In the course of counseling our clients, we have seen how their view of the “real” world compared to the biblical view is a key part of helping them with their spiritual growth, deliverance and healing.
Chuck Colson defined worldview as “the sum total of our beliefs about the world.” Do they see it from God’s perspective which focuses on insights and revelation from the bible? Or, do they have more faith in “facts” gleaned from the secular 24-hour news standpoint. In many cases, like a restaurant buffet line, they feel free to mix and match to suit their tastes.
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View of:
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Kingdom of This World (KOW)
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Kingdom of God (KOG)
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Man
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Inherently good. Sharing the planet with other living creatures.
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God’ prized creation. Sin nature; propensity to sin
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God
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Personal choice. All paths lead to the same place.
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God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
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World’s problems
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Fixable by man through co-operation, tolerance and increased knowledge.
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Not fixable by man; it is broken and only Christ can bring restoration.
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Science
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Everything ultimately by physics and science; all explainable given enough time and resources.
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God’s unfolding revelation of His Creation. Some things will remain a mystery this side of heaven.
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God’s role in the world
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Minimal typically; dispassionate observer or a resource to be called upon when we need his help
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Sovereign over all. Allows evil to happen but not part of His will for man.
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Spirit realm
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Mythical or universal life force that gives us power to help ourselves.
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God, angels and demons. Where the true battleground is
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Satan
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Mythical
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Real created being who rules over demon spirits
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Holy Spirit
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Mythical, or Christian’s term for “universal life force”.
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Third person of trinity who is actively at work in the world today
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Jesus
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Mythical or significant historical figure. Prophet/teacher.
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God and man in the flesh.
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Bible
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Moral book with good teachings worthy of following if reasonable.
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God’s inerrant, revelation of Himself to man. Useful for teaching, training and living life.
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Angels/demons
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Angels are mythical or are helpers. Demons do not exist.
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Spiritual beings to minister good or bring evil
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Nature of evil
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Non-existent. Individuals have mental illness.
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Activities initiated by demonic spirits.
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What happens at death?
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“Good” people go to heaven, if there is one. Varying views.
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Those who, by God’s grace and through faith, accept Christ’s completed work on the cross go to heaven.
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Modern medicine
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As with science, doctors can find a cure (medicine/treatment) for all health issues given enough time and resources.
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God uses doctors often to facilitate physical healing but (most) mental/ emotional problems involve spiritual issues not cured by drugs.
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Truth
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Everything is relative
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There are biblical absolutes.
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Sin
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Not applicable. People make bad/selfish choices.
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Rebellion against God and His word.
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The confusion arises when people try to, sometimes unwittingly, blend the two views and build a paradigm that works for them. Most of the viewpoints above present an “either/or” option and there are consequences to the choice. Can you imagine the result if a pilot tries to land his plane between two parallel runways?
The table above is by no means comprehensive or defiinitive and only is included to give a sense of typical common themes. Are there items above that you take issue with or that you feel strongly should be added? I would love to hear from you!
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