The Biblical and Christian Worldview
for the 21st Century

Worldview is simply the core beliefs of a person or group of people that determine the decisions that they make about life.  These decisions may range from (1) the trivial, for example, what one will have for lunch, to (2) the more significant, for example, what area of work will be one's life vocation, or to (3) the ultimate questions of life and death and eternity, for example, the issue of abortion or heaven and hell. 

Perhaps, the most consistent characteristic of a person's worldview is that it is carelessly acquired without any real effort.  This acquisition is almost as true for the Christian as the non-Christian.  One's positions are just a product of unquestioned acceptance of what others have said or what feels "good" or "right" at the moment.  For example, can you articulate an opinion on "the right to medical care" from a Biblical perspective?  Can you articulate the issues of free will and predestination?

But, there is hope.  Among Christians, “worldview” is on the move in the 21^st century! Many lectures, articles, books, and conferences are being produced that are well subscribed and read.

Specific areas are being developed, perhaps more so than at any time in history of God’s people since Christ. Home schooling is growing by leaps and bounds with an emphasis and development of family life that is Biblical and exciting. Parents and children are involved in deeper and broader ways.

Universal and world history is being taught in a depth and breadth that has been little recognized in the past.    Vision Form¹ sponsored  a Mega-History Conference in July 2006 with 12 speakers on over 50 topics with 1000 people (many of whom were families with children of all ages). More and more archeological evidence of “reverse” evolution is being discovered, for example, Maps of the Sea Kings.²

Hundreds of materials and dozens of conferences on true roots of American history are being produced. These show that the founders of America consciously applied a Biblical understanding (worldview) to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and to their way of life. Those founding roots can be traced back, possibly, to 2^nd century England. Certainly, they can be traced to 7^th century England that laid the foundation for the Magna Charta of 1215.

And, more, much more that will be developed elsewhere in this site with extensive references. All these are giant steps towards the fulfillment of the Cultural Mandate (Genesis 1:26-31), The Micah Mandate (Micah 6:8)³ and The Great Commission to "make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:18-20). 

But, there are problems among Christians interested in a true Biblical worldview. The primary problem is one of imbalance. (1) There is a neglect of a systematic theology and a systematic understanding of all of Scripture. All the truth of the Bible is a unitary whole -- a beautiful system whose parts fit together in a system like the branches of a beautiful oak tree. They must fit together coherently and consistently or God is not a unity of Person and knowledge!

2) There is a neglect of the whole of Scripture. Christians, especially within their organizations and churches, have their particular doctrines and ethics that blind them to a fuller, comprehensive Biblical worldview. While this bias has been true since 1^st century Christianity, the power of this worldview is limited by this neglect.  All the words of Scripture are inspired (God-breathed) and profitable for teaching , correction, and training in righteousness... for every good work (II Timothy 3:16-17).

3) There must be a personal commitment, beyond what is easy. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). “Present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). “(They) gave … beyond their means” (II Corinthians 8:3). “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds“ (Romans 12:2). “Work,” “sacrifice,” “giving,” “transform” and much more is required of God’s people.  "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" (Matthew 5:46). 

4) There is a neglect of truly Biblical principles. Under “Biblical” in this domain title, we discussed the contrast that the Bible should have over and against any humanistic principle. For example, the modern humanistic state “punishes” thieves by putting them in prison. God, in His word, requires restitution in varying degrees, Exodus 22:1-4. Education is a responsibility of the family, not the state (Deuteronomy 6:7-8). “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (II Thessalonians 3:10).

Most of our work has been in Biblical ethics.  However, "Biblical ethic" is the same as "Biblical worldview." And, "Biblical ethics" is the same as "Biblical worldview principles."  Far more work has been done in the area of Biblical ethics than Biblical worldview, so all the great work that has been done in Biblical ethics needs to be recognized within the framework of Biblical worldview.

Surely, more than any nation in history, the United States is called by God, “to whom much is given, much is required." There are signs of a great, new Reformation. But, Christians must be fully and thoroughly Biblical in all their endeavors. Perhaps, this website will contribute to that end.

5) A truly Biblical worldview will contrast sharply with that of non-Christians and the "world" in every area of life.  The Bible is full of contrasts between God's way and man's way (including Satan's way).  Such descriptions are darkness and light; sheep and goats; the world and the flesh; life and death; Christ and Satan, and heaven and hell.  "There is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof is death."

If a Christian's principles are not in sharp contrast, at least in some points, to those of the world or unbelievers, then there is no truly Biblical ethic!

Reference

1. Vision Forum, direct link to the recordings of the Mega-History Conference.

2. Maps of the Sea Kings, direct link to purchase of this book.

3. George Grant has written a wonderful book, The Micah Mandate, on the verses cited above.  These verses are often quoted without a full understanding of the depth and breadth that is encompassed in this passage.  The book may be purchased from Our Bookstore.