Phil 104b "world view assignment"

Part I: A world view is a self defining principle which describes how one observes, interprets, addresses and responds to the environment, community and ideas encountered. Philippians 2: 5 teaches us that in our relationship with one another, we should always “ have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (NIV). This guides us in our development of a Christian worldview. Part II: 1. The Question of Origin — The Christian worldview finds that God created the earth, the heavens and everything. This is explained in detail in Genesis 1 while Psalms 8: 3-9 discusses the origin of everything in existence in praise of God’s glory 2. The Question of Identity – The Christian world view teaches that God created man. This is supported in Genesis 1: 27 which teaches that God created man in his own image. We know that we are God’s own creation and we are set apart from other animals and ideas such as evolution and chance design by 1 CORINTHIANS 15: 39 which definitively explains that the flesh of animals is differentiated by God from that of Man. 3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose — Meaning and purpose are defined and provided by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and his rise from the tomb 3 days later. John 17: 3 provides a simple explanation of meaning of our lives which is simply to know God. Our purpose in this life is set out in Matthew 28: 19-20 when Jesus provides our great commission and purpose. 4. The Question of Morality — The Christian worldview accounts for man’s shortcomings and need for morality and forgiveness in Romans 3: 23. Our morality is reduced to a very basic principle in John 13: 34 when Jesus teaches that we should love one another. This concept of morality is very simple but it offers a concise answer to the question of morality from a Christian worldview. 5. The Question of Destiny — John 14: 6 provides the solution and the goal of destiny for the Christian when Jesus teaches that no one can go to the Father except through him. This is in keeping with the Christian worldview of achieving the ultimate goal of presence with God through His grace and mercy and the sacrifice of His Son. The classic John 3: 16 tells us how and why we are offered a destiny of grace and forgiveness. Part III: A Christian worldview is not simply a change in thinking or a switch which one chooses to possess or present to world. A Christian worldview is a way of thinking and a way of living which offers answers to life and the world around us. A Christian worldview must be constantly developed and applied. As we consider how we treat and speak to others we find that we must be vigilant in our Christian worldview. We must present ourselves peacefully with a Christ-like mindset while working towards supporting fellow Christians and bringing non-believers to Christ. This will also be a factor when we find ourselves making political and community decisions. We must reflect not on charisma or social presentation but on core beliefs and make decisions which will further the Kingdom of Heaven.