Christian Worldview Concepts

Basic Beliefs of the Christian Worldview - God Is and God Spoke

Introduction

In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are challenged to be ready at all times to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope we have. That challenge comes to all Christians at one time or another. Sometimes the questions come in the midst of intense personal tragedy. At other times, Christians are called upon for their insights in the midst of national tragedies (e.g., September 11, 2001 devastating hurricanes, war in Iraq), and people want to know why the believer in Christ is not as distraught, panicked or fearful as others. It is the responsibility of the child of God to be prepared to speak the truth of God when called upon — to speak it accurately, boldly and graciously. In a world filled with confusing voices calling for greater freedom, equality and unity, it is vitally important for the believer to go back to what is firm and unchangeable, to the God who makes history with his decrees and his covenants. This is the essence of Christian witness in the world.

Developing a Christian worldview is not like picking items from a food buffet; taking the items one likes and leaving others. Christianity makes exclusive claims and places exclusive obligations on all human beings. In contrast to the syncretistic (attempts to reconcile all religious beliefs) goals of modern culture, the teachings of Christianity, exhibited in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, are not equivocal (purposely vague, unclear, having more than one meaning). They are clear, precise and exclusive. For this reason, it is essential to the formation of a distinctively Christian view of the world that believers acquire a solid understanding of the foundational truths of the Christian worldview.