Translate

Monday, August 20, 2012

Guest Blogger: Debi Smith - Defining a Christian Worldview

Introduction to this week's blog series: Christian Worldview Studies
In this week's series of blogs, the aim is to introduce readers to the topic of what I'm terming "Worldview Studies".  This is a special week because of a new feature I'll be introducing on this blog: what I'm calling "The Guest Blogger".  I hope from time to time to have a special guest offer his or her insights in a post on a given day.  I'm pleased to announce our guest blogger for today: my wonderful wife Debi.  She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Christian Counseling at Liberty University and recently completed a summer course in Apologetics (how to defend one's Christian faith).

Guest Blogger Debi Smith defines and discusses Christian Worldview development
What is a worldview?
Nothing can stir a person more than a lively debate. Whether the issue is political or moral, every person has strong beliefs about the world and events that take place around them. These convictions make up our worldview, how we perceive, interpret, and respond to the world surrounding us.

What is the Biblical/Christian Worldview?
In their article The Inerrancy of the Bible, Norman L. Geisler and Lanny Wilson state, “Because the Bible is the Word of God and because it is impossible for God to err, it follows that the Bible cannot be in error.” (Geisler & Wilson, 2008) With this understanding, the Biblical worldview answers the following questions:
What is the origin of life?
Life started with God.  He is without beginning or end (John 17:5, 24). Creator God designed and set into motion the universe and all that is within, including our planet Earth and mankind. (Genesis 1)
What is mankind’s identity? 
God created man in His image.  Though we do not share His deity, He gave man the ability to reason and the responsibility to care for creation.  (Genesis 1:26-30)  Though sinful and fallen, we are still cherished above all other created things, loved and unique. (Psalm 8:1-9)
What is man’s purpose?
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, 1646).  We glorify God through obedience to His Word (1 Corinthians 10:31). Also, we can have a personal relationship with God, one that brings joy and fulfillment. (Isaiah 12:2-3)

How should we live? 
In the Bible we learn right from wrong and how we should live (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We are commanded by God to obey His commands and we see the results of following or not following these commands (Jeremiah 7:23-24).
What is our destiny? 
Death is not final.  For those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, we have assurance of eternal life in Heaven with God (John 3:16-18).  Sadly, those who do not accept God’s free gift of Salvation spend eternity in hell. This is known as a second death, a constant state of dying and torment (Revelation 21:6-8). 
How might/should a biblical worldview influence the way you decide a future career (what you will choose and/or how you will carry it out)?  How might/should a biblical worldview influence the way you think about, treat, and speak to others on a daily basis? 
A Biblical worldview permeates every part of one’s existence.  Therefore, a person with a Biblical worldview would not choose a career that would contradict their morals or deny God glory. A career is a stage on which to display and model a Biblical worldview before the eyes of others.
Finally, a Biblical worldview affects how we respond to others.  Love is and should be the most noticeable trait.  Our purpose is to bring God glory.  Nothing brings God more glory than obeying His commands to share His gift of salvation with others in love.  (John 13:35)