Compare And Contrast Selected Worldview With The Biblical Vi
Compare and contrast selected worldview with the biblical worldview
This is a “Critical Thinking” assignment so you must go beyond just giving factual content, and demonstrate your comprehension of the material. To accomplish this, the assignment will be asking you to “compare and contrast” your selected worldview (Secular Humanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam) with the biblical worldview.
Compare: How are the 2 worldview positions similar or the same?
Contrast: How are the 2 worldview positions different?
In your paper, you must follow the outline and answer the questions below.
- The Question of Origin – (What is the origin of the universe etc.? How did humanity come into existence?)
- How would your selected worldview answer this question?
- Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.
- How would your selected worldview answer this question?
- Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.
- How would your selected worldview answer this question?
- Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.
- How would your selected worldview answer this question?
- Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.
- How would your selected worldview answer this question?
- Compare and contrast this with how the biblical worldview would answer this question.
Paper For Above instruction
The comparison between secular humanism and the biblical worldview involves examining fundamental beliefs about origin, identity, purpose, morality, and destiny. These core questions reveal the essential differences and commonalities in how each worldview perceives human existence and ultimate reality. This paper explores these parameters, contrasting secular humanism's human-centered perspective with the theistic, divine origin view of Christianity.
1. The Question of Origin
Secular humanism asserts that the universe originated through natural processes devoid of supernatural intervention. It typically endorses scientific explanations like the Big Bang theory, contending that the universe came into existence approximately 13.8 billion years ago through a cosmic expansion originating from an initial singularity. Humanity, in this worldview, evolved through biological evolution via natural selection, emphasizing a process driven by randomness and environmental pressures without purpose or divine intent.
Conversely, the biblical worldview believes that God intentionally created the universe. According to Genesis, God spoke the universe into existence ex nihilo (out of nothing), with deliberate purpose and design. Humanity was created by God in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), making human existence purposeful and intentional from the outset. While secular humanism relies on empirical evidence and scientific explanations, the biblical account emphasizes divine sovereignty and purpose behind creation.
2. The Question of Identity
Secular humanism views humans as highly significant but ultimately products of evolutionary processes. Humans are regarded as creatures with qualities like consciousness, reason, and moral capacity, yet these attributes are seen as results of biological evolution. Human importance is based on traits such as rationality and societal contribution, with no inherent divine purpose or special status beyond biological or social constructs.
The biblical worldview, however, affirms that humans are unique holders of God's image (imago Dei). This divine image confers intrinsic worth, dignity, and moral responsibility. Humans are distinct from other creatures because of their spiritual nature and capacity for relationship with God. The biblical perspective emphasizes divine purpose and moral accountability, asserting that humans are valuable because they are created by God for relationship and stewardship.
3. The Question of Meaning and Purpose
Secular humanism holds that humans create their own meaning and purpose in life. Without a divine plan, individuals are encouraged to find or develop purpose through personal growth, contribution to society, or pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. Moral and existential meaning is subjective, and humanists often emphasize self-determination and human progress as ultimate goals.
In contrast, the biblical worldview states that humanity’s purpose is defined by God's divine plan. Humans are created to glorify God, enjoy a relationship with Him, and steward His creation (Isaiah 43:7). Purpose is rooted in divine intention, and ultimate fulfillment is found in aligning one's life with God's will. Therefore, purpose is not merely self-determined but guided by divine revelation and moral directives.
4. The Question of Morality
Secular humanism generally sees morality as a human construct based on reason, empathy, and social consensus. Moral values are developed through secular ethics, philosophical debate, and cultural evolution. Morality is relative to societal norms and individual choice, with no absolute moral law deriving from a supernatural authority.
The biblical worldview grounds morality in God's character and commandments. Right and wrong are defined by God's nature and revealed through Scripture (Romans 7:12). Moral absolutes exist because God is unchanging and morally perfect. Human morality, therefore, is rooted in divine law, and human beings are accountable to God's standards.
5. The Question of Destiny
Secular humanism typically promotes a naturalistic view of death. When a person dies, consciousness ceases, and there is no ongoing existence beyond physical death. The focus is on making the most of earthly life, as there is no eternal life or spiritual realm beyond death.
By contrast, the biblical worldview teaches that after death, individuals face judgment. Those who accept Christ are promised eternal life in Heaven, while those who reject Him face eternal separation from God in Hell (John 3:16; Revelation 20:15). The biblical perspective emphasizes personal accountability and the hope of resurrection and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The comparison between secular humanism and the biblical worldview reveals profound differences rooted in their foundational assumptions. While secular humanism emphasizes human autonomy, scientific explanation, and subjective morality, the biblical worldview centers on divine creation, inherent human dignity, divine purpose, absolute morality, and eternal destiny. These contrasting perspectives shape distinct approaches to understanding human existence and purpose, highlighting the importance of worldview in shaping life’s ultimate meaning.
References
- Craig, W. L. (2008). Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Crossway.
- Hick, J. (1989). Philosophy of Religion. Prentice Hall.
- Kenan, L. (2017). The Biblical Worldview. Baker Academic.
- Morriston, W. (2009). The Argument from Religious Experience. Oxford University Press.
- Polkinghorne, J. (2009). The Faith of a Scientist. Westminster John Knox Press.
- Rene, P. (2014). Introduction to Worldview and Apologetics. Apologia Press.
- Stark, R. (2003). The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Reconsiders History. Princeton University Press.
- Wright, N. T. (2008). Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. HarperOne.
- Wallace, R. (2014). Mere Christianity. HarperOne.
- Zimmer, C. (2010). Cosmic Sleeper. National Geographic.