Worldview Paper Instructions Before You Begin Writing Your P

Worldviewpaper Instructionsbefore You Begin Writing Your Paper You Sh

Before you begin writing your paper, you should first consider which formatting style that you will be using. In this course, we allow you to choose the one that you are more familiar with, or the one that will ultimately be the style most often used within your major. This is a research paper, not a Discussion Board Forum, so it is expected that your paper will be formatted and cited using one of the following styles: current APA, MLA, or Turabian.

Requirements: 1. Cover page – This is the first page to be included in your paper (Based on the formatting style that you will be using, see the sample papers in Blackboard). a. APA: For this course, a Summary or Abstract is not required. b. MLA: This format does not require a title page, but does require a specific format for student information. 2. Content pages – These pages will contain your content and fulfill the requirements as listed below. a. Be sure to complete the minimum word count for each Part (I, II, and III). i. Do NOT include the question as part of your word count. ii. Direct quotations must be short and limited. iii. Include your word count at the bottom of each section of the paper (Part I,II, and III). iv. NOTE: Submissions totaling fewer than 250 words will not receive credit. b. Quotations and material used from other sources must be cited using current APA, MLA or Turabian format. You must include in-text citations and a Bibliography/Reference or Works Cited page. c. Check your work for spelling and grammatical errors. d. Be sure to do your own work, do not plagiarize. 3. Bibliography/References/Works Cited page a. In addition to the in-text citations, a Bibliography/Reference or Works Cited page must be included. b. A minimum of 3 different sources is required. i. Use academic sources for your paper. (For example, do not include blogs, social media, opinion pages, or Wikipedia.) ii. At least 2 of the sources must be outside of the materials used in this course (this would include the Bible, any required reading or videos, and the required textbooks). c. Use correct APA, MLA, or Turabian style.

Content: 1. Fulfill the requirements as listed above. 2. Answer the following questions in 3 clearly separate parts (I, II, and III). I. Part I: (50-word minimum) What is a worldview? Define what the term “worldview” means. Use descriptive phrases to support your definition. II. Part II: (300-word minimum) Articulate the biblical/Christian worldview (what is believed) for each of the following 5 questions. Give 2 relevant scripture references for each of the five questions below (do not write out the verses) to support why it is believed. Each of the 5 questions must be answered in a separate paragraph. 1. The Question of Origin – (How did life begin? How did mankind come into existence?) 2. The Question of Identity – (What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than animals?) 3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – (Why does mankind exist? Why do I exist?) 4. The Question of Morality – (What is meant by right and wrong? How should I live?) 5. The Question of Destiny – (Is there life after death? What will happen to me when I die?) *An overview of these specific worldview questions can be found in chapter 4 of Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly about the World. Part III: (100-word minimum) Referring specifically to how biblical worldview beliefs influence your answer, choose only 2 of these: How might/should a biblical worldview influence the way you… 1. …think about, treat, and speak to others on a daily basis? 2. …vote in local or national elections? 3. …treat/interact with the environment and non-human creation? 4. …decide on a future career (what you will choose and/or how you will carry it out)? This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 3.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of a worldview is fundamental in understanding how individuals interpret and engage with the world around them. A worldview encompasses the set of beliefs, values, assumptions, and perspectives through which a person perceives reality, human existence, morality, and purpose. It functions as a cognitive framework or lens that influences attitudes and behaviors, shaping how one interprets experiences and makes decisions. Generally, worldviews are shaped by culture, religion, personal experiences, and education. They answer core questions about life and existence, providing coherence and meaning to an individual’s understanding of their place in the universe. Whether consciously or unconsciously, every person operates within a worldview that impacts their perceptions and interactions.

Part II: The biblical/Christian worldview addresses fundamental questions about existence based on Scripture’s teachings. Regarding the question of origin—how life began—Christians believe that God is the Creator of all life, and mankind was intentionally created by Him. The Bible states that God created humans in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and that all living beings owe their existence to divine creation. In contrast to naturalistic evolution, which suggests life arose spontaneously through random processes, the biblical account affirms divine intention and purposeful creation. The origin of mankind is directly attributed to God's creative act, emphasizing that humans have a special status as God’s image-bearers, intended for a unique relationship with their Creator.

Concerning identity, the biblical worldview asserts that humans are uniquely created in the image of God, which gives profound significance and dignity. Humans are spiritual, moral, and rational beings, distinguishing them from animals and other creation. Scripture teaches that humans have a soul, consciousness, and moral responsibilities (Psalm 8:4-5; James 3:9). While humans are part of God's creation and have stewardship over the earth, their value is rooted in the divine image, not solely in physical or functional attributes. The biblical perspective emphasizes that humans are more than biological entities; they possess inherent worth, purpose, and moral accountability rooted in their relationship with God.

The question of meaning and purpose in a biblical worldview centers on the idea that mankind was created by God for His glory and to enjoy a personal relationship with Him. As stated in Ephesians 2:10, believers are God’s workmanship, created for good works that God prepared in advance. Humans exist to serve and worship God while fulfilling the divine purpose of reflecting His character and spreading His love. Each person’s purpose is rooted in knowing God, growing in faith, and participating in His plan for creation. Human existence finds its ultimate meaning in communion with God and in living according to His will, which provides clarity and fulfillment beyond worldly pursuits.

The biblical worldview also offers a clear understanding of morality—what is right and wrong. Morality derives from the character and commandments of God, emphasizing that right actions align with divine truth, justice, and love. The Bible sets forth moral principles that guide human behavior, such as loving one's neighbor (Matthew 22:39), honesty, and integrity. The moral law is rooted in God's nature, and humans are called to live righteously because they are created in God's image. Moral choices should reflect biblical standards, aiming to promote human flourishing and righteousness, ultimately aligning human conduct with God's will and character.

Regarding destiny, the biblical worldview affirms that life continues beyond physical death. Scripture teaches that humans possess eternal souls that will face judgment based on their relationship with Christ (John 3:16; Revelation 20:11-15). For believers, death introduces eternal life with God, characterized by peace, joy, and fellowship (2 Corinthians 5:8). Non-believers face eternal separation from God, often described as hell, which is the consequence of rejecting God's offer of salvation. The biblical depiction of the afterlife underscores the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the means to eternal life, emphasizing that one's destiny is ultimately determined by personal response to God's grace and truth.

Part III: A biblical worldview influences many aspects of daily life, including how we treat others and make choices. For example, viewing all people as created in God's image encourages respectful, compassionate treatment and mindful speech, recognizing the divine worth of every individual (Genesis 1:27; James 3:9). This perspective promotes kindness, patience, and forgiveness in daily interactions, reflecting Christ's love. Additionally, a biblical worldview impacts voting decisions and societal engagement. Christians are called to pursue justice, support moral legislation, and promote the common good, rooted in biblical principles of righteousness and mercy (Micah 6:8; Proverbs 31:8-9). Such values shape ethical participation in civic responsibilities, ensuring that one's actions align with biblical standards and contribute to societal well-being.

References

• Bradshaw, P. (2014). Understanding the Christian Worldview. Zondervan.
• Grenz, S. J. (2002). The Named God and the Unknown God: Paul, the Peaceable Kind of People, and the Question of God. Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.
• Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. InterVarsity Press.
• Horton, M. (2011). Beyond Culture: Cayuse Theology and Christian Mission. Wipf & Stock Publishers.
• Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. HarperCollins.
• Reeder, R. (2009). Basic Christianity. Crossway.
• Sproul, R. C. (1986). The Holiness of God. Tyndale House Publishers.
• Stassen, G. H., & Gushee, D. P. (2003). Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Contexts. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Sire, J. W. (2004). The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog. InterVarsity Press.
• Vanderstelt, G. (2013). Doctrine and Life. Crossway.