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Noted Christian author John P. Newport defines the term Worldview as follows (emphasis added): "A worldview is thus the nature and structure of the body of convictions of a group or an individual. ( A conviction means a person's persuasions concerning the meaning of life) A worldview defined in simple terms, is a concept which includes all dimensions of reality, from the existing individual to the universe itself. The worldview of a person or a group is that which brings integration - a comprehensive interpretation - to life. Worldview includes a sense of meaning and value and principles of action. It is much more than merely an 'outlook' or 'attitude'. It is important to note that each person's worldview is based on a key category, an organizing principle, a guiding image, a clue, or an insight selected from the complexity of his or her multidimensional experience." Dr. Newport’s book, Life’s Ultimate Questions, helped me think through and apply the Bible to questions such as: the meaning of history, the meaning of religious and Biblical language, origin and development of the human race, role of evil, personal suffering, death and the life beyond, human morality, etc. The book is organized around questions related to these subjects. His Chapter 9 provides very useful information for the Christian regarding world religions. In this section I will use a combination of; a synopsis of selected Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia biographical information, GGBTS lecture notes, general factual information on selected religions, and Dr. Newport’s new book The New Age Movement and the Biblical Worldview. The section is concluded by suggesting a new Paradigm for followers of Christ to consider in presenting their worldview convictions and interpretation of life depicted in the "ISM" sketch (above). The New Paradigm includes learning "inclusive" vs. "exclusive" spiritual dialog. An "exclusive" dialog approach presents an attitude of "I have; all the answers and it’s too bad you are in darkness". Inclusive dialog attempts to have a two way discussion with persons of all faith backgrounds attempting to mutually increase each others’ spiritual knowledge and information base. One goal for followers of Christ is to help others know Christ better. Many will view Christ as a great Teacher. Others may know Him as a Prophet, while others see Jesus as an individual. One must start with an understanding of the other person’s spiritual knowledge and database. That is why the letters TIP (Teacher, Individual, and Prophet) are included in the above sketch…to remind me to create dialog and exchange with those who see Jesus differently than I do. By a decision and through experiences I follow Jesus as the Son of God. With this "ISM’ paradigm: Immanuel (God With Us), Saviour (Saves persons from sin) and Messiah (the anointed one) is at the center of my dialog and Worldview. I attempt to experience Jesus daily as a co-worker and share my experiences, questions, and new discoveries (through "inclusive dialog") from this faith walk. The Worldview section is organized under the following six sub-headings to help me understand the Spiritual backgrounds and positions through inclusive dialog with others; Subject
Area Worldview
in Perspective Modern
History of the Jews Old
Testament Hebrew / Israelite Worldviews Islam
- Life of Mohammed The
third major Monotheistic Worldview Eastern
Religions and Worldviews Hindu,
Buddha, Confucius Worldviews New
Age Roots, The New Age Movement Conflicts
and Dialog with Biblical Worldview History
of Philosophy, An Overview Reasoning
vs. God’s Revelation Inclusive
or Exclusive Spiritual Dialog ISM
A New Paradigm for followers of Christ
READ: Genesis 12 , Microsoft Encarta ’97, "History of the Jews"
SUMMARY AND OBSERVATIONS I am reminded of the great Wesley Hymn: This is my Father’s World, O let me ne’er forget, That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. In Genesis 12:3b God promised Abraham "all the peoples of the earth will be blessed through you." We studied blessings Israelites celebrate (Passover, Atonement, Torah, development of post exilic Judaism) in the Old Testament (OT). Building on the OT the blessing Christians celebrate is God’s only Son Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The Christian Church History section traced the development of Christianity to the present. To complete our Monotheistic Worldview our first focus will be on modern Jewish history since the life of Christ and the early Christian apostles. The "Fullness of Time Narrative" left the Israelites subdued by the Romans at Masada in 73 AD. We will now use the modern usage term Jew (from Judah) as continuation of the ancient OT Hebrew tribes, Israelites, and tribes of Judah and Benjamin. A Jew, Simon Bar Kokhba, made a last rebellious stand against Romans in 132-135 AD. The rebellion was crushed. The Roman emperor, by edict, renamed the province of Judea to Syria Palaestina. Jews were ban from Jerusalem. By decree, Jews entering the city were put to death. Jerusalem became a pagan city. Persecution of Jews became common throughout the Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd Century. The Jews’ answer was continued development of Judaism as a religion on a post-exilic basis. Teachers and rabbis established a great body of oral law and religious interpretation in the Mishnah and Gemara, known collectively as the Talmud. Jewish academies in Palestine were established in Galilee and Babylon. Islam became the state religion in the 600’s AD. The "Code of Omar’ was adopted in Palestine. It stated Jews could neither hold political office or have Muslim servants. Moreover they could not bear arms, build or repair synagogues, or worship in loud voices. Jews wore a yellow patch on their sleeves as a distinguishing mark. The importance of these restrictions was their selective enforcement in Christian Europe as Jews were imported. By the end of the 16th century only remnants of the old Jewish communities remained in Western Europe. With a gradual increase in social freedom, following the Reformation, Jewish emancipation became increasingly secure by the 1800’s in Western Europe. In Eastern Europe the policies of Jewish tolerance were slow. Poland and Russia instituted policies that restricted Jews to live in specific areas. Educational and occupational opportunities were restricted. Russian Imperial governments in the 1800’s encouraged periodic massacres of Jews, called pogroms, to divert populace discontent from failures of the Russian feudal system. Napoleon I, during his military campaigns, opened ghettos and emancipated the Jews as he marched across Europe. As a result of anti-Jewish feeling following Napoleon’s downfall, Jews from Europe immigrated to the United States. By 1880 about 250,000 lived in the U. S. As a result of Eastern Europe persecution, nearly 3 million additional Jews came to the U. S. by 1920. The contributions of European Jews born in the 1800’s are note worthy; Felix Mendelssohn - Composer, Karl Marx - modern socialist and Communist movements, Sigmund Freud - psychoanalysis, Marc Chagall - artist, and Albert Einstein (born in Germany) - scientist. The 20th Century growth of National Socialism in Germany and the extermination of 6 million European Jews in the Holocaust fostered the organized movement for Jewish return to Palestine. The movement to fulfill the biblical promise is called Zionism. The modern nation of Israel was established as a Parliamentary democracy on Independence Day, May 14, 1948.
REFLECTIONS Christians need to appreciate their sad role history of Jewish suppression. The important subject of religious liberty is another pressing subject for further study, prayer, and analysis.
Read: Books on Islam, Muhammad, Koran (at a library) , Genesis 16, 21:8-21 and 25:1-18 The Story of Hagar, Abraham’s maidservant and Ishmael.
SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS Islam is the religion of the followers of the Prophet Muhammad (circa 570-632 AD). The revelations (Koran) given to Muhammad by Allah (God) within Islam are considered the last and greatest revelations. There are two fundamental sources of Islamic doctrine; the Koran and the Sunna. The Koran is a collection of 114 chapters of unequal length revealed to Muhammad over a 22 year period (610-632). Muslims believe God’s words are contained in the Koran thus one who practices Islam, "surrenders to the will or law of God". Muslim is a name for Muhammad’s followers given in the Koran (22:78). Muslims do not believe in Muhammad’s deity, and the Koran explicitly denies he performed any miracles. Muslims resent 2being called Muhammadans, implying a cult. The Sunna is known through Hadith, a body of traditions based on what the Prophet said or did regarding various issues. Transmission of Hadith was largely verbal, and is not considered infallible as is the Koran. Monotheism is central to Islam – a belief in only one God, unitary and omnipotent (all powerful). On ethics the Koran declares "reforming the earth" is the ideal of human endeavor. Because of human moral weakness, God has sent prophets to teach both individuals and nations to correct both moral and spiritual behavior. Adam was the first prophet and the Koran describes Muhammad as the "Seal of all Prophets". Thus the Koran, to Muslims, is the final and most nearly perfect revelation of God, superseding all earlier revelations. The five pillars of Islam are: Five
Pillars of Islam Summary of
Subject Profession of
faith is (the Shahadah) "There is no
God but Allah and Muhammad is his
Prophet." Prayer Five prayers;
before sunrise, early afternoon, late afternoon,
after sunset, before retiring Almsgiving Muslim paying
"zakat" is voluntary in most Islamic states; but,
considered a duty Fasting The month of
Ramadan, requires refraining from food, drink,
smoke, sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset.
Throughout the month one must refrain from sinful
thoughts and actions Pilgrimage Every adult
Muslim, who is physically and economically able,
(male or female) must make this pilgrimage to Mecca
at least once in their lifetime The term jihad, "holy war" designates the struggle toward the Islamic goal of "reforming the earth" which may include the use of armed force if necessary. The prescribed purpose of jihad is not territorial expansion or forcible conversion of people to Islam. Rather the purpose is to assume political power to implement the principles of Islam through public institutions. In the 20th Century the concept of jihad has inspired Muslims in their struggle against Western colonialism. Muhammad was born in Mecca circa 570. His father died before he was born and his mother died when he was six. Brought up by his Uncle Abu Talib, he has been described as pensive and withdrawn. At age 25 he married a wealthy widow, Khadija, and continued to manage her business interests. He began withdrawing to a cave outside of Mecca to meditate and pray for guidance. During one of these retreats he experienced a vision of the archangel Gabriel, who proclaimed him a prophet of God. His egalitarian social reforms angered rich merchants in Mecca. In 619 the death of Khadija and unrest required moving to Medina. A series of wars were required by the followers of Muhammad to return and control Mecca. On his last visit to Mecca he gave a sermon summarizing his reforms. He died unexpectedly a year later in 632.
REFLECTIONS Followers of Christ can find areas to agree with Islamic friends. On the other hand belief differences (Jesus-a Prophet, role of women, role of state and jihad) cannot be underestimated.
READ: Life’s Ultimate Questions, Newport, and Encarta Encyclopedia or data base materials. SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS Providing an overview of Eastern religions on a single page is a challenge. My attempt will call upon a comparative text table from a paper on Eastern religions I prepared in Seminary. Readers interested in further study are directed to books such as Dr. John P. Newport’s Life’s Ultimate Questions (which has excellent sections on World Religions) or specific works on each belief set. Dr. Newport’s new book, The New Age Movement and Biblical Worldview is also an excellent resource. My study of Eastern religions is minimal. Living in California, I see the impact of Pacific rim countries and Far Eastern thought. The following comparative analysis table helps me relate Jesus, Buddha, and Confucius as individuals for easy recall of basic principles;
Worldview
Analysis or Area of Question Jesus,
Followers of Christ Buddha,
Buddhism Confucius,
Confucian Philosophy View of God,
Deity One God,
Monotheism Ambiguous
Nature,
Cosmos, Agnostic Time
Perspective Historical,
Linear Circular,
reincarnation Ancestral,
Dynasties Focus, Human
Direction, Relationships Man, through
faith gets Right with God, Jesus is
Mediator Self
Enlightenment, discover spirit within yourself, see
life anew Ethics, human
respect, for example: father /son,
emperor/citizen Relationship
with governing authorities Political
separation of the Kingdom of God and the man' s
kingdom Buddha was a
prince turned teacher, gives up rank Confucius,
served government before becoming a
teacher Teaching
approach (Note: all had disciples) Oral
teachings, fulfills Old Testament Law, "I am the
bread of life" Oral,
reinterprets Brahman Vedas of Hindu faith, self
awareness Oral and
written, restates ancestors, Chinese
sages Live for
Whom? Who is the Master? Father in
Heaven and God's kingdom Enlightened
masses Respect
superiors End Times,
Eschatology Eternal life,
I go to prepare a place for you. 2nd
coming. I will return Nirvana, need
reincarnation Unclear,
Nature, cosmos are important The way to
find Life Follow me,
Jesus, I am the way, become my co-worker 12 Steps are
within you. Meditate, find them. Knowledge,
learn from those who have gone before
you
REFLECTIONS Dr. Newport, Life’s Ultimate Questions, suggests the following steps for a follower of Christ in approaching World Religions.
READ: The New Age Movement and Biblical Worldview – Conflict and Dialog, John P. Newport, Understanding the New Age, Russell Chandler. SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS 19th Century essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson and his contemporaries borrowed from Eastern scriptures and molded them into American Transcendentalism setting the stage for New Age leaders today. Add in the human potential movement of the 20th century in the U. S., and the New Age bottom line can be stated in three words; "All is One", there are many paths to true knowledge. Christ is one of the paths or inputs called upon. The unique Lordship of Christ is denied. Our summary below is drawn from Dr. Newport’s new book, The New Age Movement and Biblical Worldview – Conflict and Dialog. It is an comprehensive resource for Christians interested in broadening their knowledge on the New Age. New Age is an umbrella term. Dr. Newport, suggests New Age should be understood as a large and loosely structured network of organizations bound together by common assumptions and a common vision. The New Age movement emerged in Western society in the late 1960’s, and during the 1980’s and 1990’s has become an important force in Western culture. Dr. Newport goes on to note the New Age in reality is an alternative belief system. New Agers have taken advantage of a vacuum in the traditional biblical belief system, that has been undercut through the years by science and legalism. In contrast to Christianity where truth comes from God and is spelled out in the Bible, the New Age has numerous ways of arriving at the truth. The following summary from Dr. Newport’s book highlight Basic New Age Ideas. New Age
Idea Brief
Definition Conflict Dialog
Point for Christian "All is one"
Monism One
encompassing reality, Cosmos is pure, universal,
interconnected Separation
between humans, nature, God is denied God is the
creator of the universe Everything is
God, Pantheism All things,
plants, humans partake of one divine
essence The one, or
God is beyond personality, an "it" vs. he or
she Man is
created in God's image God is within
you Persons are
individual manifestations of God God put in
his place; In man Holy spirit
dwells in Man Reincarnation
and Karma Progressive
spiritual evolution includes on this and other
planets Accumulate
good karma (fruits of your actions). Benefits later
lives Renounces
Christian view of judgement. Change your
consciousness Man's
problem; Illusion limited and finite Original sin
not the problem; metaphysical ignorance is the
problem New birth,
enlightenment concerning Jesus Christ, one way to
life, follow Him.
REFLECTIONS Dr. Newport notes the New Age movement seeks a transformation of humans and society through the force of the universe. He points out Christians understand the human condition, affirm the problem requires outside intervention, and believe intervention has already occurred in the person of Jesus Christ who alone, as an instrument of the grace of God, corrects the situation. While honoring contributions made by other groups, in the long run these groups fall short of the Divine.
READ: Hebrews 11-12, Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see. Study: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Pascal, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Kierkegaard, Kant, James. SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS Philosophy (Phileo Sophia) is the love of wisdom. It involves thinking hard about something that matters. A surd, is a problem that has no answers. William Hendricks in his Philosophy of Religion lectures suggests that there are four crucial questions philosophy addresses: Crucial
Philosophical Question Class of
Question Why
is there something rather than nothing? Ontological
question (nature of being) What
is important? Knowing, having or doing Axiological
question (axius Gr. = value) How
do you know? Reason, intuition,
experience Epistemological
or knowledge question How
do I express? Verbal, non-verbal, signs,
symbols Methodological Having already overviewed Eastern Civilizations, now we will overview a brief history of reasoning. Our history of reasoning begins with the Pre-Socratic Philosophy and ends with the Modern Period. The ontological question as it relates to the nature of the being of God threads throughout philosophy, and man’s love of wisdom. Philosophy
Period Persons,
Practitioners Subjects,
Comments Pre-Socratic
600-430 B. C. Looking
for Natural World, What is urstoff?
"stuff" Thales Anaximander Anaximenes Pythagorus Heracclitus Parmenides Empedoles
(443 BC) Water Indeterminate Air Music,
Math Fire Truth "Stuff"
Earth, Air, Fire, Water Socratic
Period 430-322 B. C. Socrates
(470-399 B. C.) Plato Aristotle
(384-322 B. C.) "Dialectic",
new thinking takes opposite view. Youth
of Athens, look at both sides, founded U. of
Athens, Academy Lecture
notes dealt with every branch of knowledge and art;
for example, Organization of Reality, Laws of
Causality Post
Socratic Period Augustine
(354 - 426 A. D.) Anselm
(1033 A. D.) Aquinas
(1225-1274 A. D.) Confessions
- systematic theology City
of God - two kingdoms Proslogion,
Cur Deus Homo - Why God Becomes Man A
Scholastic - Summa Theologica Reason
to the threshold of God Pre-Moderns Empiricism Descartes,
Pascal, Hobbes, Locke, and Hume Knowledge
equals observation, Scientific method
emerges Modern Philosophy Immanuel
Kant (1724-1804) Hegel,
Nietzche, Marx Kierkegaard Pierce,
James, Dewey Rationalism
rather than revelation, important In
general Christianity denounced Existentialism
Existence is prior to essence, concrete more
important than abstract Pragmatism
America's leading Philosophy, Pierce - Theory of
Meaning, James - Theory of Truth, and Dewey -
Theory of
Knowledge Post
Modern Phenomenology Schleimacher,
Otto Human
self awareness, experience of the Holy REFLECTIONS Regarding the existence of God, Dr. Newport suggests we must now choose by what principle we shall live our lives: reason or revelation. The believer has thrown in his lot with revelation! Newport points out Christians believe: God’s revelation is the basic source of knowledge. Reason is important, but secondary to revelation.
READ: Matthew 28:18-20 Make disciples in the world by teaching the good news.
SUMMARYAND OBSERVATIONS We live in a pluralistic world. Our brief study of Worldviews shows there are many alternative religious and philosophical beliefs to the teachings of Christ. In one of Jesus’ last discourses with his disciples (Matt. 24) he warns his followers of false teachers and being prepared at all times to meet Him. In Matthew 25 he also encourages us to invest our talents for furthering the kingdom and being committed to His way of righteous living. In our next section, Living our Theology, we will explore practicing our Christian beliefs. Our Worldviews section concludes with thoughts on how to undertake dialog with those holding differing Worldviews than our orthodox Christian positions. A first observation for followers of Christ is to revisit our personal dialog with non-believers, and start with an "inclusive" not "exclusive" theological approach. An inclusive approach expresses knowledge of the other person’s beliefs and opens dialog for mutual exchange and learning. An "exclusive" approach presents an attitude of "I have; all the answers and it’s too bad you are in darkness".I group those who do not follow Jesus as Immanuel, Saviour, and Messiah into those who see him as a Teacher (i.e. Jews another Rabbi), Individual (with valued intentions like Gandhi, a sage…there are many roads to enlightenment – New Age), Prophet (Muhammad is final prophet, Muslim). A second observation for followers of Christ to consider is personally getting to know Him better each day. Luke tells us Jesus grew in wisdom and stature. We too will grow in stature with our friends as we grow a a true follower of Jesus Christ. Perhaps a new paradigm as we approach a new millenium is possible. Since the Reformation, denominations, (Methodism, Catholicism, Presbyterianism, etc.) have led to many confessions, doctrines, creeds, and ISM’s. Paul teaches there is one Christ and one gospel (I Cor. 12 and Ephesians. 4:11-16). Returning to the early church focus; He is Lord, the new paradigm built from our ISM’s for focusing on Christ is:
Religious dialog in our society is a challenge. It is easy to discuss non-threatening subjects; sports, movies, but religion is a "no-no". While this is a "given", if we are to complete the Great Commission we must use our head in communicating our Christ-centered Worldview in a pluralistic society. Jesus did this with parabolic teaching vs. sermonic dialogs when confronted with non-believing Pharisees and scribes. He would use parables to bring attention to His mission for the Lord. Often His goal was to rearrange a bias or preconceived notion held by a non-believing audience. Narratives about Christ and our experience in growing in Him can help be His witnesses. John P. Newport in Life’s Ultimate Decisions , provides special considerations for Christians in approaching Jews, Muslims, Buddhists. My selections below will hopefully encourage a complete reading of Chapter 9 of his book. Special
Considerations – Jews Special
Considerations - Muslims Special
Considerations - Buddhists Emphasize,
grief, appreciation Acknowledge
similarities Express
Christian doctrine of person Emphasize,
kinship, and
Uniqueness Have
proper spirit, interpret "secular",
Loving witness, significance
of Trinity Stress
personal God and Human Love,
Concern for peace, morality, And
grace. REFLECTIONS Lord, I want to be in community with believers. Help me examine how I am living my life and what I am communicating to others. I pray that as Jesus was your messenger, I am following in his footsteps in your World. I pray for a spirit of; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Gal.5:22). As I am open to your Holy Spirit in me, it will bear fruit. Mark 6:7-13 tells us to: go two by two with His authority, not be discouraged if our testimony is not heard, and focus on anointing sick persons for their healing.
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