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Christians, What Is a Worldview?

Introduction to Worldview Thinking


Worldview thinking has become a crucial tool for Christians to understand, explain, and defend their faith. Every person has a worldview, even if many are unaware of what a worldview is and the influence it has on their thoughts and actions. A worldview is essentially the sum of answers people give to life's most significant questions. According to some scholars, the five most critical elements in any worldview are beliefs about God, ultimate reality, knowledge, ethics, and human nature.



Understanding Worldview in the Context of Christianity


Definition of a Worldview


A worldview is a conceptual framework through which individuals interpret and interact with the world around them. It encompasses beliefs, values, and assumptions that shape how people perceive reality and their place within it. In the context of Christianity, a worldview is not merely a collection of theological doctrines but a comprehensive system that influences every aspect of a believer's life.


Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of our inner beliefs: "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." This verse underscores that our worldview—rooted in our hearts and minds—guides our actions and decisions.



The Five Key Elements of a Worldview


  1. Belief About God

A Christian worldview begins with a belief in the existence of God as revealed in the Bible. This belief forms the foundation for all other aspects of the worldview. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This affirmation establishes God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, setting the stage for a worldview that acknowledges His sovereignty and purpose in creation.

  1. Ultimate Reality

In a Christian worldview, ultimate reality is not confined to the material world but includes the spiritual realm. Hebrews 11:3 teaches, "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." This understanding contrasts with naturalistic worldviews that deny the existence of anything beyond the physical universe.

  1. Knowledge

Christians believe that true knowledge comes from God and is revealed through Scripture. Proverbs 2:6 affirms, "For Jehovah gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." This belief in divine revelation guides Christians in seeking truth and understanding, differentiating their worldview from those based solely on human reasoning or empirical evidence.

  1. Ethics

Ethics in a Christian worldview are grounded in the character and commands of God. Psalm 19:7-9 declares, "The law of Jehovah is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring forever; the rules of Jehovah are true, and righteous altogether." God's moral law provides an objective standard for right and wrong, influencing how Christians live and interact with others.

  1. Human Nature

A Christian worldview recognizes that humans are created in the image of God but are also fallen and in need of redemption. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." This belief affirms the inherent dignity and value of every person. However, Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This dual understanding of human nature shapes a Christian's perspective on human behavior, purpose, and destiny.



The Christian Worldview as a Total System


Christianity vs. Competing Worldviews


Christianity should be approached as a total world-and-life view, not just a collection of theological bits and pieces. This comprehensive perspective helps believers understand and evaluate the merits of competing worldviews. Many reject Christianity not because of isolated issues, such as the virgin birth, but because their overall worldview is fundamentally different. Understanding Christianity as a coherent system allows believers to address these broader worldview conflicts more effectively.


Changing Worldviews


Worldviews can and do change. Saul of Tarsus, one of early Christianity’s greatest enemies, experienced a dramatic conversion and became the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-19). His transformation illustrates that even those with deeply opposing worldviews can embrace Christianity. People may change their worldviews for various reasons, often triggered by significant events or new information. These changes highlight the importance of presenting Christianity as a coherent and compelling worldview that can address life's deepest questions and crises.



The Role of Apologetics in Worldview Transformation


Presenting the Coherence of the Christian Worldview


Apologetics involves defending the Christian faith by presenting its coherence and addressing objections. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs believers, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Effective apologetics helps people see the consistency and rationality of the Christian worldview, making it an attractive alternative to competing worldviews.


Engaging with Competing Worldviews


Engaging with competing worldviews requires understanding their fundamental assumptions and demonstrating how the Christian worldview provides a more coherent and satisfying explanation of reality. Acts 17:16-34 provides an example of Paul engaging with the diverse worldviews of the Athenians, presenting the truth of the Gospel in a way that addressed their philosophical questions and concerns.



Biblical Mindedness: Foundation of a Christian Worldview


Being Biblically-Minded


To have a Christian worldview, believers must be deeply rooted in the Scriptures. Colossians 3:16 encourages, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." A biblically-minded Christian allows the Word of God to shape their thoughts, values, and actions, providing a solid foundation for their worldview.


Scriptural Authority


The authority of Scripture is central to a Christian worldview. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Recognizing the Bible as God's inspired Word ensures that a Christian's beliefs and practices are aligned with divine truth.



Spiritually-Minded: Living According to the Spirit


The Role of the Holy Spirit


Being spiritually-minded involves living in accordance with the Holy Spirit's guidance. Romans 8:5-6 explains, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith and develop a worldview that reflects God's values and purposes.


Spiritual Discernment


Spiritual discernment is essential for maintaining a Christian worldview. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 teaches, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 'For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ." This passage highlights the importance of spiritual discernment in understanding and applying God's truth.



The Mind of Christ: Emulating Jesus in Thought and Action


The Example of Christ


Having the mind of Christ means emulating Jesus' thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Philippians 2:5-8 encourages believers, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Jesus' humility, obedience, and self-sacrifice serve as the model for a Christian worldview.


Transforming the Mind


Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This transformation involves a continual process of aligning one's thoughts and attitudes with those of Christ, leading to a worldview that honors God and reflects His truth.



Living Out a Christian Worldview


Practical Applications


A Christian worldview affects every area of life, including how believers interact with others, make decisions, and view their purpose. James 1:22-25 encourages practical application of God's Word: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."


Engaging the Culture


Christians are called to engage the culture with the truth of the Gospel, challenging competing worldviews and presenting the coherence of the Christian worldview. Matthew 5:13-16 describes believers as the salt and light of the world, tasked with influencing society and illuminating God's truth: "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."


Conclusion


Developing and maintaining a Christian worldview involves being biblically-minded, spiritually-minded, and having the mind of Christ. This comprehensive approach enables believers to understand, explain, and defend their faith effectively. By rooting their worldview in the authority of Scripture, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and emulating the thoughts and attitudes of Jesus, Christians can present a coherent and compelling worldview that addresses the deepest questions of life and offers a transformative vision of reality.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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