The Universe Next Door

Viewing the World’s Worldview

What is a Worldview?

1. Basic Definitions:

• “The way one views the world.”

• “The lens by which we see and make sense out of the world.”

• “Our core assumptions about life and reality.”

What is a Worldview?

2. Detailed Definition:

“A world view is a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic make-up of our world.”

Why Worldview Thinking?1. Worldview thinking helps us “renew our

minds.”

2. Worldview thinking helps us treasure truth.

3. Worldview thinking helps us discern lies.

4. Worldview thinking gives us precision in missions & evangelism.

5. Worldview thinking gives us compassion.

6. Ideas have consequences.

Basic Questions of Life

1. Who am I?

2. Where did I come from?

3. Why am I here? or What is the meaning of life?

4. Where am I going?

5. What is really real?

Why is this important?1. Worldview thinking helps us “renew our

minds.”

2. Worldview thinking helps us treasure truth.

3. Worldview thinking helps us discern lies.

4. Worldview thinking gives us precision in missions & evangelism.

5. Worldview thinking gives us compassion.

6. Ideas have consequences.

Person

Family

Relationships

Society

Government

The Flow of Ideas

Primary Colors

Theism

HumanismPantheism

“Primary” Worldviews

Testing a Worldview

1. Test of Logic—Does it agree with itself?

2. Test of Facts—What do the facts support?

3. Test of Explanation—Does it explain what it claims to explain?

4. Test of Practical Relevance—Does it meet mans needs?

View of History

Christian Theism Linear

HumanismChaotic

PantheismCyclical

Justice is coming. . . Random response of random atoms. . .

Same tune different verse—over & over. . .

Practical Helps

1. Know “what” and “why” you believe.

2. Think “big picture.”

3. Look for “root issues.”

4. Ask questions.

5. Listen & learn.

6. Plan on & prepare for situations.

Practical Helps

1. Know “what” and “why” you believe.

2. Think “big picture”

3. Look for “root issues.”

4. Ask Questions.

5. Listen & Learn.

6. Plan on situations & Prepare.