A worldview is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of our experience in the world. While everyone doesn't have a “religion”, everyone has a worldview. The way one answers the following questions define their worldview:
1) Origin—Where did we come from?
2) Meaning—What is our purpose?
3) Morality—How can I know right from wrong?
4) Destiny—What happens when we die?
Contrasting Worldviews
a) Naturalism/Materialism
- Is focused on nature, matter, atoms and the current evolutionary state of the universe. Just like all other animals we are nothing more than complex organisms made up of cells, DNA, etc. Under this view there is no God. We are here as a result of time and chance. We can only know what is testable and verifiable by science. Moral values on this worldview are based on functionality (what ensures survival). The goal of life is to survive and minimize pain.
b) Humanism/relativism
- The individual (person/you) is the center of this worldview. For the humanist reality and who I am is nothing more than a choice (it’s up to the individual). Intrinsic human worth/good takes on the role of God. Under this worldview there is no absolute truth; what is true, is true for you. Moral values are completely dependent on the individual and the culture in which that individual resides. The goal of life is empowerment, human flourishing, and pleasure.
c) Christianity
- Reality is God and his creation. We are made in the image of God. God is the sovereign, immanent, transcendent creator of the universe. In the Christian worldview truth exist in the forms of general (can be discovered) and special (from God) revelation. Under this worldview morals are absolute, grounded in God’s very nature. The goal of life is serving God’s kingdom (fulfilling the will of the father) and developing a Christ-like character.
d) Hybrids
- It is common for people to hold to two worldviews in an attempt to get the best of both worlds. The goal is to have their cake and eat it too. Often, naturalists will cling to humanist ideas because they realize living and thinking consistently within their worldview makes life unbearable. The implications of a belief that life is just a product of time and chance are difficult to swallow. Life has no meaning, value, or purpose if we are only a combination of complex molecules and atoms. Adopting humanist ideals allows the naturalists to construct their own values in order to give their lives meaning and purpose.
Please click here for a chart of five of the dominant worldviews today:
A quick note on Humanism: On the surface, humanism (human flourishing and pleasure) seems rather harmless and tame, even peaceful. Make no mistake about it though, this worldview as Francis Schaeffer calls it, is a Satan-inspired “religion”.
There are only two possible views of the world--a God-centered view, or a human-centered view, or humanism. Only the former view, based on a fundamentalist reading of the Bible, can lead to a sense of fulfillment, because it is based on moral absolutes
An article titled “Secular Humanism: The Devil’s Original Lie & the Religion of the New World Order” reveals how modern day humanism is nothing more than Satan’s old lies he told in the Garden of Eden:
· Man can be like God.
· God is a liar and not to be trusted.
· Trust yourself.
· If it feels good, just do it.
· Experience all that life has to offer—both the good and evil.
· Nothing sensual is to be withheld; do what thou wilt.