Category: Worldviews
Christian Worldview Research Worksheet
(Douglas Goodin, 2004)
Worldview Area: Philosophy
Selected attribute of God that is critical to this area: Existence
Two key verses revealing this attribute: Genesis 1:1 & Exodus 3:14
Selected attribute of man that is critical to understanding this area: Purpose
Two key verses revealing this attribute: Colossians 1:16 & Romans 11:36
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.):
The existence of a First Cause (God) is necessary for the existence of anything else. The design of an Orderer is necessary to explain order in the universe. That man was designed for a purpose by an intelligent Being outside of nature is necessary if man’s existence is to have any meaning whatsoever. Also, a supernatural explanation for thinking is required if man’s thoughts are to be granted any credibility; for otherwise they are merely reflexes of the brain. If God does not exist, then existence is a manifest absurdity and man’s destiny is non-existence.
The Biblical Christian worldview position on this area:
The Christian worldview affirms the natural realm, but also that something transcends the natural realm—the supernatural. Furthermore, it posits that the natural owes its existence to God, who is outside of nature. With reference to causality, the universe was brought into existence by God; with reference to purpose, the universe exists to accomplish His plan. God is self-existent; He is, necessarily; He is the First Cause of everything that is not God.
Our Culture’s worldview position on this area:
The cosmos is all there is, all there was, and all there ever will be. Nature is all that exists, and reality is limited to things which can be perceived by the senses and tested in a laboratory. Nothing beyond nature exists, or if it does it is unknowable. The universe is an uncaused accident, and there is no rhyme or reason for it. It simply is, without purpose or design. It is reasonable to pursue what; it is irrational to pursue why.