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People have many different ways in which they view the world. There’s a wide diversity of thoughts on this matter ranging from the extremely liberal to the ultra-conservative. Have you ever sat down and actually mapped out where you fit on this vast worldview spectrum? Have you ever wondered, “Does it really matter?”
In this article, we’ll examine what exactly constitutes a worldview, some of the contrasting points of view regarding this, and what that means to us personally in the grand scheme of things. This should help us to pinpoint where we stand in our individual worldview beliefs.
Let’s start by defining worldview. Simply put, it is how we see the world. However, a deeper explanation would be “the core beliefs in every individual that steer their thoughts and responses about any given matter.” For instance, why do some people believe that abortion is okay when other people believe that it’s not? It’s because of their deeply ingrained beliefs about human life, what it really is, when it begins, and a whole myriad of other variables thrown in that make up the sum total of their beliefs on this matter.
Another good example would be why some people believe that there’s nothing wrong with homosexuality while others believe it’s a sin. Once again, this is because each side has a different core belief about human life, its origins, its purpose, and a great deal of other reasons behind their final conclusion into this matter.
Even people who have similar religious beliefs can have diverse points of view on the worldview spectrum. These diversities all boil down to how they interpret their particular religious writings. This is where the different denominations and sects originate within the various religions.
So with all the differing cultural, religious, and ethical backgrounds that form the various worldviews that exist today, who’s to say which is right or wrong? What standard should be used to measure this?
It is this writer’s belief that the only standard that should be used is that of the One who created the world and everything in it – and that One is none other than God. It only makes sense that if someone makes something, then they would be the best authority on its care. For example, if you make an article of clothing, then you are the person to ask about how to best care for that clothing. It would be ridiculous to ask the clothing for instructions on caring for itself.
Likewise, God knows what’s best for us and everything else He created. And He also knows how He intended things to be in the beginning before everything got corrupted by a cunning and crafty being known as Satan, the devil. The Bible says that he “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) And he devours people mainly by the lies that he sets up in their minds; lies such as, there is no God… there is no Heaven or Hell… there’s no such thing as a devil… and many other false beliefs that he’s succeeded in perpetuating throughout society. (Read more about this master deceiver here.)
So does it really matter what our worldview is? If there truly is a God who created the world and everything in it – and there is – then it most definitely matters that our worldview lines up with His. Otherwise, we have an adversarial worldview which is in line with the lies that the devil has perpetuated. And this has grave consequences. (Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. ~ Matthew 25:41)
Of course, there are some reading this who don’t believe in God and would beg to differ that our individual view of the world matters. If this describes you, then once again, you may want to check out the link above to see if there’s even the slightest possibility that you are being deceived into thinking the way that you do. Wouldn’t you want to know if you are?
Ultimately, we are all responsible for making up our own minds. And some of us are responsible for influencing impressionable little minds who trust us to tell them the truth. We should make sure we’re believing the right things; not only for ourselves, but also for them. (Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6)
So what is your worldview?
Below is a flowchart from Feva Ministries that will give you a general idea of the fundamental beliefs on which your view of the world is based. Hopefully, this will inspire you to delve into why you believe the things you do. Did you learn your beliefs from others – or did you come up with them yourself? If from others, are you absolutely sure they’re right? If they’re wrong, what’s the worst thing that could happen to you?
Anyway, have fun with the flowchart, and be very blessed!
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(Click image to enlarge.)
For an explanation of your basic worldview according to the chart above, please refer to the following: http://www.feva.org/pdf/wv_sum.pdf.
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