For the sake of simplicity, three words might summarize the Christian worldview: creation, sin, redemption.
- Creation says that mind comes before matter, that some intelligence existed, and that earth had a beginning point
- Sin defiles the good creation making it the core human problem which is impossible to escape on our own
- Redemption points to the cross as history’s central event which opened a way of escape from our core problem
More can certainly be said about the Christian worldview, but consider the world’s view of the same points:
- Evolution says we are not created but exist as the result of chance and the Big Bang
- The core human problems are a lack of education, poverty, inequity and violence
- The sole solution to our problems is better education, increased funding and more tolerance
I’ve oversimplified the contrast, but to make a point. The world views the Christian worldview almost as a foreign culture. By in large they don’t buy it, understand it or think about it.
Increasingly we find ourselves living in the same situation as first readers of Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Esther and Peter: The world around them had a different worldview.
Our response?
- Reread how people like Moses, Esther and the others lived out their faith in that situation
- Don’t give up when people look at us like we’re from another world
- Find a way to translate the Christian worldview into words the people around us can understand
Creation, sin and redemption. It’s the worldview of all worldviews.
Harold,
I appreciate your blog! I never really got to spend much time with you while you were at OC, but congratulate you on your move to OVU. A former member of your staff, Makoto Tateno, is now our full-time minister here at the Omika Church of Christ. We really appreciate him.
If you have an opportunity, we would love to have you come and visit our campus.
In Him,
Jim Batten
Chancellor
Ibaraki Christian University