Christian Worldview and Apologetics: Developing a Christian Worldview

How can a believer grow in his or her understanding of the Christian worldview? How can he or she learn to think and live in a manner that is consistent with God’s Word? Developing an understanding of the Christian worldview is not easy. Challenges include the existence of many competing worldviews (e.g., naturalism, secularism), the complexity of the issues (e.g., origin of humanity, existence of evil), and our own human limitations (e.g., our sinful nature distorts our perspective). In spite of the challenges, however, we can grow in our understanding of the Christian worldview. How can this be done?

Read entire books of the Bible regularly.

There is no better way to develop one’s understanding of the Christian worldview than to read Scripture on a regular basis. Scripture is God-breathed, without error, and the final source of authority for our faith and practice. Consistent exposure to the Bible’s teaching will provide one with the perfect lens through which to view his or her world. It is best to read through an entire biblical writing from beginning to end, as this will help you follow the author’s train of thought throughout his book. In addition, it will require you to read all of the writing, not just those passages that you think are important.

Join with other believers in the study of the Scriptures.

While it is important to read Scripture on a regular basis privately, it is also necessary to study Scripture with others, especially within the context of a local church. Studying Scripture with others provides opportunities to discuss in greater detail the meaning and application of challenging passages. On many occasions the insights of other Christians have helped me understand and apply a difficult text. No one develops a good understanding of the Christian worldview in isolation from other believers — no one.

Participate in a worship service where the Scriptures are preached faithfully and responsibly.

The regular preaching and teaching of the Scriptures plays a key role in helping believers grow in their understanding of the Christian worldview. I cannot stress enough the importance of placing yourself under a pastor who takes great pains to preach and teach the Scriptures faithfully and responsibly. The ideal preacher will have, at minimum, academic training in the foundational areas (e.g., church history, Bible, theology), a love of learning, a good mind, the ability to preach and teach, a strong work ethic, and personal holiness. Flee from the pastor who does not preach the Scriptures or the gospel. He will never help you grow in your understanding of the Christian worldview. In fact, he will hinder your growth.

Read quality books and websites related to the study of worldview issues.

Thoughtful books include William Craig’s “On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision,” Norman Geisler’s “Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics,” Tim Keller’s “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism,” Ronald Nash’s “Worldviews in Conflict: Choosing Christianity in a World of Ideas,” and James Sire’s “The Universe Next Door” (5th ed., 2009). Helpful websites include those by William Craig (http://www.reasonablefaith.org/), Russell Moore (http://erlc.com/), and Al Mohler (http://www.albertmohler.com/).

Attend a worldview conference or host a worldview conference of your own.

Each year, the three South Carolina Baptist Convention universities (Anderson, North Greenville and Charleston Southern) host quality conferences on important worldview issues. These conferences are excellent opportunities for worldview development. Contact the school of Christian studies at each university for more information. On the other hand, your local church (or perhaps a group of churches) could host a worldview conference on a topic you feel needs to be addressed.

Continue your education formally at a Christian institution.

Another way believers can develop a better understanding of the Christian worldview is by engaging in continuing studies. Anderson, North Greenville and Charleston Southern offer Christian studies courses on the undergraduate and graduate levels that will greatly enhance a believer’s understanding of the Christian worldview. Prospective students may take a traditional face-to-face class or an online course. You don’t have to pursue a complete degree. You can take as few or as many courses as you like. I have found that I learn best in a formal setting with others and with an authority challenging me to think on a higher level. As an aside, let me encourage every local church to provide opportunities (e.g., short sabbaticals) for their pastor to engage in continuing education so that he can be up to date on key issues.

Recognize the worldview “shapers” that influence your thinking.

Our worldview is shaped by the ideas we encounter, as found in such things as the media (e.g., news), movies, friends, our work environment, local church, even our spouse. It’s important, then, that we identify the major influences on our thinking and consider how they promote or hinder the development of the Christian worldview within us.

Believers have always had to work at developing a Christian worldview. Christians living in the first century encountered the Greco-Roman worldview, which included beliefs (e.g., polytheism) and practices (e.g., abortion) strongly rejected by Scripture. Christians living in the Soviet Union during the 20th century faced atheistic communism. In every age, then, believers have had to evaluate the ideas that surround them to discern whether or not they were consistent with the Christian worldview. Nevertheless, we are blessed with all that we need to remain faithful to our Lord. We have his Word, the Spirit, a mind, and other believers to help us.