Christian Worldview: An In-Depth Insight and Personal Analysis
Worldview as defined by Kenneth Samples is “how one sees life and the world at large” (Samples, 2007, p. 20). From a layman’s stance, it is the perception, understanding, and total assumption of an individual about the things that are around him or her.
This paper focuses on Christian worldview, particularly on what it necessarily means and on how everything related to it got the whole focal point of its understanding. In this case, does he Christian worldview evolve based on one’s predicament and change overtime? Or does it stick to its cornerstone principles and continue to be what it used to be just to stay on its beliefs? Does it ignore the external factors that human beings are being bombarded with?
God
The book of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible introduced God as the Creator. To describe how God is like in a direct manner would be as one who would be feared yet also one who has to be loved above all. He is one that people should believe in and have faith on. As a Sovereign Creator, the Christian worldview makes the believers monotheistic. According to Schreiner, His creation of the entire Universe grants Him the creator and lordship of all (2013, p. 4.) As for Creation, Genesis 1:1-2 clearly defines how it became the focus of the Christian belief. Christians became monotheistic, meaning it is God that they worship, love, trust and believe. From the Garden of Eden to every single thing -- inanimate or alive -- all based on His creation. As such, even us humans are based on His image and likeness (Genesis 2:7, New International Version.)
Humanity
It was said that we are created based on the image of God, yet we live in a physical body. This physical body emanates from the purpose that they are to worship God and keep His creations in accordance to his commandments. The Christian’s main purpose on earth is to dwell on His creations, take care of it, and abide by His will. According to Genesis 2:17 and Romans 3:23, humanity was created to have life, but the fall introduced sin into the world, which led to the entrance of death in the world. Their purpose as a human since Adam and Eve was not accomplished due to the godship that they desire. This is why they became the first sinners and later evolved to more complex human problems.
Jesus
For many human beings, they question whether Jesus really exists or even existed. One of these critics is Bart Ehrman (2012) who questions the reliability of Jesus’ existence in history. Despite the questions and intrigue surrounding Jesus, he is part of God’s Holy Trinity. In turn, God’s love for us is shown through Jesus’ descent on Earth. He came in human form, yet still possessed the wisdom, faith, and teachings that God would like to partake throughout our lives that is carried out through history. His teachings and life here on Earth can be read in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, and they can deduce that this would be the cornerstone of their belief in Christianity as a whole. In the Christian worldview, Jesus is the symbol of their salvation, particularly when Jesus was crucified by the people who questioned his authority with regards to what or who people should worship and believe. Through his pain and sacrifice, the Christians’ faith is made much stronger, and their understanding of the concept of Christianity just made them believe in it even more deeply.
Restoration
God spared them the punishment that is due to their failure to act in accordance to what He wanted them to do through the sacrifice of Jesus (Kapik, 2010.) His death is the ultimate redeeming factor for the Christians; thus, justification took place. With this so called justification, faith coincides with the things that are blatantly more important in redeeming themselves in the eyes of God. Through faith, they would be able to live their lives being less judgmental to the people who surround them and be more sympathetic, grateful and selfless in giving love and understanding to those that God created. God is righteous and Jesus saving them on their account is proof enough of His never ending love for them.
Analysis
The Christian Knowledge
Critics of the Christian belief concur on its controlling effect on all of its followers. Yet, if I may point out, is it still the same with the other beliefs. Their belief leads them to practices and moral standards that set differences on how we live our lives. Christianity also defined the morals, truths and practices that were laden throughout time. The apostles wrote the scriptures intermittently; thus, making it a solid foundation of the faith. This also implied that it was not just being created out of imagination but through the guidance of God, which was with them as they wrote the words.
As controversial as the religion itself is, its interpretation is also different for everyone. As such, we don’t have to agree on how traditional believe it; rather, we should be able to think about how it applies in our life.
Christianity as a Whole and its Influence
As indicated, people are created in God’s image; thus, they are inherently born good and are supposed to do good. Jesus’ death should be the key to a better understanding of our faith and should not be the basis of carrying out what is expected of them. His death is just the catalyst for human beings to get back on track in terms of believing in God and restoring humanity. Some apostles died because they were persecuted because of their faith, specifically because of their acts of spreading the words of God. Moreover, as Christians, the apostles owe it to them to live by the teachings they have written. They live by those scriptures and should always do so.
Reflection
The Christian worldview on a practical application is like living in the world consciously. Christians are able to invoke selflessness and love towards the other human beings around them. As controversial as I deem the Christian faith’s history to be, Christianity offers the reconciliation between God and mankind. As such, it makes me feel comfortable to just live with it and to no longer question it despite being a non-believer. As long as the Christians believe in Jesus, the Holy Bible and the promised heaven are all real for them. As such, they cannot be prevented from living based on what Jesus’ disciples wrote and to do their best to abide by it. Even though I am merely a mortal human, sin and downfall on my belief is inevitable, yet being a non-believer is the strongest way for me to just live morally and decently. I think it is my path to just living right.
Conclusion
The Christian worldview is a quintessential aspect of Christianity. It may encompass beliefs and practices that differ from other religions and sects yet throughout history, it influences many people from various parts of the world. Simply put, monotheism comprises of similar core principles among the various beliefs, yet their interpretation, the level of understanding, the rules, and the way they are conveyed to the followers of Christianity point to the main message that Jesus’ death was their salvation and their only hope (Challies, 2011, p. 129.) For them, ,there is nothing more satisfying than living in the world with a firm belief on something because it gives them the sense of belonging to something and knowing that after the life they have spent here on earth are the wonders and love promised by God.
Yes, doubt would come to people from time to time, especially when they start to question the things happening around them. However, as Christians, they feel assured that everything has a purpose and happens at the right time. The Christian worldview is as complicated as the way that human emotion and belief coincide with each other. Faith in Christianity, believing in its principles, and letting it serve as one’s guide is the best experience that Christians can attain while they are live within the concept of Christian living. We all have purpose and maybe yet no matter what, we are still free to choose whatever we believe in life.
References
Samples, K. (2007). A world of difference: Putting Christian truth-claims to the worldview test.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
Schreiner, T. R. (2013). The King in his beauty: A biblical theology of the Old and New
Testaments. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
Challies, T. (2011). Jesus Christ the only way and our only hope. In K. De Young (Ed.), Don't
Call it a Comeback: The Old Faith for a New Day (p. 129). Wheaton, IL: Crossway
Kapic, K. (2010). God so loved, he gave: Entering the movement of divine generosity. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan
