Importance of Worldviews Essay -- Cosgrove, Reality

Cosgrove describes a worldview as â€Å"a set of assumptions or beliefs about reality that affect how we think and how we live† (p. 19). A person’s worldview has been molded from the day they were born by family, friends, media, and even strangers. Worldviews are important because they allow us to â€Å"develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture’s non-biblical ideas† (Tackett). Our actions also tend to mimic our beliefs—for example, if you believe that there is life after death like Christians do, your priorities should reflect your dedication to follow Christ and not be of this world (John 15:19 NLT). As I have learned more and more about worldviews in this class, particularly a Christian worldview, I have the opportunity to look back on what my worldview was and how it has changed. Because I have grown up in a church, and been a Christian for as long as I can remember, I have always thought of myself having a Christian worldview. However, after this course, I have realized that I did not know some of the basic Christian foundations—I did know that God is the creator of all things and that he is and everything he did is love. In the church I learned God is loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, eternal, unchanging, holy, and all good things, which are similar to the characteristics Dr. Strobel talked about in class. My picture of God has not changed much, if anything I have become more in awe, especially in regards to the trinity. My idea of what a person is, something that was made in God’s own image but sinned, and what happens to humans when they die, the body will stay but the soul will spend eternity in heaven or hell, has also not changed much (Zukeran). After learning from Dr. Strobel... ...MI: Kregel Publications. Davis, K., & Clark, B. (2011). Kisses from katie: A story of relentless love and redemption. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. Strobel, K. (2013), Classroom Lectures, State University, Phoenix, Az. Strobel, L. (2000). The case for faith: A journalist investigates the toughest objections to Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. Tackett, D. (n.d.). Why is a Christian worldview important?. Retrieved from http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_worldview/why_is_a_christian_worldview_important.aspx Wilkens, S; Sanford, M. (2009). Hidden Worldviews: Eight Cultural Stories That Shape Our Lives. Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity Press. Zukeran, P. (n.d.). what happens after death? a Christian perspective. Retrieved from http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4224733/k.63A1/What_Happens_After_Death.htm Importance of Worldviews Essay -- Cosgrove, Reality Cosgrove describes a worldview as â€Å"a set of assumptions or beliefs about reality that affect how we think and how we live† (p. 19). A person’s worldview has been molded from the day they were born by family, friends, media, and even strangers. Worldviews are important because they allow us to â€Å"develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture’s non-biblical ideas† (Tackett). Our actions also tend to mimic our beliefs—for example, if you believe that there is life after death like Christians do, your priorities should reflect your dedication to follow Christ and not be of this world (John 15:19 NLT). As I have learned more and more about worldviews in this class, particularly a Christian worldview, I have the opportunity to look back on what my worldview was and how it has changed. Because I have grown up in a church, and been a Christian for as long as I can remember, I have always thought of myself having a Christian worldview. However, after this course, I have realized that I did not know some of the basic Christian foundations—I did know that God is the creator of all things and that he is and everything he did is love. In the church I learned God is loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, eternal, unchanging, holy, and all good things, which are similar to the characteristics Dr. Strobel talked about in class. My picture of God has not changed much, if anything I have become more in awe, especially in regards to the trinity. My idea of what a person is, something that was made in God’s own image but sinned, and what happens to humans when they die, the body will stay but the soul will spend eternity in heaven or hell, has also not changed much (Zukeran). After learning from Dr. Strobel... ...MI: Kregel Publications. Davis, K., & Clark, B. (2011). Kisses from katie: A story of relentless love and redemption. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. Strobel, K. (2013), Classroom Lectures, State University, Phoenix, Az. Strobel, L. (2000). The case for faith: A journalist investigates the toughest objections to Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. Tackett, D. (n.d.). Why is a Christian worldview important?. Retrieved from http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_worldview/why_is_a_christian_worldview_important.aspx Wilkens, S; Sanford, M. (2009). Hidden Worldviews: Eight Cultural Stories That Shape Our Lives. Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity Press. Zukeran, P. (n.d.). what happens after death? a Christian perspective. Retrieved from http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4224733/k.63A1/What_Happens_After_Death.htm