong?
• Why should we be good?
• Are we morally accountable to anyone or to God?

A RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF WHO GOD IS WILL LEAD US TO THE RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF THE THINGS THAT MAKES UP A WORLDVIEW

The Christian Worldview Foundation is the Triune God.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!