Christian Worldview
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have.”
1 Peter 3:15, NKJV
The World According to Catherine
•Catherine’s Worldview
There is a universal absolute truth that can be known – God is the Ultimate reality. Life has meaning and purpose – death is not the end. History is purposeful and illustrates the movement toward the fulfillment of God’s plan for His creation. Human beings are created in the image of God – physical and spiritual beings who can know and relate to God. Everything that exists is a creation of God’s intelligent design.
•The Importance of Testing a Worldview
Samples (2007) states, “A person’s worldview is the prism through which one makes sense of life and death. Therefore it is critical to have a view that is genuinely clear and distinct” (p. 27). My worldview provides the basis for all of my decisions, thoughts, and actions. For this reason, I want to make sure that the prism I am using has no cracks or inconsistencies in it that will distort my vision. By applying three major tests, I will be able to determine the validity of my worldview and deepen my faith through truth.
•Three Major Tests
According to Cosgrove (2006), the following questions should be asked:
Test of Evidence
“Is your worldview in agreement with scientific and experiential observations? Does the worldview fit the world?” (p.66).
Test of Logical Consistency
“Does every belief in the worldview agree with every other belief in that worldview?” (p.67).
Test of Existential Repugnance
“Is it possible to live the worldview in the world – can it be lived in real life?” (p. 68).
•Results
Test of Evidence
•Human
biochemical design is completely different than any other species on Earth.
•Human
•Human
mind is complex and capable of thought and reasoning.
beings have personality and character and the only species on Earth with linguistic abilities.
•Human
beings are instilled
1 Peter 3:15, NKJV
The World According to Catherine
•Catherine’s Worldview
There is a universal absolute truth that can be known – God is the Ultimate reality. Life has meaning and purpose – death is not the end. History is purposeful and illustrates the movement toward the fulfillment of God’s plan for His creation. Human beings are created in the image of God – physical and spiritual beings who can know and relate to God. Everything that exists is a creation of God’s intelligent design.
•The Importance of Testing a Worldview
Samples (2007) states, “A person’s worldview is the prism through which one makes sense of life and death. Therefore it is critical to have a view that is genuinely clear and distinct” (p. 27). My worldview provides the basis for all of my decisions, thoughts, and actions. For this reason, I want to make sure that the prism I am using has no cracks or inconsistencies in it that will distort my vision. By applying three major tests, I will be able to determine the validity of my worldview and deepen my faith through truth.
•Three Major Tests
According to Cosgrove (2006), the following questions should be asked:
Test of Evidence
“Is your worldview in agreement with scientific and experiential observations? Does the worldview fit the world?” (p.66).
Test of Logical Consistency
“Does every belief in the worldview agree with every other belief in that worldview?” (p.67).
Test of Existential Repugnance
“Is it possible to live the worldview in the world – can it be lived in real life?” (p. 68).
•Results
Test of Evidence
•Human
biochemical design is completely different than any other species on Earth.
•Human
•Human
mind is complex and capable of thought and reasoning.
beings have personality and character and the only species on Earth with linguistic abilities.
•Human
beings are instilled
References: Cosgrove, M. (2006). Foundations of Christian thought: Faith, learning and the Christian worldview. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications. Samples, K. (2007). A world of difference: Putting Christian truth-claims to the worldview test. Dartmouth: Baker Books.