Navigating life’s big questions include asking: “Why am I here?”, “What is the purpose of life?”, “Is there a God?”, “What is good and evil?”, “What happens after death?”, and “How should I live my life?”
Your worldview informs your answers to these questions, guiding your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. In essence, your worldview is the compass that navigates you through the complexities of life, helping you make sense of the world and your place in it.
What is a Worldview?
A worldview is like a lens through which we perceive and interpret the world around us. It shapes our thoughts, actions, and reactions to various life situations.
It’s a framework of ideas, beliefs, and values that guide our understanding of what is fundamentally real, what is right and wrong, and what is meaningful in life.
In essence, a worldview is the foundational philosophy that governs every aspect of our lives, whether we are conscious of it or not.
The Most Common Worldviews Today
In today’s pluralistic society, we encounter a myriad of worldviews. Some of the most common worldviews include:
Secular Worldviews
- Secular Humanism: This worldview posits that human reason and science are the ultimate sources of truth. God is either denied or considered irrelevant.
- Materialism: In this view, the physical world is all there is. Success is measured by material wealth and possessions.
- Postmodernism: This perspective rejects absolute truth, arguing that reality is constructed by individual experiences.
Eastern Religious Worldviews
- Eastern Pantheism: Common in Eastern religions, this view believes that everything is part of an impersonal spiritual force.
- New Age: A blend of Eastern and Western thoughts, it promotes the idea that we are all divine and can create our own reality.
Abrahamic Religious Worldviews
- Christianity: Rooted in the Bible, the Christian worldview believes in an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God. It emphasizes creation, the fall of humanity, redemption through Jesus Christ, and future restoration.
- Judaism: Based on the Hebrew Bible, Judaism emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and the Jewish people, ethical living, and a strong sense of community.
- Islam: Centered on the teachings of the Quran, the Islamic worldview stresses the oneness of God, the importance of prophets, divine justice, and the concept of an afterlife.
The Christian Worldview
The Christian worldview stands in stark contrast to these other common worldviews. Rooted in the Bible, it starts with the belief in an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God who created the universe and everything in it. The Christian worldview is built on the following pillars:
- Creation: God created the world and humans in His image, imbuing life with intrinsic value and purpose.
- Fall: Humanity’s rebellion against God introduced sin into the world, affecting every aspect of life.
- Redemption: Jesus Christ, God incarnate, came to earth to save humanity from sin and eternal separation from God.
- Restoration: One day, God will restore His creation, eradicating evil and establishing His eternal kingdom.
What Makes the Christian Worldview Different?
Objective Truth
While postmodernism rejects absolute truth, the Christian worldview holds that truth is objective and can be known through God’s revelation in the Bible.
Moral Framework
Secular humanism and materialism often derive ethics from societal norms or personal preferences. In contrast, Christianity offers a moral framework grounded in God’s character and commandments.
Eternal Perspective
Unlike worldviews that focus on the here and now, the Christian worldview has an eternal perspective. It teaches that our earthly lives are a preparation for eternity with God.
Hope and Redemption
While other worldviews may offer temporary solutions or superficial comfort, the Christian worldview offers a hope that transcends earthly circumstances. It promises redemption and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Community and Love
The Christian worldview emphasizes love for God and neighbor, fostering a sense of community and mutual care. This is in contrast to the individualism often promoted by other worldviews.
The Christian Worldviews Answers to Life’s Big Questions
The Bible, as the foundational text of the Christian worldview, provides answers to life’s biggest existential questions:
“Why am I here?”
According to the Bible, humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) for the purpose of having a relationship with Him and to steward His creation (Genesis 1:28). Our existence is not an accident but part of God’s divine plan.
“What is the purpose of life?”
The Bible teaches that the ultimate purpose of life is to glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him forever. The New Testament emphasizes the Great Commandment to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40) and the Great Commission to spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).
“Is there a God?”
The Bible unequivocally affirms the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God who created the universe (Genesis 1:1). He is revealed through His creation (Romans 1:20) and most fully through Jesus Christ (John 14:9).
“What is good and evil?”
The Bible provides a moral framework based on God’s character and commandments. Good is defined as that which aligns with God’s nature and His laws (Psalm 119:68), while evil is that which opposes God and leads to sin (Romans 7:12-13).
“What happens after death?”
According to the Bible, after death, humans face judgment by God (Hebrews 9:27). Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior will receive eternal life in heaven (John 3:16), while those who have rejected Him will be separated from God’s presence in hell (Matthew 25:46).
“How should I live my life?”
The Bible provides guidelines for living a life pleasing to God, emphasizing virtues like love, kindness, justice, and humility (Micah 6:8; Galatians 5:22-23). It encourages believers to live according to the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5-7) and to be guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
The Bible offers a comprehensive framework for understanding our existence, morality, and destiny, providing answers to life’s most pressing questions from the Christian worldview.
Conclusion
Understanding one’s worldview is crucial as it influences every aspect of life. The Christian worldview, rooted in the teachings of the Bible, offers a coherent and hopeful perspective that addresses the fundamental questions of existence, morality, and purpose. It stands unique in its emphasis on objective truth, moral integrity, eternal hope, and the transformative power of God’s love through Jesus Christ.
In a world teeming with conflicting ideas and beliefs, the Christian worldview provides a solid, unshakeable foundation upon which to build a life of purpose, meaning, and eternal significance.
Additional resources
The Critical Nature of Clarifying Worldview with John Stonestreet
John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, joins Greg Leith to discuss worldivew
What is Good Friday? (Ambassador Times)
Check out our answers to the question of “What is Good Friday,” the important Christian holiday.