By Wesley Leake
The more I journey with God and interact with the world, the more that I knew that I need to have a correct Biblical worldview.
More and more I’ve noticed with social media that when you post a comment about something that you believe you are coming from a biblical perspective on, various ones are very quick to put a different point of view across. Not that I’m against this, but what it has highlighted to me is the need for the body of Christ as a whole to come to terms with what a Biblical worldview is. Hence the reason for this post.
One of my joys is serving on the National Day of Prayer Committee for Australia. During recent meetings we have been discussing the fact that if Australia is to be transformed, than Christians need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and coming to a place of understanding what the word of God actually says and then applying it to our own lives, our church community and then the nation as a whole.
To help with this Dr Graham McLennan (National Alliance of Christian Leaders www.nacl.com.au and Christian Heritage Research www.chr.org.au) circulated to the National Day of Prayer committee a list of ten worldview curriculum’s that I thought I would share with you. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but a place to start. If you know of others that should be included, then please I invite your comments at the end of this post.
To start with I’ve copied a post by Del Tackett from Focus on the Family who has written an excellent article entitled “What’s a Christian worldview?”. I thought this would be a good introduction to the topic, then I’ve listed the various curriculum that is currently available.
May you find this helpful in gaining a biblical worldview yourself. Please share it with others.
Together I know, with the power of the Holy Spirit we can see our cities, states and nations transformed!
Wesley Leake
What is a Christian Worldview? by Del Tackett
A recent nationwide survey completed by the Barna Research Group determined that only 4 percent of Americans had a “biblical” worldview. When George Barna, who has researched cultural trends and the Christian Church since 1984, looked at the “born- again” believers in America, the results were a dismal 9 percent.
Barna’s survey also connected an individual’s worldview with his or her moral beliefs and actions. Barna says, “Although most people own a Bible and know some of its content, our research found that most Americans have little idea how to integrate core biblical principles to form a unified and meaningful response to the challenges and opportunities of life.”
1. What’s a worldview?
A worldview is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. “[It’s] any ideology, philosophy, theology, movement or religion that provides an overarching approach to understanding God, the world and man’s relations to God and the world,” says David Noebel, author of Understanding the Times.
For example, a 2-year-old believes he’s the center of his world, a secular humanist believes that the material world is all that exists, and a Buddhist believes he can be liberated from suffering by self-purification.
Someone with a biblical worldview believes his primary reason for existence is to love and serve God.
Whether conscious or subconscious, every person has some type of worldview. A personal worldview is a combination of all you believe to be true, and what you believe becomes the driving force behind every emotion, decision and action. Therefore, it affects your response to every area of life: from philosophy to science, theology and anthropology to economics, law, politics, art and social order — everything.
For example, let’s suppose you have bought the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder (secular relative truth) as opposed to beauty as defined by God’s purity and creativity (absolute truth). Then any art piece, no matter how vulgar or abstract, would be considered “art,” a creation of beauty.
2. What’s a biblical worldview?
A biblical worldview is based on the infallible Word of God. When you believe the Bible is entirely true, then you allow it to be the foundation of everything you say and do. That means, for instance, you take seriously the mandate in Romans 13 to honor the governing authorities by researching the candidates and issues, making voting a priority.
Do you have a biblical worldview? Answer the following questions, based on claims found in the Bible and which George Barna used in his survey:
- Do absolute moral truths exist?
- Is absolute truth defined by the Bible?
- Did Jesus Christ live a sinless life?
- Is God the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe, and does He still rule it today?
- Is salvation a gift from God that cannot be earned?
- Is Satan real?
- Does a Christian have a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people?
- Is the Bible accurate in all of its teachings?
Did you answer yes to these? Only 9 percent of “born- again” believers did. But what’s more important than your yes to these questions is whether your life shows it. Granted, we are all sinners and fall short, but most of our gut reactions will reflect what we deep-down, honest-to-goodness believe to be real and true.
3. How does a biblical worldview get diluted?
Here is the big problem. Nonbiblical worldview ideas don’t just sit in a book somewhere waiting for people to examine them. They bombard us constantly from television, film, music, newspapers, magazines, books and academia.
Because we live in a selfish, fallen world, these ideas seductively appeal to the desires of our flesh, and we often end up incorporating them into our personal worldview. Sadly, we often do this without even knowing it.
For example, most Christians would agree with 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and other Scriptures that command us to avoid sexual immorality, but how often do Christians fall into lust or premarital and extramarital sexual sin? Is it simply because they are weak when tempted, or did it begin much earlier, with the seductive lies from our sexualized society?
4. Why does a biblical worldview matter?
If we don’t really believe the truth of God and live it, then our witness will be confusing and misleading. Most of us go through life not recognizing that our personal worldviews have been deeply affected by the world. Through the media and other influences, the secularized American view of history, law, politics, science, God and man affects our thinking more than we realize. We then are taken “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
However, by diligently learning, applying and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives — whether it’s watching a movie, communicating with our spouses, raising our children or working at the office — we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture’s nonbiblical ideas. If we capture and embrace more of God’s worldview and trust it with unwavering faith, then we begin to make the right decisions and form the appropriate responses to questions on abortion, same- sex marriage, cloning, stem-cell research and even media choices. Because, in the end, it is our decisions and actions that reveal what we really believe.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Worldview Curriculum’s Currently Available
1. Dave Noebel’s Summit Ministry
Summit Ministries is an educational Christian ministry whose very existence is a response to our current post-Christian culture. Today, countless Christian youth have fallen victim to the popular ideas of our modern world. Most have adopted these ideas into their own worldview, while still others go on to renounce their Christian faith altogether.
Summit views its role in God’s kingdom as a catalyst to counteract this alarming trend. However, our ultimate goal supersedes simply training. As Christians are challenged to stand strong in their faith and defend truth, they will also be equipped to have a positive influence on the society in which they live.
Their website has a great array of curriculum for schools and Sunday schools. They run conferences and summits. They have online copies of their must significant talks given.
A great book to read of there’s is: Understanding the Times: The Collision of Today’s Competing Worldviews (Rev. 2nd ed)
2. Ravi Zaccharias
The primary mission of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries is to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Distinctive in its strong evangelistic and apologetic foundation, the ministry of RZIM is intended to touch both the heart and the intellect of the thinkers and influencers of society through the support of the visionary leadership of Ravi Zacharias.
Our vision is to build a team with a fivefold thrust of evangelism, apologetics, spiritual disciplines, training, and humanitarian support so that the mandate of I Peter 3:15 might be fulfilled: to set apart Christ in our hearts as Lord and always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us, with gentleness and respect, all for the glory of God.
3. Vishal Mangalwadi
http://www.revelationmovement.com
Vishal Mangalwadi (1949-) is an international lecturer, social reformer, cultural and political columnist, and author of thirteen books. Born and raised in India, he studied philosophy at universities, in Hindu ashrams, and at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. In 1976 he turned down several job offers in the West to return to India where he and his wife, Ruth, founded a community to serve the rural poor. Vishal continued his involvement in community development serving at the headquarters of two national political parties, where he worked for the empowerment and liberation of peasants and the lower castes.
His first book, The World of Gurus, was published in 1977 by India’s Vikas Publishing House, and serialized in India’s then-largest weekly, Sunday. It is still used as a text book in universities. It was Mangalwadi’s book on the New Age Movement and India: The Grand Experiment, that first brought his works to the attention of the American public. In demand worldwide, Vishal is a dynamic and engaging speaker who has lectured in 34 countries. He enjoys simplifying complex ideas and inspiring despairing hearts with hope.
Vishal and Ruth have two daughters and five grandchildren. They were invited to come to America to make a television series exploring the Bible’s role in creating the modern world. The series is yet to be made. Meanwhile Vishal’s research has become the primary resource behind this website. This study was inspired by Vishal and Ruth’s recognition of India’s need for the reforming power of the Bible.
Key book to read of Vishal’s is The Book that Made Your World.
Here is a review of the book by Bill Muehlenberg from Culture Watch:
“This book’s thesis is that without the Judeo-Christian worldview, there would be no Western civilisation as we know it. The Bible has contributed more to the development of the West than any other single factor.
Here we have a masterful presentation of data in a finely written and cogently argued volume. As Mangalwadi reminds us, the Bible first of all transforms individual human beings, who in turn transform entire nations. In every area of life we see this remarkable record of personal and social transformation.
Be it science, health care, literature, learning, or liberty, the biblical worldview touched and transformed entire societies. Mangalwadi very capably discusses the big picture as well as the many individual cases of transformation.
Consider the issue of literature. The truth is, much of the world’s greatest literature is traceable to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Whether we are talking about the book of Job or the sonnets of Shakespeare, the world is immensely richer because of the Bible. The Greco-Roman era produced great literature, but in terms of a lasting impact on the world, and on English writers, the Bible is without peer.
Examples of places turned upside down by the Bible and those who have been transformed by it would fill hundreds, nay thousands, of volumes. But Mangalwadi here does a superb job of demonstrating how in one field after another, the impact of Scripture has been overwhelming, and overwhelmingly a force for good.”
4. Chuck Colson’s Materials
BreakPoint is a Christian worldview ministry that seeks to build and resource a movement of Christians committed to living and defending Christian worldview in all areas of life.
Begun by Chuck Colson in 1991 as a daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on today’s news and trends via radio, interactive media, and print. Today BreakPoint commentaries, co-hosted by Eric Metaxas and John Stonestreet, air daily on more than 1,200 outlets with an estimated weekly listening audience of eight million people. The BreakPoint.org features Metaxas and Stonestreet commentaries as well as columns and feature articles by leading Christian writers, and “Youth Reads,” which offers a Christian perspective on books for teens and preteens. On “BreakPoint This Week,” John Stonestreet hosts a weekly conversation with leading Christian writers and thinkers. These compelling discussions cover a wide variety of topics, but center on the issues shaping our culture. “RE:News” gathers need-to-know news headlines, and the BreakPoint Blog equips visitors with a biblical perspective on a variety of issues and topics.
Teaching products such as Doing the Right Thing, The Faith, ReWired, Wide Angle, Renewing Virtue, Politics & Faith, Walk the Talk, and Worldview and Why It Matters assist believers in teaching others to understand and apply the truths of Scripture in everyday life. The Centurions Program is an intensive biblical studies program that equips Christians to engage their church, community and culture with biblical truth.
5. Bill Muehlenberg’s Culture Watch
http://www.billmuehlenberg.com
We live in an age where we see evidence of cultural decline, the erosion of values, the decline of civility, the denial of truth and the elevation of unreason. Many people are asking, “Where is our culture heading?”
This website is devoted to exploring the major cultural, social and political issues of the day. It offers reflection and commentary drawing upon the wealth of wisdom found in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
It offers reflective and incisive commentary on a wide range of issues, helping to sort through the maze of competing opinions, worldviews, ideologies and value systems. It will discuss critically and soberly where our culture is heading.
6. David Barton’s Biblical Worldview University
http://providencefoundation.com
The Providence Foundation is a Christian educational organization whose mission is to train and network leaders to transform their culture for Christ, and to teach all citizens how to disciple nations. We have been working since our inception in 1983 to fulfill Christ’s commission to “make disciples of all nations.” Such nations will have transformed people, but also transformed institutions — family, church, and state.
The Foundation has focused on training and networking leaders in a principled, Biblical education that has historically produced liberty, justice, prosperity, virtue, and knowledge in people and nations.
7. The Truth Project
The Truth Project—A Christian Worldview is a DVD-based curriculum detailing the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life
- Help reverse the ‘spiritual disengage’ by youth & young adults
- Help transform our culture by getting hold of this truth
- Interactive, informative, equipping & empowering
As it has been throughout history, God continues to call ordinary people to make an eternal difference in our world. We invite you to be a part of this cultural change by participating in or leading a small group of your own.
Using the DVD-based lessons, you can facilitate or lead a small group with no prior training. Get directly involved as an influencer in our culture and see the dramatic spiritual and intellectual transformation that results from these powerful studies.
Ideal for church home groups, high schools, bible colleges, churches and families
8. The Old Testament Template by Landa Cope
Landa Cope is the Founding International Dean of the College of Communication for Youth With A Mission’s University of the Nations. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Education and a Master’s degree in Humanities and International Studies. Since joining Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in 1971, her public speaking and work in missions have taken her to more than 110 nations. Landa has lived and worked in North Africa, the Pacific and Europe. She spent eight years developing and launching the communications and fundraising work of Mercy Ships International, serving as the Communications Officer. In 1984, Landa moved to Kona, Hawaii where she founded the International College of Communication, one of seven colleges in the UofN. Students are trained in interactive media, digital communication, video, film, photography, graphics, illustration, marketing, radio, writing, journalism and developing mass media. Graduates have been placed in some of the highest-ranking communication businesses in the industry internationally. The College of Communication has locations in Australia, North America, South America, Europe and Africa. Landa Cope is in high demand around the world to speak to religious, political, business and professional leaders on the subject of what scripture teaches us practically about discipling nations. She is the author of “Clearly Communicating Christ”, a book about Jesus-style communication and “The Old Testament Template.” Landa currently lives in South Africa, and is writing her third book “God, the Bible and Political Justice”. In 2005 Landa founded The Template Institute committed to providing seminars and materials for the development of Biblical thinking in the professions as well as a comprehensive Biblical approach to issues in the public forum. She currently serves as the Founder and Executive Director of TTI. Leah Broomfield was appointed as the new Director of TTI in April 2011.
Check out some recent recordings from Landa’s visit to Australia in October 2012:
9. Discipling Nations Resources
For a full list of key books and DVD liks on discipling the nations, go to:
Books listed there include:
Discipling the Nations
In Discipling the Nations we must fulfill both aspects of the Great Commission, the evangelistic mandate (to redeem man) and the cultural mandate (to redeem the earth).
Must the Sun set on the West
In Must The Sun Set On The West, Vishal Mangalwadi, India’s foremost Christian intellectual, examines how the West became just, free, and prosperous compared to the rest of the world and concludes that the Bible is the soul of Western Civilization.
Discipling the Nations by Darrow Miller
The power of the gospel to transform individual lives has been clearly evident throughout New Testament history. But what of the darkness and poverty that enslave entire cultures, even nations? Have Christians underestimated the power of God’s truth to transform entire societies?
In Discipling Nations, Darrow Miller builds a powerful and convincing thesis that God’s truth not only breaks the spiritual bonds of sin and death, but can free whole societies from deception and poverty. Discipling Nations will challenge, reenergize, and equip Christians everywhere who labor to see “His Kingdom come, His will be done.
“The world is looking for scientific, medical and economic solutions to the Goliaths of our day such as Poverty, HIV/AIDS and Ideological Conflict. However, I am convinced that the real solution is found in a changed mind that will usher people into new attitudes, behaviors and structures. The Disciple Nations Alliance offers a church-based solution capable of combating the Goliaths and transforming nations.” Gary Edmonds
Experience the life-changing, paradigm-expanding teaching that has impacted thousands of Christians worldwide! Now on DVD is the entire Vision Conference as presented by Disciple Nations Alliance co-founders and master trainers, Bob Moffitt and Darrow L. Miller. These five DVD disks contain more than 20 hours of teaching designed to help Christians practice a wholistic, incarnational ministry in their own communities
These books are now available through an Australian website:
http://rediscoveringthekingdom.info/resources/websites-books/
Nurturing the Nations
Our world is filled with nations that are impoverished largely because half of their people—the female population—are disenfranchised. But this is not just a book about women; it is a book that deals with the intersection of three seemingly very different subjects: women, poverty, and worldview. Nurturing the Nations explains how the ideas that societies embrace create healthy or impoverished cultures, and supports that theory with information regarding domestic violence, murder, and pornography. The book addresses one of the greatest causes of worldwide poverty: the lie that men are superior to women.
Link: http://www.disciplenations.org/about
The Book that Transforms Nations by Lauren Cunningham
No country is too poor, to filled with crime, too divided by war, or too dark to be changed. God has given us basic principles that are keys to every problem we face in the twenty-first century. The answers lie between the covers of one book – the Bible.
The Book That Transforms Nations demonstrates how, together, we can use the Bible to change the whole world. Loren Cunningham’s fifty years of ministry have taken him to the world’s poorest and neediest as well as to kings and presidents. Here he offers a solid reason to hope and work for a better future.
The Old Testament Template by Landa Cope
Are you wondering why the Christian faith has become weak and ineffectual in dealing with issues of politics, economics, beauty, the family and daily issues of life?
Throughout history, people of faith have thought and acted in ways that influenced communities and nations affecting development of public education, worker’s rights, economic development, the concept of a free press, help for the victimized and disenfranchised. Martin Luther is recorded to have said that a gospel that does not deal with the issues of the day is not the Gospel at all. Within these pages you’ll discover the Biblical thinking that addresses the issues of the 21st century in an effective and redemptive way.
Landa Cope has put the challenge of the principles of The Old Testament Template to leaders in politics, business, and church on every continent of the world. Now you can discover how a vital, relevant, and effective Biblical Christianity can bring a righteous influence back into the public arena.
Landa Cope is committed to presenting a Biblical perspective on the professions as well as a comprehensive Biblical approach to issues in the public forum. She is the Founding International Dean of the College of Communication for Youth with a Mission’s University of the Nations and is the Director of a University of the Nations campus near Geneva, Switzerland. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Education and a Master’s degree in Humanities and International Studies, and is also the author of Clearly Communicating Christ, a book focused on Jesus-style communication.
Product Details Paperback, 205 pages Published by The Template Institute Press, 2006
The Reformation Manifesto by Cindy Jacobs
Bestselling author and teacher Cindy Jacobs gives a visionary, prophetic message to the church: The western church is in a place of comfort and complacency while the Enemy is making progress. God is calling His church to a radical change. Personal revival is no longer enough, so Cindy Jacobs is following in the tradition of great reformers such as Martin Luther, passionately calling dedicated believers to possess their biblical destiny to bring about a new reformation that will change whole nations. By first embracing this vision on a personal level, readers will then be a part of the coming change that will operate on a much larger scale. She urges believers to capture a vision for discipling entire nations through prayer and actions, clearly spelling out what Christians’ responsibility is and how to accomplish this through all facets of their life, including their church, community, work, business, and government. This message will be of particular interest to intercessors.
Source: Business Blessings Weblog Written by: Wesley Leake