Christian Worldview Concepts

Introduction to Worldview Studies

Introduction

The study of worldviews is a study of the ideas that influence virtually every thought and every decision a person makes in his or her lifetime. Literally, a worldview is everything about everything. Read the Apostle Paul's discourse in Acts 17:22-31 and you will see an overview of the Christian view of the world. In this passage, Paul discusses his views on the origin and nature of the universe, the identity and value of human beings, the nature and existence of God, the Christian theory of truth and human destiny. In this short passage Paul responds to the essential questions which all worldviews must address.

The study of worldviews is a topic of increasing importance to Christians because of the increasing diversity of the world's people and the social, political, moral and theological pressures this creates. As people's views about God, human beings, truth, morality, human behavior, etc. become more diverse, the potential for conflict and confusion increases. It is not uncommon for intense disputes to erupt when two people engage in a conversation about some of the major moral issues of the day. The source of the disagreement is usually a difference in how each person views the world.

As you read the following chapters you will undoubtedly discover that the author is projecting his own worldview as "the" Christian worldview. This is not done out of arrogance, but conviction; the conviction that biblical Christianity provides the best understanding of reality, knowledge, human existence, purpose of life and the best explanation of what happens to human beings when they die. You should feel free to compare and contrast the views expressed by the author with those of other Christians and with your own as well.