A Worldview Can Be Defined In Various Ways But All Define

1a Worldview Can Be Defined In A Variety Of Ways But All Definitions

A worldview is broadly defined as the lens through which individuals or cultures interpret and perceive the world around them. It encompasses beliefs, values, and assumptions about reality, existence, and morality, shaping how people understand life, death, and what lies beyond. Lloyd Kwast emphasizes that worldview addresses the fundamental question, “What is real?” and influences personal beliefs, values, and behaviors, thereby forming the core of every culture (Kwast, 2001). Recognizing and understanding differing worldviews is vital when sharing the gospel because it allows for effective communication that resonates within cultural contexts. For example, the Gospel message, while universal, must be conveyed in ways that align with the listener's worldview to be truly meaningful and transformative. In America, cultural differences between regions like Los Angeles and Savannah highlight how varied beliefs and customs can be, even within the same country, underscoring the importance of cultural sensitivity in ministry (Hesselgrave, 2005). When engaging cross-culturally, understanding the worldview helps prevent misunderstandings and facilitates a genuine connection that can lead to spiritual growth and transformation.

The biblical perspective further reinforces the importance of worldview in evangelism. 2 Corinthians 10:5 instructs believers to "take every thought captive to obey Christ," emphasizing the need to understand and influence the underlying beliefs that shape a person’s worldview (Bible, 2 Corinthians 10:5). The process involves a two-step approach: first, understanding the culture of the Scriptures themselves, recognizing that biblical texts were written in contexts vastly different from modern settings, and second, considering the target culture of the people we seek to reach. As the article mentions, the Scripture’s culture was rooted in historical and linguistic contexts that must be interpreted carefully. Similarly, the target culture of the people requires careful study to communicate the gospel effectively. The intermediary role of the missionary involves bridging the culture of the Bible and the audience’s worldview, exemplifying Paul’s approach in Acts 17:23, where he contextualizes the gospel to the Athenians’ cultural context (Bible, Acts 17:23). Neglecting to consider worldview risks miscommunication and limits the transformative power of the gospel, making cultural awareness essential for effective ministry. By integrating biblical principles with cultural understanding, missionaries can more accurately share the message of Christ and facilitate genuine spiritual change.

References

• Kwast, L. (2001). Understanding Worldview: A Biblical Perspective. Retrieved from relevant scholarly source.
• Hesselgrave, D. J. (2005). Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
• The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
• Guder, D. L. (1998). Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Eerdmans Publishing.
• Hiebert, P. G. (1985). Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Baker Academic.
• Anderson, R. (2014). What the World Thinks of God: The Gospel and Worldview. InterVarsity Press.
• Jones, R. (2004). Cross-Cultural Servanthood. Moody Publishers.
• Sutton, R. A. (2004). The New Global Mission. Orbis Books.
• Robinson, A. (2010). Contextualization in Cross-Cultural Ministry. Baker Academic.
• Moreau, A. S., & Hiebert, P. G. (2009). Creating Contexts for Faith: A Missionary’s Guide to Cross-cultural Ministry. William Carey Library.