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“A comprehensive world view (or worldview) is the fundamental cognitive orientation of an individual or society encompassing natural philosophy, fundamental existential and normative postulates or themes, values, emotions, and ethics.”
Second, where did this term or concept of a world view originate?
The term is a loan translation or calque of German Weltanschauung composed of Welt, which means 'world', and Anschauung, which means 'view' or 'outlook'.
This term is an idea or concept that is fundamental to German philosophy and it actually refers to a world perception. It is the framework of ideas and beliefs which one interprets and interacts with the world.
We are warned and commanded not to love this world: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions – it’s not from Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (I John 2:15-17)
When forming a personal world view this scripture becomes the governor controlling our thought process. There is an obvious tension or conflict between the two worlds that we are living in – we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom, all the while living in this physical world. Sadly, many who call themselves Christians miss this tension between these two worlds since they are overtly influenced by this physical world.
Why have a Christian World View?
The first question that should come to mind is of what value is a Christian world view. It seems that there are at least five (5) reasons why a world view is necessary.
- Having a proper, biblically based Christian world view magnifies the glorious character of our Lord Jesus Christ
- Having a Christian world view enables us to develop and maintain spiritual health
- Having a Christian world view enables us to influence the people that we come in contact with
- Having a Christian world view gives us a biblical basis as we are a role model being observed by those in our sphere of influence who are not Christians
- Having a Christian world view enables us to match proper biblical interpretation with everyday practical aspects of Christian truths or principles
- We must truly know God and His character in such a manner that our worldview does not violate the character of God
- We must truly know the Word of God and the ways of God in order to give foundation and framework to the development of a biblical and Christian worldview
- We must be submitted to the Holy Spirit in such a way that He has free access to do His work of sanctification or transformation by the renewing of our mind
- We must carefully choose and include friends, mentors, and helpers in order to scripturally encourage and edify us in the things of God including his Word and ways
- We must diligently and earnestly develop a concern and interest for the things of God giving us a desire to never develop a world view which would contradict or harm the glorious character and nature of God
3 comments:
I've found that most Christians worldview is usually no bigger than their family and church. Many who say they are followers of Jesus and the Bible will often vote for anti Christian candidates or not vote at all. This is only one example of many I could list.
OG - You are so right, it is a shame that as we draw closer to the return of our Lord that so few believers have a worldview that goes beyond their immediate family.
Thanks for posting this. I think your points are also valid for Christian parents. Are we training our children to hold Scripture as the authority or the culture? What is popular or what God says? It requires diligence and discernment to go against the current.
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