Developing the Christian Mind DCM 2301

2 Defining World View  Provides a model of the world that determines our actions in the world  Provides a vision of life  Provides a vision for life  Determines our values

3 Examining Differing World Views  The story of Anthony (pp 15 – 17)  Bathing Babies (pp 17 – 22)  Looking at Land (pp 25 – 30)

4 The Web of World View  Impacts and is impacted by all the aspects of culture  FamilyLegal Institutions  ReligionEnvironmental Concerns  EducationArts  PoliticsHealthcare

5 Language and World View  Language shapes worldview  Example: the Dene have no word for “wilderness”  Impact on view of land?  Worldview shapes language  Language creates a “universe of discourse”

6 Faith: The Basis of World View  Faith Commitment = the way we answer 4 basic questions:  Who am I?  What is my nature/task/purpose as a human?  Where am I?  What is the nature of the universe/world?  What’s wrong?  What is evil?  What is the remedy?  How do I find salvation and overcome evil?

7 Criteria for Evaluating a World View  Does it match reality?  Does it explain ALL of life?  Does it lead to BALANCE or IMBALANCE?  Does it sensitize us to love and justice?  Does it legitimize evil?  Is it internally consistent?  Does it bring life and blessing?  Is it open to critique or has it become an ideology?

8 Next Week Chapters 3-5: The Christian World View