What Is "Worldview"

​Part One:
            The term worldview is defined in many different ways. The fact that it is still a fairly new phrase in the history of the world allows it to take on definitions that people add over time. In our textbook Consider by Dr. Weider and Gutierrez, the term worldview is described as “Weltanschauung” as it was formerly known given the name by “Prussian Philosopher Immanuel Kant”. I would clearly define it as meaning “the view of the world around you according to experiences and what is experienced through every-day life”. We all have a worldview whether or not we define it as such. Even the refusal to admit having a worldview is indeed defined as such a thing as a view, therefore making it impossible to not have one at all.
 
Part Two:
            The Christian/Biblical worldview is essential to every Christian life. How we live, raise our families, and what becomes of us after this short time on earth is all affected by how we view our lives while we are here. Our worldview certainly influences our world life. I will address five questions that will help define some significant factors of a Christian worldview.
 
1.      The Question of Origin-
Our origin of life and creation is found in 1 Genesis. This whole chapter explains the origin of life and how it was created, from the creation of our world and universe itself, to the creation of mankind. We were also created for God’s glory according to Isaiah 43:7.
2.      The Question of Identity-
Our identity is what makes us each individuals born to be someone important in our own right. I know who I am and who you are because God tells us through his word. We were all created in his own image according to Genesis 1:27. If I know who I was created after then I don’t need to worry about what I am worth, but rather who I become. I can also assure that our identity is essential according to Jeremiah 1:5 which tells us that before we were conceived God knew us.
3.      The Question of Meaning/Purpose-
I know my purpose and meaning in life because I know my creator/God. My purpose is to serve and worship him which is defined in Psalms 102:18 and Jeremiah 13:11. When we take our eyes off ourselves and place them on serving him we then realize our true purpose in life.
4.      The Question of Morality-
Scripture is the ultimate guidebook to life and out morality according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, not just a guide for possible pastors or ministers. Romans 2:15 tells us who we are naturally in our hearts and shows others around us who we are directly in line with how close we are to God.
5.      The Question of Destiny
Our destiny is a simple as is our route to get there, however no one ever said it would be easy in this world. The worldview of the society around us tells us that heaven is the wrong destiny to seek, however the Bible tells us that this is clearly not true and just a lie of evil. Heaven is our destination and salvation is how we get there. John 3:16 tells us that eternal life is possible through the son because the father loved us so much that he made a way possible for us, even if it took “his only begotten son”. Even if things are not going as we were planning 1 Peter 1:8-9 tells us to look ahead to eternal life and our salvation which is the true destiny of man.
 
Part 3:
How should a biblical worldview influence the way you think about, treat, and speak to others on a daily basis?
            I should first realize that just like me, God loves each and every human being on this earth because they were all created in his own image as defined by the Gospel. According to that knowledge I should always be able to treat and speak to anyone respectfully. Whether these people are saved or not should not make a difference. Obviously if they are saved then we should be able to have more in common with one another, but I should still think, treat, and speak respectfully to them because of who they are. Their identity is defined by the Bible and I should always remember and respect that.
 
How should a biblical worldview influence the way you decide a future career?
            First of all, my wants and desires should reflect whatever God’s will would be for me. This includes my job or career. Secondly, how I will carry it out reflects back to the question asked earlier about morality. If my morals are in the right place and I love God, I should always carry out my job morally. This includes performing the best that I can always because God rewards hard work. This would also include how I treat people daily on the job. I should always have respect for authority and be obedient. Sharing the Gospel with anyone on the job who is lost is also a factor. I should never chose a career that would have me perform acts which would bring shame to my identity or who I am in God, such as being a professional criminal. God has called me to do his will in the ministry of being a Pastor, so right now I am in the process of doing that. Because of this God has blessed me every step of the way in the preparation process.