Why should you use this book?
Worldview has become a hot topic in the past decade or two. Christian schools often offer a class in worldview, with some colleges even offering it as major. There are youth camps dedicated to the topic as well as a handful of Bible studies for adults. So, why offer a new book on worldviews now?
• With all the books available, worldview is still a difficult topic to understand.
• Most books on the topic compare the Christian worldview to other religious or secular worldviews, pointing out what Christians believe only as it differs from other beliefs.
• A few books do a better job of answering the question, “What is a Christian worldview,” but they look at the common doctrines with which most Christians agree, without exploring the differences between Christian beliefs.
• However, not all Christians believe the same things about where our world came from, where it is going, what is wrong with the world, and what we should do about it.
• Simply telling someone what doctrines to believe is an ineffective way to instill those doctrines into their deeply-held beliefs (their internal worldview). Perhaps that’s why so many Christians today don’t always act like they believe what they say they believe.
A clear explanation of internal and external worldviews:
In my book, I set out to provide a clear explanation of the concept of worldview and a variety of ways it can be understood. Understanding the elements of an external worldview is important, but it’s not until we internalize those beliefs that our actions will consistently reflect what we say we believe.
Direction in developing a comprehensive worldview:
The elements of story-telling are used to help the reader see the bigger story of our world—from its beginning to its end—so we can better understand our part in it. Many book and movie references are included to help readers understand the important elements of the story of our world and keep the reader engaged.
An exploration of diverse Christian worldviews:
Different ways Christians understand that story are explored rather than providing a single “correct” answer. Each chapter provides questions and activities to help the individual reader identify what they actually believe about some of Christianity’s most perplexing issues.
An emphasis on developing a biblical worldview:
Though some Christians deny the reliability and authenticity of the Bible, a worldview that dismisses much of the Bible can hardly be called Christian. It is only in basing our beliefs on the authority of the Bible that we can find the hope which comes from seeing God’s master story from beginning to end.
An opportunity to better understand and dialogue with fellow Christians:
By exploring different beliefs together and sharing their experiences, Christians from diverse backgrounds can develop a new respect for those with different opinions. Defending their personal beliefs among other Christians will also help prepare them to share their faith with non-believers.