CWV 101 & 301: Understanding Worldview Overview

Cwv 101 301 Topic 1 Overviewunderstanding Worldviewintroductionwelcome

CWV- Topic 1 Overview Understanding Worldview Introduction Welcome to Grand Canyon University's Christian Worldview course; a study that will not only familiarize you with the Christian worldview, but will do so in the context of other, very different worldviews. It is common for students to feel somewhat apprehensive about taking this course for various reasons. Some students may feel that such a course is really not necessary for their major and object to having to take it. As our classrooms and the professional world are becoming more and more diverse, worldview is becoming more and more important. From marketing to nursing and from education to management, textbooks are engaging with the challenges and opportunities that multiple worldviews bring.

This course will help you prepare for worldview discussions in later courses. Christian worldview will also help you to understand Grand Canyon University more fully. Grand Canyon University has a long-standing Christian heritage, meaning that our Christian faith is fundamental to all that we do. We want all students to feel welcome here, regardless of their religion or beliefs, but we also want all students to at least understand the Christian worldview and be challenged to think carefully about the deeper questions of life. Some students may be unsure what their worldview is or have a worldview that is very different from Christianity and wonder how they will fit into such a class.

Everybody has a mixture of beliefs that make them unique. Please be assured that the instructor's goal is to help each student feel comfortable interacting with other students and to have a positive experience. The College of Theology instructors hope to encourage critical thinking about your worldview and purpose in life. This is an opportunity to think about what you believe, challenge your assumptions, learn from others, and move forward on your unique life journey. "Finding your purpose" is a motto that extends well beyond merely discovering your gifts and talents and recognizing what career is the best fit for you.

This course is designed to help students explore the underlying purposes of life and how these may enrich their career, family, and personal life. Another fear many students have is unfamiliarity with the Bible. The Christian Worldview course is designed to help every student learn how to access and understand the Bible at a basic level. Since you will not be studying heavy theological issues or denominational differences in this course, you will need to use one of the modern translations of the Bible listed in the Course Materials. Throughout this course, you will be seeking wisdom.

And from the perspective of the Christian worldview, all wisdom comes from God. This is why James, the brother of Jesus, wrote in his letter, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011/n.d., James 1:5). What Is a Worldview? Worldview is not an opinion on a topic, and it is not religion, though religious beliefs inform and affect worldview. Worldview is more connected to philosophy.

Your core worldview beliefs affect how you see yourself, others, life, and society. The following definitions are helpful: • "A set of assumptions or beliefs about reality that affect how we think and how we live" (Cosgrove, 2006, p. 19). • "The comprehensive perspective from which we interpret all of reality" (Keller, 2012, p. 157). As mentioned in The Beginning of Wisdom, worldview is often described as a set of lenses through which we view the world (Grand Canyon University, 2020).

Each of the six core worldview beliefs affect how we see life, ourselves, others, and society differently. These core beliefs can affect how to interpret raw data and at the same time, it can affect what is the proper course of action based on the information that is known. Whichever belief you hold in these six core areas of worldview, it affects your perceptions, attitudes, and behavior. If someone views the nature of the universe as consisting of only physical matter and energy, then that person's understanding of the meaning of life and how we should live will likely be far different from someone whose perception of the universe includes a spiritual realm where life continues after death and goodness is rewarded.

While it is true that all people have their own values and beliefs that have been shaped by culture, education, experiences, and relationships, it is also valuable to speak of foundational beliefs that many people hold in common. For the sake of this course, we will focus on three basic worldview families. What Are the Three Basic Worldview Families? Though there are many different worldviews, for the purpose of this course they have been simplified into three basic worldview families. There are many variations within these families.

There are many different worldviews, but for simplicity, we focus on three basic families: atheism, pantheism, and theism. Each has distinct beliefs about reality, God, and the spiritual realm, and many variations exist within each family.

Paper For Above instruction

A comprehensive understanding of worldview is essential for fostering both personal development and intercultural competence in an increasingly diverse society. This essay explores the concept of worldview, examines its core beliefs, and analyzes the three primary worldview families: atheism, pantheism, and theism—particularly focusing on Christianity. It highlights how these differing perspectives influence perceptions of reality, human nature, ethics, knowledge, and purpose, and discusses ways to evaluate the coherence and practicality of one’s worldview.

A worldview refers to the set of fundamental assumptions or beliefs about reality that shape how individuals interpret their experiences, beliefs, and actions. It is more than mere opinions; it is a comprehensive lens through which one perceives the world. According to Cosgrove (2006), worldview is "a set of assumptions or beliefs about reality that affect how we think and how we live." Keller (2012) describes it as "the comprehensive perspective from which we interpret all of reality." It influences not only personal attitudes but also informs societal interactions, behaviors, and decision-making processes. Thus, understanding one's worldview is crucial for fostering meaningful dialogue and mutual respect across differing belief systems.

The core beliefs of a worldview can be categorized into six fundamental questions: ultimate reality, the nature of the universe, human nature, the basis of knowledge, ethics, and human purpose. These questions serve as primary frameworks for analyzing and comparing different worldview families. The answers to these questions significantly influence a person's perception of life, morality, and existence.

Starting with ultimate reality, atheism posits that only matter and energy exist—there is no spiritual realm or divine being. This naturalistic perspective equates reality with the physical universe, which is all that exists (Cosgrove, 2006). Pantheism, on the other hand, perceives the universe itself as divine—a spiritual oneness that is impersonal and encompasses everything (Keller, 2012). It reflects beliefs found in Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as New Age spirituality. Theism, especially monotheism as seen in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, affirms the existence of a personal, sovereign God who transcends his creation yet is actively involved in the universe and human affairs.

The nature of the universe varies among these worldviews. For atheists, the universe is eternal or originated through natural causes; it functions as a closed system governed by natural laws. Pantheists view the universe as a divine, spiritual unity without a separate personal deity. Theists believe that God is the creator of both the physical and spiritual realms, and that the universe was purposefully created with intention and design.

Regarding human nature, atheism often considers humans as biological machines or higher mammals devoid of inherent spiritual qualities. In contrast, the Christian worldview sees humans as created in the image of God, endowed with an immaterial soul, moral capacity, and a spiritual purpose (Genesis 1:26-27). Human beings are also regarded as inherently good but fallen, with the capacity for both moral growth and temptation. This outlook emphasizes the pursuit of moral purity and personal growth aligned with God's standards.

The concept of knowledge encompasses whether truth is absolute or relative. Atheists may hold that truth is discoverable through empirical investigation and rational inquiry. Pantheists often believe spiritual insight and enlightenment are sources of truth, accessible through practices like meditation. Theists affirm that ultimate truth comes from divine revelation, notably through sacred scriptures, and can be known through faith and spiritual discernment.

Ethics are rooted differently across worldview families. Atheism often advocates for moral relativism, where morality depends on societal or individual preferences, while Christian ethics are grounded in divine commandments and the moral law revealed by God (Romans 2:14-15). The Christian worldview asserts that morality is objective, immutable, and rooted in God's character, guiding believers toward justice, love, and righteousness.

Finally, the purpose of human life varies among these perspectives. Atheistic views generally see human existence as the result of random natural processes, lacking inherent meaning unless created by individuals. In contrast, Christian teaching affirms that human purpose is ordained by God—to love, worship, and serve Him while reflecting His character. Humanity was designed for relationship with God, moral growth, and participation in His divine plan for creation.

Evaluating one’s worldview involves three primary tests: coherence, correspondence, and practicality. The coherence test examines internal consistency, ensuring that beliefs do not contradict each other. The correspondence test assesses how well a worldview aligns with observable reality, supported by evidence and experience. The practicality test evaluates whether a worldview is livable—whether it provides personal satisfaction and is applicable in real-life situations. These tests help individuals to critically analyze their beliefs and foster meaningful worldview development (Hiles & Smith, 2020).

In conclusion, understanding worldview is fundamental for navigating diverse cultural and philosophical landscapes. Recognizing the differences among atheism, pantheism, and theism—especially Christianity—enables constructive dialogue and personal growth. By assessing core beliefs against criteria of coherence, correspondence, and practicality, individuals can deepen their understanding of their own worldview and its implications for life, morality, and purpose. Embracing this self-awareness is essential for fostering mutual respect and a meaningful pursuit of truth.

References

• Cosgrove, M. P. (2006). Foundations of Christian thought: Faith, learning, and the Christian worldview. Kregel.
• Hiles, J., & Smith, A. F. (2020). Evaluating wisely. In D. Diffey & R. Holland (Eds.), The beginning of wisdom: An introduction to Christian thought and life (5th ed.). Grand Canyon University.
• Keller, T. (2012). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God's work. Dutton.
• Waddell, J., & Jibben, J. (2020). Seeking wisdom. In D. Diffey & R. Holland (Eds.), The beginning of wisdom: An introduction to Christian thought and life (5th ed.). Grand Canyon University.
• The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway.
• Additional scholarly sources elaborating on worldview concepts and evaluations.