Biblical World View
Michael Parham
presented at Biblical World View Conference, February 2, 2008
Have you heard about the rich Christian entrepreneur who began beseeching God in his later years that he be allowed to take some of his wealth with him to heaven? An angel appeared and told him, “You’ve been granted your special request, limited to one suitcase. But you shouldn’t waste any time in packing your most prized possessions.” Our entrepreneur quickly converted some assets to gold, and packed his bag. Shortly thereafter, the rich Christian found himself and his suitcase before Saint Peter at the pearly gates. Peter said, “I’ve been given special instructions about you, but this is actually a first for us. Before you enter, do you mind if I see what you brought with you?” As he proudly opened his case, Peter gasped. “Pavement? You spent your life and energies for a carton of pavement?”
Our Christian’s world view was obviously different than the Heavenly perspective. But, there are actually Biblical accounts showing that the consequences of a faulty understanding of the Heavenly viewpoint can be very serious indeed.
Consequences of False World View
There are ultimate, eternal dangers of adhering to a false view of Biblical Truth:
Matthew 7:21-23: 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Romans 10:1-3: Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.
How is it that we can make such serious errors in understanding God’s Truth, even in the face of eternal consequences?
Sources of world view
Every individual has a set of assumptions and biases garnered from an almost unlimited number of inputs. Many of these are obtained from our first-hand experience: fire is hot, water runs downhill, gravity has consequences. But many more—probably most—of our accepted assumptions about life derive from sources of authority in our lives (parents, teachers, civic leaders) rather than from our own experience. Obviously, we are intentionally taught by our parents, teachers, and others. But, perhaps not so obviously, we are subtlety and perhaps unintentionally influenced by these same authority figures and other influences in our lives, as well.
Depending on our time and culture, our worldview might include such strongly held beliefs as: the earth is the center of the universe; slavery is acceptable or even necessary; or because of man’s irresponsible behavior, earth’s climate is warming at an alarming rate. While we don't know such things from our own experience, we know—or think we know, and thus firmly believe—these things because someone we know and trust has assured us of these things.
George Barna, New Directions, April 4, 2005:
Our research has shown that most of the influence on what people think and do comes from just seven sources: movies, television, music, family, books, law, and the Internet.
Of course, the habits, actions, and stated beliefs of a culture change over time, so the accepted or subconscious assumptions—the world view—of succeeding generations is molded and shaped by cultural changes taking place now.
World View Defined
Before going further, let’s try to define our term, world view.
First, let’s state what our world view is not! Our worldview does not consist in those things we profess to believe!
Our world view is generally not reflected in our studied answer after careful thought and consideration of what might be the right thing to say. Our worldview is demonstrated—accurately reflected—in our actions; not our stated beliefs. Our actions are based on what we really believe, not what we say we believe.
Dallas Willard defines world view in this way: Your world view is your assumptions about the realities and values which govern you and the world in which you live.
Willard goes on to stress that these assumptions, these biases and prejudices, are largely sub-conscious, and are often in direct contradiction to what we profess to believe. Consequently, it is not necessary that we consciously think about our world view before we act in a way consistent with it.
Indications of and Perpetuating Our World View
So how can I evaluate what my world view really is?
Our actions and our choices say something about our world view; but our reflexes, our facial expressions and body language, and tone of voice, or off-hand remarks are also powerful—perhaps the most powerful—indicators of our world view. We demonstrate—and teach—our world view unconsciously in our daily lives.
We may say that we value integrity, but around the dinner table tell how we got one over on the boss. We may preach purity to our kids, but they see and perceive the sly looks at provocative figures or veiled interest in suggestive TV ads. We may financially contribute substantially to missions, but quickly drag our kids away from a group of Hispanics at Wal-Mart or ridicule the habits or customs of our neighbors. We may talk a good talk about accountability and authority, but much more telling is the "Who does that preacher/judge/councilman/cop think he is, anyway?" we mumble just out of earshot.
For the most part, these aren't things we think about before doing them. They are spontaneous expressions of deep seated biases and prejudices. They probably aren't things we're proud of; they are things we often know to be wrong. We might even argue that these are not true indications of our world view; they are only remnants of a sinful nature, habits of "the flesh" which are slowly being changed by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, they are powerful teachers of a faulty world view to those around us, especially those to whom we are an authority figure.
Acquiring a Biblical World View
If I admit that my world view, or the world view I am teaching to others, is not all that it should be, what can I do?
Apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ, man cannot have a true understanding of reality. Even without all these external forces shaping our world view, apart from God’s work of grace in our lives, man in his natural state has no hope of acquiring an accurate world view. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians, spiritual realities are hidden from the unregenerate:
1 Corinthians 2:14: The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. NIV
2 Corinthians 4:4: Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. NLT
We usually think of these and similar verses as relating to “spiritual” truth. But, I would argue, every area of God’s Truth—even physical reality—is improperly understood by those who have no spiritual understanding. We see the consequences of this faulty understanding in countless issues, that we will broach in a few moments.
However, that is not to say that non-Christians have no understanding, or that they cannot have profound knowledge of certain aspects of reality that far surpass my limited understanding. Certainly we can learn much in many fields from those who do not profess Christ. It’s not so much the facts that are wrong, but the underlying assumptions and, consequently, the ultimate interpretations of those facts.
On the other hand, Christians often have faith in Christ, but reject the necessity of such trivia as logic or proof or pursuit of fact. In fact, I'm often dismayed and ashamed that Christians are not more knowledgeable and intellectually astute. I fear that many professing Christians have fallen for the fallacy that simply believing something makes it true, or that pursuit of truth and excellence is somehow unnecessary or unchristian. Christians should be—and, in fact, are in many areas—leading the charge in advancing our knowledge in every arena of life, from art, science, technology, social issues, and every other area. This is so because it is only God's Word that provides the correct beginning assumptions and authoritative answers to the ultimate questions of life—whatever the discipline or area of interest.
So, non-believers by nature—literally—have an imperfect and limited world-view, lacking precisely in exactly the most important areas that would give value to the knowledge they do have.
However, just because a person becomes a Christian does not automatically—supernaturally, as it were—provide that person with a Biblical world view. Listen to Paul's admonition to the Ephesians:
Ephesians 4:17,18a: Here then is what the Lord has told me to say. You must not live like the people who do not believe in God. They do not think clearly. WE
Do not continue living like those who do not believe. Their thoughts are worth nothing. They do not understand, and they know nothing, because they refuse to listen. So they cannot have the life that God gives.
Ephesians 4:17-19 NCV
Such an imperative, written to Christians, admonishing them not to act or think like those who do not believe, would be entirely unnecessary and redundant if simply believing in Christ brought with it correct thinking. But, I’m afraid that because so many professing Christians do not go on to develop and demonstrate a Biblical world view, we have given the world a very poor demonstration of Biblical principles and truly Christian views.
Christian music - music without cuss words (as explained by a client)
"Religion has become privately engaging but socially irrelevant." Theodore Roszak
New Directions, By George Barna April 4, 2005:
Our research has shown that most of the influence on what people think and do comes from just seven sources: movies, television, music, family, books, law, and the Internet. That same body of research shows that the local church has virtually no discernible influence on people’s lives.
If becoming a Christian doesn’t cause us to think right, how do we develop a correct world view?
Probably the best known Scriptural instruction on changing one's thinking—that is, developing a Biblical understanding or world view—is Paul's statement to the Romans:
Romans 12:2: Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. NLT
This clearly shows that just being a believer does guarantee right thinking; it only makes right thinking possible!
Practically Applying a Biblical World View
A Biblical World View is simply seeing our world from God’s perspective. Such a perspective necessarily leads to thinking and acting as God would have us think and act; to spend our lives and energies accomplishing what God desires that we accomplish.
For anyone to say, “I see as God sees,” or “I think as God thinks” would certainly be presumptuous; but to actively pursue a goal of aligning my vision and my thoughts and my actions with those of my Heavenly Father should be the goal of every Christian. In fact—and while it is beyond our scope here today—an argument can be made that if there is no desire or progression toward developing a likeness of God in one’s life, there is no genuine spiritual life.
God reveals Himself and His ways many ways in our world (e.g., creation itself, the law written on men’s hearts (Rom 2), the reality of the Holy Spirit Who indwells the believer), to draw us to Him and to help us understand more about Him. But it is only the Bible that provides an objective statement of God’s Truth, making the Bible the surest basis for a correct worldview. Consequently, the surest way to develop a Christian world view is, as a Christian, to be a student of God’s Word, the Bible. But don’t be a student only in the limited sense of “spiritual growth” as in contrast to “secular life.” God’s Word provides principles and guidance—spiritual truth, if you will—for every area of life.
To have a Biblical world view is not to do more and more "spiritual" things (like attend church, teach a class, and do jail ministry); to have a Biblical world view is to do all things spiritually; i.e., in a manner pleasing to God for the purpose of demonstrating His righteousness in every area of life. I, and every Christian, am called to "let my light shine before men, so that they may give glory to my Father who is in Heaven."
Let me illustrate a few of these areas, where many professing Christians might fail to think that the Scriptures contribute, but where a Biblical world view might provide significant insight:
Are you aware that the Scriptures also address—often in great detail—economics (both personal and national), government (family, church, and political), employer/employee relations, and just about every issue possibly arising in life.
Even if you see no area where these principles might apply in your life, shouldn’t we be concerned about how these principles affect our community and national life?
For example:
Should we expect candidates for public office to understand these principles? What difference would it make if they did?
Does a local commissioner's worldview affect county policies, the local economy, selection of contractors, or policies relating to zoning, use of public funds, relations with state government?
Thankfully, and I sincerely mean this, I believe we are blessed here in our area, with good judges, good commissioners, and good local leaders at almost every level. But wouldn't these principles be helpful—or, more appropriately—shouldn't we apply Biblical principles to evaluating those we support, endorse, or vote for?
Would a president's worldview affect when and where we go to war? What about national economic policies? Do Biblical principles have a bearing on issues like Social Security, welfare, affirmative action, immigration, the Federal Reserve, graduated income tax, abortion, or government education?
In my own area of professional interest, does the Bible offer any principles that address such issues as:
overflowing prisons
extremely high rates of recidivism
little restitution
criminalizing of areas of behavior
activist judges (primarily federal)
tax code
Presenting a Biblical World View
In order to advance Biblical principles in each of these areas and multitudes more, I don’t think it’s necessary to demand that everyone be a Christian, or that the Bible be overtly advanced as the basis, or even that we even necessarily present ourselves as Christians. I am saying that as Christians, we can and should advance God’s ways in the government and the marketplace as worthy of consideration by everyone—Christian, non-Christian, straight, gay, whoever—because Biblical principles provide valid solutions to society’s problems. A Biblical world view knows that only God’s ways ultimately work; that any “solution” that violates God’s reality is destined to fail.
I am not suggesting that we apologize for being Christians, or that we attempt to hide that fact. But I am suggesting that we not make demands just because we are Christians, supposedly in the name of all Christians. We need not make demands; but we should provide workable solutions that are better than every other proffered solution, because our answers are from the Bible.
I am also not necessarily suggesting that your Biblical world view is incomplete if you don’t know what the Scripture teaches about these things. But I am suggesting that a Biblical world view knows that the Bible addresses cultural and governmental issues, and that whatever the Bible says about these issues is absolutely the best solution. In other words—and remember, our world view is our basic assumptions that sub-consciously dictate our actions: the response of a Biblical world view is not, “How does it feel?” or “How will this affect me?” or “What will please the people?” but rather, what does the Bible say?
Just like a little child might say, “My daddy can fix it,” no matter the difficulty, a Christian might think, “I don’t know the answer, but my Heavenly Father does. Let me see what He says, and I’ll get back to you.” Because our Heavenly Father really does know the answer, whatever the question, and has very probably given us instructions in His love letter.
In the beginning of my comments, I referred to the eternal consequences in individual’s lives who have a faulty understanding of salvation and God’s righteousness. But what about the present consequences of failing to understand and apply God’s principles in our lives and our culture today? Just as failing to understand God’s financial principles can lead to economic difficulty in our families, that same lack of understanding can lead to economic difficulty in our churches, our communities and our nation. Biblical principles are grounded in accurate representations of reality; any philosophy, idea, theory, or action inconsistent with Biblical principles is not based on an accurate understanding of reality—and must ultimately lead to failure. It really is God’s way, or else!
The power and influence of God's people is not their political prowess, massive organizational skills, or conservative lobbyists. The power and influence of God’s people is simply a vibrant relationship with Him, and the application of His Word and His ways to all of life—something like Jesus taught us in His model prayer: “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” That prayer knowledgeably practiced in each of our lives each day would profoundly affect our world.
Conclusion
I hope I've challenged you to examine my premise that God is concerned with every sphere of life and culture, and that He has set out principles that can and should radically impact our nation and society. As we each study His word and seek increased understanding of how that Word applies to all of life, we will necessarily expand our knowledge and understanding of the Bible and our Christian history. Though you may not all have opportunity to directly address all of these issues, I trust that you will at least come to see the importance of knowing where local, national, and world leaders stand on these issues, and lend or withhold your support within your local culture—at home, work, church and community. And, it may be, that as you grow in Biblical knowledge and wisdom, God may enlarge your sphere of influence and increase your opportunities to share His principles and have a Godly impact.
But, lest I simply lead you to more activity or leave you feeling overwhelmed with a sense of guilt or responsibility, let me bring us back to the essentials.
This is about becoming knowledgeable about God's Word. But even that knowledge is not to be obtained primarily so that we can do something. Knowing God's Word enables us to know Him better. And if we know Him—truly know Him—we will develop a Biblical World View, simply because we have no greater desire than the desire to please our Heavenly Father. So, let me leave you Jesus’ words as a very practical encouragement to obtaining a Biblical world view:
John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And [then] you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” NLT
