Category: Worldviews
Christian Worldview Research Worksheet
(Douglas Goodin, 2004)
Worldview Area: History
Selected attribute of God that is critical to this area: Providence
Two key verses revealing this attribute: Acts 17:26-28 & Ephesians 1:11
Selected attribute of man that is critical to understanding this area: Dignity
Two key verses revealing this attribute: Esther 4:14 & Psalm 103:14
Describe the importance of the attributes in understanding this worldview area. Include any other primary truth revealed in the Scriptures regarding this area (principles, observations, examples, etc.):
God is in control over His creation, and He is bringing to pass His decree. Jesus was the lamb slain before the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8), thus all history prior to the advent of Christ was preparing for and anticipating the cross. Since Calvary, Christ has been building His church. Through all of this, God is in charge. This establishes the worth of men, for they have a place in God’s world and a purpose in His plan. It also places the proper perspective on man, namely, that he is here when God determined and to serve the ends which God has determined; this keeps him from becoming haughty and self-absorbed.
The Biblical Christian worldview position on this area:
History is the outworking of God’s design and desire. Nothing happens by accident, and nothing can thwart God’s plan. History is the record of how God has been moving time and events toward His foreordained destiny.
Our Culture’s worldview position on this area:
History is the record of unplanned, purposeless events which may be reconstructed and retold in any form by anyone. Nevertheless, history is important because it carries weight in the minds of the current culture. Precedent provides acceptance. Any decision of the Court can be justified if it can be tied to a prior Court's decision (unless, of course, that prior decision is based on Scriptural principles).