Common Worldviews Today
Class Notes
Categorizing Worldviews
One difficulty in worldview studies is that there is no universal agreement on how worldviews should be defined or categorized. Some thinkers identify seven or more worldview categories, while others reduce all worldviews to just two (Christian and non-Christian). Both approaches have weaknesses: too many categories tend to overcomplicate the discussion, while too few categories oversimplify meaningful distinctions.
For this course, worldviews are understood using the definition already established—systems that attempt to answer the major worldview questions listed above. When worldviews are analyzed primarily by how they understand God, they can be grouped into four overarching worldview categories. Understanding these categories helps clarify both similarities and differences among belief systems.
The Four Overarching Worldview Categories
A. Atheism
Atheism begins with the denial of God’s existence. God is rejected because He is understood to be supernatural, while atheism affirms that only the natural world exists.
Theology: God does not exist. Atheism is often antagonistic toward theistic belief systems because belief in God is seen as irrational or unscientific.
Cosmology: Many atheists argue either that the universe has always existed or that it originated through the Big Bang without divine involvement. Evolutionary theory and natural selection are typically affirmed as explanations for life.
Anthropology: Humanity is often viewed as a blank slate (tabula rasa), with debate over how much behavior is shaped by biology versus environment. Many atheists argue that humans are generally good.
Epistemology: Knowledge is typically limited to what can be perceived through the senses—what can be observed, tested, or measured.
Ethics: Ethics are usually considered subjective, though many atheists still appeal to a shared sense of right and wrong, creating internal worldview tension.
Common Contexts: Public education systems often operate with atheistic assumptions, even when not explicitly labeled as such.
B. Pantheism and Panentheism
Pantheism teaches that god and the universe are identical, while panentheism teaches that the universe is part of god, though god is greater than the universe itself. Though distinct, these views share similar assumptions and are treated together here.
Theology: God and the universe are inseparable.
Cosmology: Because god has always existed, the universe is often viewed as eternal. Many systems include creation accounts for humanity, and some allow for evolutionary explanations.
Anthropology: Humanity is often understood within a dualistic framework of good and evil, with moral responsibility tied to maintaining balance.
Epistemology: Knowledge is grounded in human reason and experience. Many traditions also appeal to sacred writings (e.g., the Bhagavad Gita).
Ethics: Ethical systems are often based on shame and honor rather than guilt and innocence.
Modern Expressions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and New Age spirituality all reflect these ideas in various forms.
C. Deism
Deism affirms the existence of God but denies His ongoing involvement with the world.
Theology: God exists but does not interact with creation.
Cosmology: God created the universe but then allowed it to operate independently, which leaves room for evolutionary explanations.
Anthropology: Views of humanity vary widely within deism.
Epistemology: Human reason is the primary source of knowledge.
Ethics: Moral systems flow from rational reflection rather than divine revelation.
Historical Influence: Many American Founding Fathers were deists, and many people today function as deists even while identifying as Christians.
D. Theism
Theism affirms a personal, knowable God or gods who creates, sustains, and interacts with the world. In this course, theism is considered specifically in its Christian form, answering the worldview questions through Scripture.
Christianity offers distinct answers regarding God’s nature, creation, humanity, knowledge, and morality, grounding all five worldview categories in divine revelation rather than human reason alone.
Case Studies: Worldviews in Practice
Worldview categories can be applied to specific belief systems to see how they answer the worldview questions in practice. Examples include Mormonism, Islam, and New Age spirituality. Each can be evaluated by examining what it teaches about God (including Jesus), the universe, humanity, knowledge, and ethics.
Conclusion
Understanding worldview is essential for meaningful apologetics. People genuinely think differently, and unless Christians understand how others interpret reality, it will be difficult to demonstrate why Christianity provides a better and more coherent worldview.
Christians are not required to master every worldview in detail, but they must make a sincere effort to understand what others believe before expecting others to understand the Christian faith.
