James W. Sire is a Christian author with a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. He teaches English, philosophy, theology and other courses at many universities. It is no surprise that he published a book about different worldviews. His most popular book is The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog that was published in 1976. The Universe Next Door has sold over 350,000 copies and has been translated into 19 languages. The Universe Next Door describes and discusses eight different popular worldviews.
Sire says that each worldview can be “expressed in propositions” (p. 22). This means that each worldview can be boiled down to eight basic questions. As the book progresses, each chapter starts with an introduction to the worldview and ends with Sire’s opinion on how the worldview is still popular. In the middle of each chapter, he answers those eight basic questions. Early in the book, he states the eight questions as “What is a prime reality-the really real? …What is the nature of external reality, that is, the world
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He also says that without deism, “naturalism would not have come about so readily” (p. 66). Naturalism answers the “What is a prime reality-the really real?” question with the statement that prime reality is matter. This matter exists forever but God does not exist. Naturalism also believes that the universe is a closed off system that cannot be changed. In naturalism, death is the end of any kind of personality or individuality. Not very personal, naturalism states that because humans are made solely of matter, they are not capable of anything but existing. Human Manifesto II says that there is “No credible evidence that life survives the death of the body.” (p. 74). Sire states that naturalism has had a great staying power. The reason why it has had great staying power, he believes, is because it gives the impression of being honest and it logically makes a lot of
As the world becomes increasingly more interconnected, differences among the many religions prove to be obstacles to the global society. In an effort to overcome these obstacles, religious authorities propose the essential sameness of all religions (that all religions point towards the same goal); however, this hypothesis oversimplifies all religions to an arbitrary base. On the other hand, Stephen Prothero’s, the author of God Is Not One, proposal for the acknowledgment of the differences preserves the multidimensional aspects of religions. By rejecting the hypothesis of a basic and similar structure of religion, Prothero allows for them to exist as complete entities; however, Prothero also creates false barriers that over differentiate religions.
The foundation of a Christian worldview is the belief in a personal God, creator and ruler of the universe. The Christian worldview views the world through God’s word, providing the framework for humanity to live by giving meaning and purpose to life. It defines who Jesus is, human nature, and how salvation is achieved. In essence it is the basis of which Christians behave, interact, interpret life and comprehend reality. A Christian worldview imparts confidence, answers to life’s problems, and hope for the future. In this paper I will discuss the essentials of a Christian worldview and an analysis of the influences, benefits, and difficulties sustaining the Christian faith.
In order to begin the process of learning how these two worldviews can co-exist, one must understand exactly what a wor...
... of the Christian faith front and center by uniting two camps of believers in one reading; a starting point. As illustrated by the authors, “Though we have not, of course, reached agreement, we are satisfied that we have eliminated misunderstandings, that is, that neither of us has misrepresented the other. We offer the result to the reader as a celebration of shared friendship, faith, and scholarship” (xi).
One’s worldview is usually dependant on how the particular individual interprets life and its occurrences. Additionally, if one believes something to be so, it will be so to them. It’s all a matter of perception. However, which perspective is truly accurate: Agnosticism, Theism, or Deism? These three worldviews have been the subject of countless debates throughout history and that have yet to be concluded. The purpose of this philosophical essay is to suggest that theism is likely to be considered the correct worldview.
In the book, “Across the Universe,” The main idea is to fight for what one believes is right. The main idea isn’t obvious in the beginning of the book, but as the plot continues, it becomes clear that the two main characters are fighting for what they know is right.
In Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcy's essay, "Worldviews in Conflict," the authors evaluate the shifting cultural context of today's society and how Christianity fits into this situation. The essay compares the differing views between Christianity and today's worldview, and informs the reader on how to engage in today's culture. The "Worldviews in Conflict" is a reliable source because its authors, audience, publication, and purpose make it credible.
With his knowledgeable insight on the world and its origin, Whitney Harris’ belief that human existence is in peril imposes on my perspective of the world. Harris points out the logical points that modern day science has proven. The Earth was created by the explosion informally known as the “big boom”. What caused this eruption is still debated, but Harris claims it was the touch of God. He asserts. “To ignite the spark of life required the hand of God.” This challenged my personal beliefs because in my faith, God created the entire universe in seven legendary days. I was also raised to believe that God is forgiving and accepting to all. Harris challenges this, he believes that “...if man desires to destroy himself…God will not save him.” Murder and even suicide are both considered violations to the Fifth Commandment in the Catholic faith. Although it is a sin to disobey the Ten Comman...
Naturalism emphasizes that the universe is a vast machine or organism, without any general purpose. Naturalism neither denies nor affirms the existence of God, either as transcendent or immanent. However, naturalism makes God an unnecessary hypothesis and essentially superfluous to scientific investigation. Naturalism entails the nonexistence of all supernatural beings, including the theistic god. Naturalists not only hold that the view that evidence for the supernatural has not been convincingly demonstrated, but also think that the belief in supernatural has lead to a great deal of misery for humanity and thus needs to be rejected and replaced with critical inquiry, accountability, and
Smith, Andrew. "Chapter Nine: Life After Death." 2014. A Secular View of God. 12 May 2014 .
Recognition of a person’s worldview can be found based on one’s answer to several reality questions surrounding God (origin), human nature (identity), reality (meaning/purpose), after life (destiny), values (morality or ethics). My own definition of worldview is a set of beliefs about the most important issues in life and my reaction to them. While in agreement with Jeff Baldwin’s eyeglass concept, I choose to compare my Christian worldview to an internal navigation system. When I am lost and need to be found, Christ is omnipresent. He knows my location and guides me in another direction.
Smart, Ninian. "Blackboard, Religion 100." 6 March 2014. Seven Dimensions of Religion. Electronic Document. 6 March 2014.
If we extend this belief as being one of a distinctive creation and as also being part of a wider “family of God” and the missionary zeal which often accompanies it as desiring that others might also be a part of it, we immediately begin to see parallels with Bowen’s systems theory. Furthermore, it is the belief that God has called upon the believer while acknowledging they our part of this world, nevertheless, in their metaphysical journey, should seek to separate themselves from the material world, as they approach a union with God’s spirit, shares characteristic of Bowen’s progression towards higher self-differentiation. (Leighton,
Oxtoby, Willard G., and Alan F. Segal. A Concise Introduction to World Religions. Oxford, Canada: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Despite our different ways of living and daily routines; The majority of people come to the conclusion that without God they are just puppets living in a world filled with injustice and cruelty. Others might just not care about anything and only live to live. With out a God; Others have another religion bases, but no matter where people come from, the reality of the world today is that we are a multicultural creation that needs God in their lives. No matter what country, color, or nationality people are the need of him is huge. The discussion in this paper will explain Christians beliefs, who is God, humanity, Jesus, ways of salvation and the Cristian worldview. The Christian worldview believes that there is an absolute God who created the world and the universe. As the