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Toggle navigation The Beginning of Wisdom
An Introduction to Christian Thought and Life
* Chapters
* I
* Introduction: A Starting Point for Wisdom
*
* Purpose of the Book
* The Beginning of Wisdom
* The Fear of the Lord
* Jesus: The Wisdom of God
* Plan of the Book
* References
* 1
* Chapter 1: Seeking Wisdom
* Introduction
* What in the World Is Worldview?
* How Does Worldview Work?
* Worldview: Developed in a Personal Journey and in Community
* Worldview Analysis and the Pursuit of Wisdom
* Worldview at School and at Work
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 2
* Chapter 2: Evaluating Wisely
* Introduction
* Worldviews in Competition
* Is It Possible to Evaluate Worldviews Fairly?
* Elements of a Worldview
* Major Worldview Families
* Worldview Analysis and Evaluation
* Testing Worldviews
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 3
* Chapter 3: Wisdom in the Beginning
* Introduction to the Christian Worldview
* The Fear of the Lord
* Creation: The First Act of the Biblical Storyline
* The Nature of God: Sovereign Creator
* The Nature of Creation: God's Good Work
* The Nature of Humanity: Divine Image Bearers
* God's Kingdom
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 4
* Chapter 4: Departure from Wisdom
* Introduction
* Temptation and Fall: The Second Act of the Biblical Story
* Humanity: Fallen Image Bearers
* Divine Promise and Hope
* Human Suffering
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 5
* Chapter 5: The Wisdom and Mercy of God
* Introduction
* The Unique Identity of Jesus
* The Unique Mission of Jesus
* Who Do You Say That I Am?
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 6
* Chapter 6: The Wisdom and the Power of God
* Introduction
* Repentance and Faith: The Necessary Response to the Gospel
* Belonging to Jesus by Faith Alone
* The Christian Life
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 7
* Chapter 7: The Wisdom of Absolutes
* Introduction
* Absolute Truth
* Moral Absolutes
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 8
* Chapter 8: Obstacles to Wisdom
* Introduction
* Intellectual Obstacles to Wisdom
* Experiential Obstacles to Wisdom
* Faith and Reason
* Suffering and Evil
* Grief and Hope
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 9
* Chapter 9: Emotional Obstacles to Wisdom
* Introduction
* Negative Emotional Experiences From a Christian Experience
* Modern Solutions to Human Emotional Struggles
* How Jesus Speaks in the Storms
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 10
* Chapter 10: Practical Wisdom
* Introduction
* Restoration: The Fourth Act of the Biblical Story
* The Kingdom of God
* The Wisdom of God's Kingdom
* The Mission of God
* God's Mission Becomes Humanity's Mission
* Becoming a Disciple
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 11
* Chapter 11: Developing Personal Wisdom
* Introduction
* Belief and Behavior
* Faith Working Through Love
* The Humility of Denying Oneself
* Taking Up One's Cross and Living a New Life
* Developing Wisdom, Faith, and Love
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 12
* Chapter 12: The Way of Life and Peace
* Introduction
* Christ Is the Source of Life
* Christ Is the Source of Peace and Fulfillment
* Responding to Jesus’s Personal Call
* Following Jesus With My Whole Life
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 13
* Chapter 13: Identity Formation and Community in Christ
* Introduction
* Identity: Union With Christ
* Formation: Living by the Power of the Spirit
* Community: Dwelling in Unity
* Principles for Moral Reasoning and Formation
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 14
* Chapter 14: Christ’s Vision for a Human Life
* Introduction
* The Biblical Narrative: Human Beings Created on Purpose, With a Purpose,
and For a Purpose
* Human Beings From the Perspective of the Christian Worldview
* Competing Explanations of Human Nature?
* The Image of God, Human Value, and Connection
* How Jesus Fulfills Humanity’s True Purpose and Significance
* Principles for Moral Reasoning and Formation
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 15
* Chapter 15: Christ's Values in Your Life
* Introduction
* The Way of Christ and Our Living Faith
* The Transformative Power of Hope
* The Relational Influence of Love
* Principles for Moral Reasoning and Formation
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* 16
* Chapter 16: Christ’s Values in Your Academic Discipline
* Introduction
* Foundations for the Integration of Faith and Knowledge
* Key Opportunities for the Integration of Faith and Knowledge
* The Process of Integrating Faith and Knowledge
* Challenges to Faith Integration
* Christ’s Values in Your Academic Discipline
* Conclusion: A God-Size Vision for Your Academic Discipline
* Chapter Review
* References
* 17
* Chapter 17: Christ’s Values in Your Vocation
* Introduction
* Foundations for the Integration of Faith and Work
* Key Opportunities for the Integration of Faith and Work
* Christ’s Values in Your Vocation
* Conclusion: A God-Sized Vision for Your Vocation
* Chapter Review
* References
* 18
* Chapter 18: Living an Integrated Christian Life
* Introduction
* A Portrait of an Integrated Christian Life
* Practical Aspects of an Integrated Christian Life
* Overcoming Challenges to an Integrated Christian Life
* Principles for Moral Reasoning and Formation
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
* C
* Conclusion: The Call of Wisdom
*
* The Call of Wisdom and the Seduction of Folly
Table of Contents
Glossary
Author Biographies
Help
* * Table of Contents
*
* Glossary
* Author Biographies
* Help
THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM:
AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN THOUGHT AND LIFE
1
CHAPTER 1: SEEKING WISDOM
* Introduction
* What in the World Is Worldview?
* How Does Worldview Work?
* Worldview: Developed in a Personal Journey and in Community
* Worldview Analysis and the Pursuit of Wisdom
* Worldview at School and at Work
* Conclusion
* Chapter Review
* References
CHAPTER 2. CHAPTER 1: SEEKING WISDOM BY JAMES WADDELL AND JEFF JIBBEN
> "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get
> insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you
> embrace her." —Proverbs 4:7–8 (English Standard Version)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
* How does worldview govern your perceptions, understanding, and actions?
* Why is worldview so important to life, education, and vocation?
INTRODUCTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If, in essence, wisdom may be understood as the art of successful living, then
it is important to consider what constitutes successful living. There are often
strong disagreements between people when someone says that he or she knows
better than someone else when it comes to how one should live. However, as
mentioned in the Introduction, everyone must choose to live in one way or
another because he or she believes that one way of living is better than others.
People live according to fundamental convictions about the nature and purpose of
the world around them, and they seek to make sense of the world based on those
convictions. These convictions form what is called a worldview, which is the
central focus of this chapter.
Fundamental convictions about reality reside deep within the human heart where
passions, affections, and motives are impossible to see, but these convictions
visibly shape the ways people behave. Their actions display the ways they think
about themselves and the world around them. This is not to say that one's entire
worldview may be observed in each action a person makes. Rather, everything that
one does is rooted in his or her views of the world to such a degree that
worldviews emerge in tangible and observable ways throughout the course of
everyday life. A couple of examples may be helpful in illustrating this concept.
Consider Joan, an employee at a local humanitarian aid association located in a
rough neighborhood in the downtown area of her city. Every day, she interacts
with the homeless, the mentally unstable, the broken, and the needy, as well as
prostitutes and drug addicts. In meeting with people in crisis, Joan always
makes sure to remind each of them of something that is also one of her core
beliefs in life: Every person matters because every person has value and worth.
In her car, however, Joan always seems to get intensely frustrated at those
driving poorly around her on her commute home. It begins with a simple, "C'mon."
Then she grumbles, "Learn to drive! I can't believe this moron!" And finally,
with much honking of her car horn, she screams, "Get off the road, you waste of
space!" along with several words that cannot be repeated here.
Therefore, the questions arise: What does Joan really believe about the world
around her and the people who live in it? Does she truly believe that every
person matters because every person has value and worth, or does she believe
what she says and demonstrates in her car, namely, that each person needs to
learn to drive or get out of her way because they are seemingly not worth her
time? Why does she sometimes think and act according to one belief and later
think and act according to what appears to be an opposite belief? What
ultimately drives her thoughts and actions in these ways? Perhaps her deepest
convictions are more complex than the simplistic statements she articulates when
she is in a professional setting.
The U.S. Supreme Court offers a second example of the ways in which actions
display fundamental convictions. It seems that every time the nation's highest
court decides a politically charged case, social media explodes with diverse and
extreme posts, pictures, and articles. The court's decision is presented in a
fairly objective way that involves a majority ruling and a minority dissent.
Yet, as one reads the deluge of public opinions that follow the court's
decision, it is possible to become confused. Many of the responses use words
such as victory or landmark decision while others use words such as travesty or
reprehensible decision. For example, in wading through the swamp of politically
charged issues such as reproduction technologies, one quickly encounters claims
that this or that action advances human potential as well as claims that it
eliminates human life. Why do people describe the same issue in such radically
divergent ways? Although people responding to these issues are clearly observing
the same world, they seem to be evaluating it based on very different standards.
These examples raise several questions about the ways that individuals and
groups of individuals make sense of the world around them and things that happen
during the course of their lives. In order to make sense of these complex
dynamics, it will be necessary to bring the concept of worldview a little more
clearly into focus.
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WORLDVIEW?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A good starting point for the exploration of any new concept is a clear
definition. Essentially, a worldview is a foundational set of assumptions to
which one commits that serves as a framework for understanding and interpreting
reality and deeply shapes one's behavior. This definition can be divided roughly
into four key parts:
* A set of assumptions,
* Commitments,
* A framework, and
* How it impacts behavior.
Each of these need to be explained and expanded carefully. While worldview, as a
concept, may initially seem rather straightforward, worldviews are diverse in
content and incredibly complex at the functional level. In many ways, they are
as complex and mysterious as the people who hold them, and everyone has a
worldview; therefore, before considering how a worldview shapes human action and
interaction, it will be necessary to look at the individual elements that make
up the concept of worldview further.
WORLDVIEW DEFINITIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While this book provides a thorough explanation of worldview, interacting with a
few other definitions may help with the process of understanding what worldview
is. Three other definitions can provide a more robust picture of the concept of
worldview. Through a brief look, these definitions can emphasize various aspects
of the book's explanation of worldview.
Ronald Nash (1999) defined worldview as "a conceptual framework, pattern, or
arrangement of a person's beliefs. The best worldviews are comprehensive,
systematic, and supposedly true views of life and the world" (p. 13). One can
note the key terms in the approach to worldview, such as conceptual, framework,
and beliefs. Nash's (1999) definition focuses on the mind and the assumptions
that make up worldview and that drive beliefs, and his approach is more
philosophical in nature.
Kenneth Samples (2007) defined worldview as "how one sees life and the world at
large" (p. 20). Samples focused primarily on how worldview affects one's
perspectives. Though each person holds to his or her worldview with commitment,
Samples (2007) also emphasized that one's worldview commitments could be
incorrect or could rest on faulty assumptions.
James Sire's (2015) definition serves as a more comprehensive picture of
worldview, attempting to encompass as many elements of worldview studies as
possible:
> A commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as
> a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true,
> partially true, or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or
> subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution
> of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and
> have our being. (p. 122)
While he includes the rational element of worldview ("a set of
presuppositions"), Sire's (2015) underlying point attempts to go deeper, into
the heart ("commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart"). Sire (2015)
also emphasized the narrative element of worldview in that they "can be
expressed as a story," which is explained in more detail in this chapter.
A SET OF ASSUMPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First, worldviews are composed of assumptions that form something like a
foundation for every individual. Worldviews should not be thought of only as
intellectual frameworks or philosophies that are simply made up of ideas and
theories. Worldviews certainly provide an intellectual framework that enables
the individual to make sense of data and interpret experience, but they are more
fundamental than theories and philosophies. Before a person begins to theorize
or develop a philosophy, that person already has a set of assumptions in place
that he or she uses to develop ideas and understandings. Theories are always
built on the basis of these underlying assumptions that enable the development
of ideas into a larger system of thought.
An assumption is an underlying belief that is presupposed or presumed in advance
of careful reason and reflection. A person's fundamental assumptions serve as a
framework for thoughtful analysis and judgment that make it possible to develop
ideas and theories. When people interact with one another, they do not simply
discuss ideas and opinions as if they have no preconceived notion about what
they believe. They interact with others' ideas and opinions on the basis of the
ideas and opinions that they have already assumed to be true. In other words,
assumptions are in play from the beginning of each conversation. They may be
shaped through interaction with others, but everyone starts with underlying
beliefs that enable meaningful interaction in the first place.
In this way, worldviews provide the intellectual foundation upon which people
build as they encounter and engage the world. Worldview assumptions provide
answers to life's core questions, including:
* Who is God?
* What is behind everything?
* What forces are active in the universe?
* What is a human being, really?
* How do we know the difference between right and wrong?
* What is really true, and how can we know it?
* What is the purpose of life?
These core questions and their answers are typically related to the following
categories: theology (God), metaphysics (universe), anthropology (humanity),
eternity (afterlife), epistemology (knowledge), ethics (morality), teleology
(purpose), and personal commitments (Sire, 2009). The assumptions that one has
concerning these categories form the essential foundation of a person’s
worldview.
COMMITMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second, a worldview is composed of assumptions to which a person is committed.
It is difficult to overemphasize the significance of this aspect of a worldview.
One does not hold to a set of assumptions coldly and dispassionately as if they
are merely a matter of theoretical significance. These commitments form the
basis for the conceptual and imaginative world in which a person thinks and
feels, lives and breathes, and acts and interacts with others. A person's entire
life is lived out through commitment to particular ways of seeing,
understanding, and evaluating the world. In this respect, one's fundamental
assumptions function as beliefs, whether religious or nonreligious, because the
person who holds the assumptions must trust in them and live by them.
When considering worldview commitments, it is also important to note that a
worldview relates to the whole person, not just the mind. A worldview is shaped
by an individual's passions, beliefs, affections, and experiences in addition to
the ideas that a person finds compelling. Individuals reason on the basis of
worldview assumptions with their minds, but they also commit to assumptions with
their hearts. This emphasis on both the mind and the heart helps people to
understand what differentiates worldview from opinions and reasoning. Worldview
is much more than just one's opinion on a variety of topics.
While the mind reasons to discern what is true, the heart brings innate patterns
of desires and passion to questions of truth. Whenever forced to choose between
the heart and the mind, people tend to follow their hearts and then develop a
rationale to support their decisions at a later time. The process normally does
not work in the other direction. For example, suppose that the news reports
scientific data related to the structure of the human mind that somehow
challenges an individual's assumptions about an ethical issue. The individual
may choose to accept or reject the findings but likely will do so without
personally studying the scientific data because of heart-felt convictions about
right and wrong.
This is not to suggest that worldviews are uninformed or that they are formed
without reference to information that a person perceives through the senses or
gathers through experience, but that many fundamental convictions cannot be
proven by gathering data or accumulating experience. People also generally
believe that basic logical and mathematical principles are self-evident and that
red, blue, and yellow are colors they have seen, although these things need not
and, indeed, cannot be proven. Properly speaking, these are basic beliefs
because they must be believed before other beliefs can be formed.
Several other significant assumptions are equally difficult to prove on the
basis of empirical data and reason, but they are trusted nonetheless by those
who hold them. Most people assume that the universe has existed for more than 5
minutes and that physical pain is real when they experience it. They trust that
places like Delaware exist even if they have not personally visited the state.
They tend to believe that several of their recently formed memories are
authentic rather than illusions of the mind, and so on. All people begin with
basic assumptions to which they must commit before they can think and act
meaningfully.
People commit to certain assumptions about life and build their worldview on the
foundation of these assumptions. If questions such as "Why do you believe this?"
or "What makes you think that?" are pressed far enough, it will eventually
become apparent that some convictions are embraced on the basis of something
more akin to faith than reason or observation. People commit at points because
they must, not because they have sufficient proof. Thus, at the deepest level,
worldviews involve faith commitments, although, again, these may or may not be
religious in the classical sense of the word.
A CLOSER LOOK AT FAITH
Faith is a word that can be used differently in different contexts. Sometimes
the word faith is used to mean a wish or hope without evidence. In Christianity,
the word faith focuses on something different. If a man says he has faith in his
wife, he does not mean that he believes his wife exists without any evidence for
that existence. Rather, to have faith in one's spouse is to trust in the spouse
because of evidence and experience. Importantly, this trust is not the absence
of all doubt. There are few things in the universe for which there is entirely
no doubt. Doubt is simply the invitation for more investigation. Furthermore, if
people were to say that someone was a faithful employee, they would not mean
that they believe this employee exists without evidence. Rather, they would mean
that the employee is loyal. Because of these two definitions, faith is trust in
and loyalty to a set of core worldview beliefs or in a person. For example,
Christians have faith in the person of Jesus Christ, trusting Christ for
forgiveness and to transform them more and more from selfishness to
selflessness. All worldviews—Christianity and the other theistic worldviews,
atheism, and pantheism—include both belief before evidence as well as trust and
loyalty.
FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Third, worldviews form the conceptual framework that enables a person to make
sense of information that is gathered through observation and experience.
Whenever a person looks at the world and begins taking in information, that
person intuitively processes the data in order to develop useful understandings.
Categories are formed by the way in which data is sorted in order to form a
mental picture of reality. This picture may be refined through additional
observation and additional experience, but the end result is a description that
serves as a basic framework for understanding.
While bits of knowledge are being placed in mental categories and compared with
other bits of data for the sake of description, the data is also evaluated. Some
things seem important to notice, while others are regarded as insignificant.
People pass judgment on what they see and hear at the same time that they are
processing information to gain understanding. The process of gathering knowledge
about the world always involves the application of values, and those values
represent a key aspect of each person's worldview. Evaluation is never neutral.
As a person attempts to make sense of the world, he or she also interprets what
is seen based on his or her fundamental assumptions.
WORLDVIEW IMPACTS BEHAVIOR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, worldviews deeply affect behavior. The set of assumptions that provides
a foundational framework for thought also guides speech and action. In a sense,
the implications of fundamental convictions trickle down to the level of
behaviors that are expressed through everyday activities. For example, a person
who believes that God exists will, to some degree, orient how he or she thinks
about the purpose of life so that his or her life aligns with what God wants.
Another person who does not believe in a supernatural being will conceive of
purpose in a more human-centered way that does not emphasize God's will and,
instead, will order his or her life accordingly.
At a deeper level, worldview shapes underlying values, motivations, and
attitudes that give rise to particular actions. For example, a person may
believe that no absolute and universal moral values exist. As a result, this
person may not regard consensual sex outside of marriage to be an immoral
activity and, therefore, will seek to find sexual fulfillment outside of a
marital relationship. By contrast, one who believes that a divine being has
articulated guidelines for morality, including sexual morality and marriage, may
believe that he or she should conform life to those guidelines. This person also
believes that sexual fulfillment is desirable but should only be pursued within
the context of marriage. This person reasons that if God created human
sexuality, then God knows the best means through which to pursue it.
No matter which of these views one personally holds, the point should be clear:
Underlying assumptions, motives, values, and attitudes are reflected in
behavior. Thoughts and actions give expression to worldview commitments, which
means that worldviews are continually displayed through everyday behavior.
In order to illustrate the relationship between worldview commitments and
behavior, consider an iceberg. Only the tip of an iceberg appears above the
water at any point, which means that most of an iceberg remains hidden below the
surface. While the top of an iceberg may be formidable in its own right, in
proportion to the larger mass that remains invisible, it is relatively small. In
a similar way, a person's actions give outward evidence of thoughts and
convictions that lie deep below the surface. Actions are visible, whereas
thoughts and the convictions that guide them remain hidden from sight. The sorts
of things that are going on below the surface must be analyzed in order to
arrive at a fuller understanding of how people see and understand the world in
which they live.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A worldview is a foundational set of assumptions to which one commits that
creates a framework of understanding and interpretation. These commitments form
our core beliefs and shape our behaviors. We may have thought of these issues
deeply, or they can be a set of assumptions we have made almost subconsciously.
While people may be very sure of their beliefs or very open-minded and seeking
more evidence, everyone operates on these core beliefs to make sense of the
world and to guide our thoughts and actions. Because of this trust, there is
commitment to our worldview beliefs. The core beliefs of worldview shape our
motives, values, and attitudes, which all shape our everyday behavior.
As noted earlier in the chapter all worldviews rely upon faith and reason.
Worldview beliefs begin to form before people are aware they are trusting in
anything. As people begin to think analytically, explore evidence, and grow in
experience, they may support their initial beliefs, modify their beliefs, or
change their worldview beliefs. Worldview beliefs can grow in depth, they can be
refined, or they can be changed.
A CLOSER LOOK AT REASON
Reason is the reliance on tested evidence and the rules of logic to evaluate
assumptions. All worldviews involve reason in their assessment. Christianity and
other worldviews all rely on scientific, historical, and philosophical evidence
to support the reasoning for their beliefs.
For example, some may say that they will not believe something unless they see
it. They seek visual evidence; however, we each believe many unseen things, and
that is perfectly rational. We believe that people have thoughts in their heads,
though we have never actually seen them. We believe that subatomic particles
exist, even though no one has ever seen them. We believe that far away cities
exist, even if we have not personally seen them. We believe that love exists,
even though we have never seen the raw emotion itself. We believe that water
molecules are composed of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, H2O,
even though we may have never done the experiment ourselves. We believe these
unseen things based on the experiences of others, seeing the effects of these
unseen things, and sound reasoning. Using the very same evidence and reasoning,
core worldview beliefs are evaluated. Reason is the process of evaluating and
then supporting, modifying, or rejecting particular presuppositions.
HOW DOES WORLDVIEW WORK?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLASSES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the movie National Treasure (2004) with Nicholas Cage, the characters
discovered glasses that were key to solving the mystery. These glasses, called
"The Benjamin Franklin glasses," had multiple lenses. When the main character
moved the various lenses of the glasses, he discovered clues to find the
treasure. Our worldview is a lot like these glasses. Each of the six core
worldview beliefs adds another lens through which we view the world differently.
We each have one worldview that consists of many beliefs. These lenses of core
beliefs allow the wearer to see the world clearly. At the same time, with our
worldview "glasses," we see life, ourselves, others, and society differently
than others do. Each of the core beliefs of worldview are a means to see
reality, as well as a means to interpret and assess reality. Chapter 2 includes
worldview tests that are designed to evaluate how well worldview sees reality.
FOUNDATION OF A BUILDING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldview beliefs are also like a foundation of a building. They form the basis
that supports and gives shape to the entire structure that is upon them. Just as
the foundation of a building is often hidden from view, core worldview beliefs
can be below the surface as well. With the foundation in place, the structure
above begins to take shape in a way that is consistent with the foundation. In
the same way, worldview beliefs are the foundation of values, attitudes, and
actions that will be built upon it.
A building's foundation must be strong enough to hold up the building above it.
The strength of the foundation determines the strength of the building. Even if
the upper parts of the structure appear to be secure, the entire building is at
risk if there are cracks in the foundation. Similarly, the strength of a
worldview determines whether all that is built upon it can endure the many
challenges that individuals face during the course of their lives. If
inconsistencies or errors plague one's worldview, the entire structure of
beliefs will be at risk when trials and tribulations come. This means that an
individual who hopes to build something magnificent would be wise to give
careful attention to the sort of foundation that is being built.
A JIGSAW PUZZLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A worldview is also like a jigsaw puzzle (Cosgrove, 2006). The pieces of a
jigsaw puzzle fit together to form a large whole. If pieces from a different
puzzle are added to the puzzle box, they would not fit within the puzzle unless
they were forced. This would make an awkward and confusing puzzle. Worldview
beliefs fit together and make sense together, like a puzzle. Worldview beliefs
come together, align with each other, and form a larger whole. If one picks and
chooses beliefs from different worldviews, those beliefs can clash, misalign,
and can form a confusing whole, like trying to combine pieces from two different
puzzles.
Puzzles come in a box with a picture on that box of what the whole is to look
like. Without that final picture, it would be difficult to put the individual
pieces together to form the final whole. The picture on the top of the box
offers guidance in putting together the whole. Similarly, a worldview offers
guidance on how to respond to questions, evaluate ideas, and interpret
experiences that one encounters in life. The big questions of life have been
around for a very long time. It is good for us to wrestle with these questions.
At the very same time, these questions have already been answered well.
Worldview offers guidance on how to put together core worldview beliefs.
AN OVERARCHING STORY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, each worldview functions like an overarching story that enables
individuals to gather various data and experiences into a coherent scheme that
makes sense. This analogy is more complicated than the others, but it draws out
the fact that various aspects of individual experience, or one's individual
story, can be interpreted only in light of an overarching story about reality.
In this way, a worldview offers a grand narrative of the world that enables
individuals to grasp the significance of their individual story as it unfolds.
In attempting to understand worldview as story, one must appreciate the
significance of discovering the overarching story of reality. A worldview can
find expression as a comprehensive story of reality that attempts to explain the
meaning of life, the origins and nature of the universe, human destiny, and
issues of knowledge and morality. It is a grand narrative, an all-encompassing,
explanatory story that makes sense of reality. In other words, a worldview
answers all of life's biggest questions.
People have a story about their lives that shapes who they are and forms their
interpretations of the world, and each individual's life bears the
characteristics of a good story: characters (key people who influence one's
life), setting (the cultural and social factors that influence beliefs), plot
(the events that one experiences), and conflict (the crises or sufferings that
one faces). As a person's life story unfolds, he or she forms core beliefs and
guiding principles about what reality is and how the world works—an overarching
story (Wilkins & Sanford, 2009).
For example, when people become seriously ill, they tend to connect the
experience to their broader understandings of reality as they try to make sense
of unwelcome pain and suffering. A person who envisions a world governed by a
vindictive God, for instance, may interpret the sickness as a result of God's
anger for something the person has done. In this telling of the story, the
individual lives in a setting in which a vindictive God is a major character who
brings down afflictions on those who offend him. Resolution of the crisis would
require that this God relent or that the afflicted individual figure out a way
to placate him. By contrast, a person who believes God is a rescuer of broken
people in a broken world would tell the story very differently, as would a
person who does not believe God exists at all. Essentially, the way that
individuals tell their stories depends significantly on their understanding of a
much larger story of reality.
The core beliefs of worldview, no matter the worldview, can be arranged to tell
an overarching congruent story of reality. Interestingly, proponents of each
worldview claim to present the most accurate story of reality, either explicitly
or implicitly. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien (1947/n.d.), in his essay "On Fairy
Stories," explained that Christianity is the tale that has "the inner
consistency of reality," (p. 15) making it the true story of the universe. At
this early point in the discussion, it is not possible to evaluate any of these
stories adequately; however, it is important to note that people think and act
within a particular narrative framework that they believe to be the true story.
Whether true or false, accurate or inaccurate, this framework provides a
powerful means of understanding and expressing fundamental convictions about the
nature and purposes of human life.
WORLDVIEW: DEVELOPED IN A PERSONAL JOURNEY AND IN COMMUNITY
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The study of worldview must address the personal and the shared nature of
worldview. Worldview is developed both as a personal journey and also as part of
a community with a shared worldview. As often as we like to consider ourselves
unique, on the big questions of life and in the core worldview beliefs, people
generally align with a major worldview. Worldview is affirmed and developed in
community, where foundational beliefs are held in common by a group of people.
These core beliefs are shaped by community thinkers across times and places.
This community with a shared worldview will have a history of thought, a shared
vocabulary, a common set of core beliefs, and common behaviors. Individuals
would identify themselves as having a certain worldview and would also identify
with a larger group of people who share their same convictions. Importantly,
people with the same worldview will not agree on every single issue (Nash,
2013).
At the same time, worldview is also a personal journey. Sometimes, it is a very
personal journey. People begin to develop their worldview early in life and with
limited experience and information. Worldview begins to take shape early in
childhood as one begins trying to make sense of the world. As one grows in
experiences, worldview beliefs form, often without much conscious thought.
Worldview grows most rapidly during the challenges of adolescence and early
adulthood as people mature mentally, physically, and emotionally. Before
understanding what is happening, a person will begin thinking and acting by
forming patterns of underlying beliefs. Worldview is continually shaped
throughout an individual's life as those core beliefs are refined. Worldview is
a personal journey that is shaped by an individual's life story, experience,
cultural context, and relationships.
DELVING INTO ONE'S PERSONAL WORLDVIEW JOURNEY
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As a personal journey, one's worldview is developed through life experiences.
These life experiences can be very positive interactions with individual people
or groups. A person's worldview can also be shaped by reactions to some negative
interactions with people or groups. Understanding key influences will help an
individual to discover and understand his or her core worldview beliefs. For
someone to understand his or her core worldview beliefs, it requires reflecting
on one's personal story by delving below the surface to uncover the source and
nature of major values and convictions. These values have been instilled in a
person over time through interactions with family, friends, teachers,
influential figures, and the culture in which one is raised. Delving into one's
personal journey can reveal how some key life events had an impact in positive
or negative ways. As worldview is studied in detail, sometimes emotional
reactions can arise due to the very personal nature of one's worldview journey.
That is quite normal. Regardless of which worldview we personally hold, we are
not neutral, and personal psychology does have a real affect (Nash, 2013). Some
important questions to ask include:
* What key experiences and relationships led to personal core worldview
beliefs?
* Are those experiences and relationships positive or negative?
* How might positive experiences change one's personal perceptions over
negative ones?
DEVELOPING WORLDVIEW WITH COMMUNITY
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Worldviews are also shaped or formed within community. Worldviews also are
shared in the sense that people tend to affiliate with others of like mind and
conviction. This can be seen on social media, in politics, in clubs, and in
religion. As a result, shared worldviews typically involve shared core beliefs.
One example of shared beliefs within the Christian worldview is found in the
Nicene Creed, which articulates the core beliefs of Christians throughout the
centuries. The Nicene Creed articulates some of the most foundational essentials
of what Christians believe. It is a creed and confession that has been
memorized, recited, and publicly read at Christian gatherings since the fourth
century AD.
NICENE CREED
Christians have a shared worldview and worldview commitments. Some of the most
basic shared beliefs can be found in an early formulation of the faith known as
the Nicene Creed. More than 98% of those who call themselves Christian fall into
three groups: Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants. Catholicism includes
Roman Catholics and other Catholic groups, Eastern Orthodox includes Greek
Orthodox and Russian Orthodox, and Protestantism includes Lutherans,
Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopal, Baptists, Pentecostals, and
nondenominational churches. All three groups affirm the Nicene Creed, which is a
collection of belief statements that affirm the essential beliefs of the
Christian worldview. The Nicene Creed is:
> I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of
> all things visible and invisible.
>
> And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the
> Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God;
> begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things
> were made.
>
> Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by
> the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also
> for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He
> rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on
> the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge
> the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
>
> And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from
> the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped
> and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
>
> And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one
> baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the
> dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. (Schaff, 1998, p. 27–28)
Individuals are a product of both their personal experiences and their choices;
therefore, worldviews take form as a result of personal and shared influences
(Sire, 2015). Recognizing that both types of influence shape the ways people
see, think, and live should prove helpful by providing a more balanced and
complete picture of the dynamics that shape worldview. In general, one who
intends to understand both the personal journey and shared worldview beliefs of
community will be wise to explore both carefully. Worldview tests described in
Chapter 2 are helpful in evaluating shared worldviews as a whole. Each of the
core beliefs of worldviews can also be tested with information and experience.
WORLDVIEW ANALYSIS AND THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As people consider how they think about the basic nature of the world in which
they live and their core beliefs, they may be surprised to discover that they
already approach life with certain assumptions. Although these do not often
enter one's conscious mind, they still guide thought and action. This may be
surprising because, as noted above, a person's worldview begins to take shape
before critical thought and careful reflection are possible. In some ways, the
process of drawing out unconscious assumptions and reflecting on them can be
uncomfortable at first because the assumptions typically function in the
background of one's thinking and thus may go unnoticed. For the Christian, the
wisdom of God affects each of the core worldview beliefs. Not only that, but
these beliefs also affect how Christians see life and society in a way that also
affects behavior. The Bible and the Christian life speak to the big questions of
life. As C.S. Lewis (1941/1980) stated, "I believe in Christianity as I believe
that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it, I see
everything else" (p. 130).
SELF-ANALYSIS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although it may be difficult, self-analysis is an important starting point for
anyone who seeks to live an examined life on the basis of carefully and
consciously chosen core worldview beliefs. A self-analysis will not only help in
evaluating the reasons behind choosing core worldview beliefs, but, sometimes,
it can also reveal that one's stated beliefs are aspirational and the beliefs
that actually govern are different.
It is important to remember that everyone is inconsistent in living out the
ideals of their worldview. Consider the example of Joan from the introduction of
this chapter. She is a nice enough person in most encounters with people;
however, in the frustration of traffic, a very different persona emerges. She
begins to shout things toward other drivers that betray her stated belief that
all humans are intrinsically valuable and worthy of dignity and respect. Her
unkind words reveal a very different kind of belief about humanity. When asked
about it, Joan becomes hostile and defensive. Is this merely an inconsistency
that she should address? Which belief is her real belief—that humans are
valuable no matter what, or that people need to behave a certain way to be
valuable? What events are behind her conflicting beliefs and behavior?
Studying worldview can lead to a more objective pursuit of wisdom that concerns
itself more with understanding reality than saving face or holding on to one's
initial beliefs. Importantly, reality is objective. Reality is objective even if
one's perceptions are subjective. An objective reality exists outside of one's
perceptions, and this objective reality will continue to exist even if one does
not like what is observed. While we must be respectful of people regardless of
their worldview beliefs, our goal in self-reflection ought to discover core
beliefs that align with objective reality.
THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM
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Many live out their lives based on subconscious assumptions that, for the most
part, remain unexamined. Until these assumptions are drawn out and carefully
evaluated, it is difficult, if not impossible, to live in ways that are
intentionally chosen and purposeful at the deepest levels. Those who make an
effort to investigate the underlying convictions that shape their lives will
find themselves in a better position to evaluate and adjust patterns of thought
and behavior.
Worldview analysis can play a key role in the challenging process of
understanding and evaluating the core beliefs that shape one's life. These are
initial steps toward what Socrates famously referred to as an examined life
(Plato, ca. 399 B.C./1966). The examined life offers an individual several
advantages over an unexamined existence. Most importantly, choosing to live an
examined life affords an individual the opportunity to pursue wisdom
intentionally.
In the search for wisdom, one must begin with a careful examination of the
foundational framework that is already in place. Each person possesses a
worldview and is currently living based on that basic framework. This means that
no one begins to pursue wisdom as a casual observer who looks out at the world
from a position of neutrality. Everyone has already committed to core worldview
beliefs and is living them out when the process begins.
WORLDVIEW AT SCHOOL AND AT WORK
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the real benefits of understanding worldview is that we can understand
others. When we understand the core worldview beliefs of others, we can better
understand how they see themselves, other people, life, and society differently
with those beliefs. Among the goals of this textbook is to understand why
Christians have the core worldview beliefs that they do, to understand and
challenge our own worldview beliefs, and to understand the worldview beliefs in
others. As we engage in understanding worldview, some very important and helpful
insight emerges.
Worldview is influential and expressed seemingly everywhere. As we study
worldview, we may see how different worldviews can affect the interpretation or
presentation of the facts of any academic discipline. We may see how students
with different worldviews approach a topic differently. We can see how clients,
coworkers, supervisors, and vendors approach service differently based on
worldview. Importantly, we will have opportunity to positively express our
worldview in school, work, and in all areas of life. As our world becomes more
connected, there is both challenge and opportunity to understand our own
worldview and the worldview of others more.
CONCLUSION
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As this chapter has explained, a worldview is a foundational set of assumptions
to which one commits. This set of assumptions serves as a framework for
understanding and interpreting reality. Everyone has a worldview. Perhaps that
worldview has been deeply thought through or perhaps it has not been given much
thought. The examined life requires that we closely investigate our core
worldview beliefs. What we believe about the big questions of life affects our
thought patterns, our attitudes, our decisions, and our behavior. The pursuit of
wisdom calls us to more deeply investigate these big questions and our answers.
The person we will become and the goals we seek to achieve rely on a more
examined life. For the Christian, the wisdom of God, as revealed in the Bible,
addresses all of the core beliefs of worldview. These core beliefs, working
together, ought to affect behavior in a positive way.
Analyzing every possible worldview is well beyond the scope of this book. Still,
it will be possible to build upon initial understandings of what a worldview is
and how it functions by outlining the key elements that make up a worldview and
identifying major worldview families. Additionally, it will be necessary to
consider how one can objectively analyze and evaluate any particular worldview.
These topics are the focus of the next chapter.
CHAPTER REVIEW
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MAIN IDEAS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Worldviews are core beliefs that answer a set of questions concerning the big
questions of life. These beliefs are more than casual opinions on theories;
rather, they are commitments from which one builds a framework of
understanding and interpretation. As such, core worldview beliefs affect our
decision-making and our behavior.
* Everyone has one worldview made up of core beliefs that are philosophical in
nature. These beliefs are sometimes called first principles, because they
form a foundation to our belief structure. These beliefs can be based on
assumptions or be more thoroughly tested.
* Worldview acts like a set of glasses with several lenses that we use to see
more clearly, and acts like a foundation from which a larger structure is
shaped and supported. Worldview beliefs are like a jigsaw puzzle where each
piece is intended to fit in with other pieces. Worldview acts like an
overarching, congruent story, of which our lives are seen as a part.
* Every worldview requires both faith and reason, and faith and reason support
every worldview. Trust, loyalty, evidence, and logic are all part of each
worldview belief.
KEY TERMS
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* Assumption: An underlying belief that is presupposed or presumed in advance
of careful reason and reflection.
* Faith: Trust in and loyalty to a set of core worldview beliefs or in a
person; within the Christian worldview, it is the act of trusting in Jesus
Christ to define oneself, which constitutes a transformation of a person's
spirit from selfishness to selflessness.
* Reason: The process of evaluating and then supporting, modifying, or
rejecting particular presuppositions.
* Worldview: A foundational set of assumptions to which one commits that serves
as a framework for understanding and interpreting reality and deeply shapes
one's behavior.
APPLICATION AND KNOWLEDGE
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* This chapter can be used as a starting point of understanding and evaluating
worldview. Understanding the concept of worldview begins the discussion of
what core worldview beliefs are, how they function, and how they are
developed.
* Understanding worldview can help you to respect and work with those of other
worldview beliefs in work and school. Understanding worldview also helps in
understanding what motivates different people to think and to act in the ways
that they do.
* Understanding worldview helps in better understanding yourself. This starting
point in understanding and evaluating worldview leads to further developing
your core worldview beliefs, which guides your interpretation of the world,
understanding, decision-making, and behavior.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
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* What major life events, both positive and negative, have affected your core
beliefs the most? What key people, places, or events have affected or
challenged your core beliefs?
* How have thinkers within a shared worldview community affected your worldview
beliefs?
* How do core worldview beliefs affect decision-making and behavior? How have
core beliefs affected your decision-making and behavior?
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER READING
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* Nash, R. (2013). Life's ultimate questions: An introduction to philosophy.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
* Sire, J. (2015). Naming the elephant: Worldview as a concept (2nd ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
* Sire, J. (2009). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog (5th ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
* Wilkens, S., & Sanford, M. (2009). Hidden worldviews: Eight cultural stories
that shape our lives. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
REFERENCES
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Cosgrove, M. (2006). Foundations of Christian thought: Faith, learning, and the
Christian worldview. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.
Lewis, C. S. (1980). Weight of glory: And other addresses. New York, NY:
HarperCollins. (Original work published 1941)
Nash, R. (2013). Life's ultimate questions: An introduction to philosophy. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
Plato. (1966). Plato in twelve volumes (Vol. 1) (H. N. Fowler, Trans.).
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. (Original work published ca. 399 B.C.)
Samples, K. (2007). A world of difference: Putting Christian truth-claims to the
worldview test. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Schaff, P. (1998). The creeds of Christendom (6th ed., Vol. 1). Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books.
Sire, J. (2015). Naming the elephant: Worldview as a concept (2nd ed.). Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Sire, J. (2009). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog (5th ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Tolkien, J. R. R. (n.d.). On fairy stories. Retrieved from
http://brainstorm-services.com/wcu-2005/fairystories-tolkien.html (Original work
published 1947)
Wilkens, S., & Sanford, M. (2009). Hidden worldviews: Eight cultural stories
that shape our lives. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
* GCU.EDU
* GLOSSARY
* AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES