Column: What is a Biblical Worldview?
Published 9:34 am Tuesday, February 4, 2025
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By Hank Walker | Pastor at Peach City Fellowship
In today’s political and public discourse—whether on television, radio, or podcasts—one often encounters unique terminology that reflects deeper philosophical and ideological debates. One such term is “worldview,” which is frequently associated with discussions around the so-called “Culture War.”
According to Merriam-Webster, a worldview is “a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world, especially from a specific standpoint.” Essentially, a worldview serves as the lens through which individuals interpret reality and make sense of their surroundings. It shapes how one assesses truth and influences their beliefs and actions.
Every person, regardless of their beliefs, grapples with five fundamental questions: (1) Origin: Where did I come from? (2) Identity: Who am I? (3) Meaning: What is my purpose? (4) Morality: What guides my understanding of ethics and of right and wrong? (5) Destiny: What happens to me after death?
The answers to these questions profoundly impact how individuals live their lives—and even predict the long-term survival or decline of cultures or societies. For instance, someone with a naturalistic and materialistic worldview might respond as follows: (1) Origin: Life emerged from a cosmic accident (the Big Bang) and evolved over billions of years (Darwinian evolution); (2) Identity: I am merely a highly evolved animal; (3) Meaning: Life has no inherent purpose beyond survival; (4) Morality: Right and wrong are subjective and merely societal constructs; (5) Destiny: Death marks the end of existence. This perspective, the “secular” worldview, is prevalent in contemporary academia and society.
In stark contrast, the biblical worldview presents a fundamentally different understanding. It posits that both physical and metaphysical realities are centered around God and His self-revelation. Humanity originated through the intentional creation of a wise Creator, as described in Genesis 1 and John 1. Our identity is rooted in being made in the image of God, albeit marred by sin. Meaning is derived from God’s glory and the life of Christ, while morality is defined by divine precepts and principles. In this framework, God delineates right from wrong, holding individuals accountable for their actions. Without mercy and grace, one’s ultimate destiny is separation from God. However, through repentance and faith in Christ’s sacrificial atonement, one can find hope for eternal life.
So, what kind of worldview do you espouse? Do you claim to be a Christian yet think and act as a “practical” atheist?
Grace and peace, y’all. Soli Deo Gloria