Naturalist, Postmodernist and Theistic Worldviews
NATURALIST, POSTMODERNIST AND THEISTIC WORLDVIEWS
Tracy Evans
Regent University
Abstract
The basic tenants and worldviews of naturalism, postmodernism and Christian theism are explored and how these worldviews have had an effect on the American culture. The philosophical implications and the tensions manifested out of beliefs established from these worldviews and philosophies.
What is a Worldview?
Everyone has an outlook on life, a particular way they view the world around them, a way that they find meaning and purpose to life, a method to which we view reality, a worldview. A worldview, according to Sire, in The Universe Next Door (2009), is essentially this:
A worldview is 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) that 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.
Each person holds an individualized belief that serves as a type of lens in which to understand their reality and how they relate in it, their thoughts on their existence and how they came to be and these views are held whether or not they have been deeply reflected upon or not or whether the person has simply incorporated the values, morals and beliefs from their familial traditions and/or religious backgrounds. The route a person takes to acquire a worldview is varied and very individualized; however, every person comes to hold their very own.
Worldviews are reflected in societies and the once theistic Judeo-Christian worldview that served as the moral, ethical, and political framework of America began to shift in the early twentieth century. The emergence of secular ideas and teachings directed at these fundamental principles began weakening society’s commitment to their very foundations.
Tracy Evans
Regent University
Abstract
The basic tenants and worldviews of naturalism, postmodernism and Christian theism are explored and how these worldviews have had an effect on the American culture. The philosophical implications and the tensions manifested out of beliefs established from these worldviews and philosophies.
What is a Worldview?
Everyone has an outlook on life, a particular way they view the world around them, a way that they find meaning and purpose to life, a method to which we view reality, a worldview. A worldview, according to Sire, in The Universe Next Door (2009), is essentially this:
A worldview is 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) that 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.
Each person holds an individualized belief that serves as a type of lens in which to understand their reality and how they relate in it, their thoughts on their existence and how they came to be and these views are held whether or not they have been deeply reflected upon or not or whether the person has simply incorporated the values, morals and beliefs from their familial traditions and/or religious backgrounds. The route a person takes to acquire a worldview is varied and very individualized; however, every person comes to hold their very own.
Worldviews are reflected in societies and the once theistic Judeo-Christian worldview that served as the moral, ethical, and political framework of America began to shift in the early twentieth century. The emergence of secular ideas and teachings directed at these fundamental principles began weakening society’s commitment to their very foundations.
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