I. Worldviews: Whats the Big Idea? Dr. William E. Brown

Around the office, whenever I see a Christian, I scream and run away like a little girl... I am more afraid of Christians than I am of getting a flesh eating virus.... I am more afraid of Christians than I am of being shipped to Syria and tortured. Al Franken

Houston, TX Dear residents of Dayton, Tenn., I read about your town in the September National Geographic. It seems as though everybody there believes in Jesus and Christianity. As a humanist, I see NO evidence of a god, heaven, hell, devils, angels, fairies or a soul that leaves the body. The story of Adam and Eve is a fairy tale. Noahs Ark is an impossible dream. The virgin birth of Jesus by mother Mary is nonsense. The hundreds of religions around the world all believe they have the answer. Religions are nothing but peoples imagination. Men wrote the Bible, not an imaginary god. Humanists believe in nature and science. We know that people and animals and plants evolved over three billion years on planet Earth.

We do not look for supernatural answers as to why we have thunder or why it rains or why we have tornados. This is all part of nature and physics. Were proud of being capable of determining right from wrong by using our brains and not some book translated from ancient Holy scrolls. We do not thank Jesus for good fortune because our intelligence knows he has NOTHING to do with anything going on now. Best regards, Jimmy Dunne President, Humanists of Houston

Dear Mr. Dunne: I was disappointed in your letter of August 28 to the people of Dayton. I do not think it accomplished what you intended. Your letter was more of a screed than a creed. People who read it either laughed at what they saw as arrogant pronouncements or clucked their tongues at the patronizing statements. I am enclosing another letter that you are free to use. This better represents your naturalistic worldview and might engender substantive discussion rather than defensive reactions. Best regards, William E. Brown

Dear residents of ___________, As a humanist, I rely on the objective facts discovered by science. By the use of the scientific method, I see no proofs for the existence of God, heaven, hell, angels, or a soul that lives on after we die. If such evidence is discovered, I will gladly believe. I believe in people. I work hard to make this world a better place because this is all the existence we have. Because I believe the natural world is all that exists, I do not need to believe there are anything but natural causes for everything that occurs in the world, good or bad. We do not need a God or a holy book to tell us what is right and wrong. Most of morality is self-evident and we just need to use our reason to decide what is right and wrong.

It is difficult to believe in the existence of a good and powerful God when the world He supposedly created is filled with evil and disasters. I would assume He would intervene in some way to correct these wrongs. Instead, the world seems to be getting worse. When we look at the thousands of religions in the world, which one is correct? They all have conflicting beliefs about God, scriptures, rituals, and morality. This only adds to the confusion. I hope you will consider the rationale I have given here in your quest for truth. Sincerely yours, Jimmy Dunne President, Humanists of Houston

A. Thinking as a Christian

WORLDVIEWS Using your mind

The Biblical Challenge Using Your Mind Love the Lord your God... Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37

Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... - Romans 12:1-2 Using Your Mind...

... men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do Chronicles 12:32... men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do Chronicles 12:32 Using Your Mind...

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning... In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. - Daniel 1:17,20 Using Your Mind...

Yes, we are a nation that is unenlightened because of religion. I do believe that. I think that religion stops people from thinking. I think it justifies crazies. I think flying planes into a building was a faith-based initiative. I think religion is a neurological disorder. Bill Maher Religion is the problem

I had a crisis of faith. I thought you had to experience things if you want to know right from wrong. Id go to Christian revivals and be moved by the Holy Spirit and Id go to rock concerts and feel the same fervor. The Id be told, Thats the Devils music! Dont partake in that! I wanted to experience things religion said not to experience... When I got untethered from the comfort of religion, it wasnt a loss of faith for me, it was a discovery of self. I had faith that Im capable enough to handle any situation I had a crisis of faith. I thought you had to experience things if you want to know right from wrong. Id go to Christian revivals and be moved by the Holy Spirit and Id go to rock concerts and feel the same fervor. The Id be told, Thats the Devils music! Dont partake in that! I wanted to experience things religion said not to experience... When I got untethered from the comfort of religion, it wasnt a loss of faith for me, it was a discovery of self. I had faith that Im capable enough to handle any situation. Brad Pitt Its all about me....

I never lost my faith… I felt for a time that I had outgrown the church. Now it is a bone of contention in my soul that I did not share my faith with my kids, as my parents did with me. It was a source of grace when I needed it. I have been greatly nurtured and inspired by my faith. I never lost my faith… I felt for a time that I had outgrown the church. Now it is a bone of contention in my soul that I did not share my faith with my kids, as my parents did with me. It was a source of grace when I needed it. I have been greatly nurtured and inspired by my faith. Martin Sheen

I love my church, and was... raised by intellectuals who were very devout. I was raised to believe that you could question the church... What is worthy of satire is the misuse of religion for destructive or political gains. That's totally different from the Word, the blood, the body, and the Christ. His kingdom is not of this earth. -Stephen Colbert

Are we... thinking worldviewishly? We think... in fragments

Are we... thinking worldviewishly? We think... in fragments in images

Are we... thinking worldviewishly? We think... in fragments in images in sounds

B. Thinking Worldviewishly

What is a Worldview?

A worldview is first of all an explanation and interpretation of the world, and second, an application of this view to life. Brown, Phillips, Stonestreet Making Sense of Your World

Your worldview Your view OF the world EXPLANATIONEXPLANATION INTERPRETATIONINTERPRETATION

Your worldview Your view FOR the world APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

Behavior Values Worldview

Your worldview answers the ULTIMATE questions… Your worldview answers the ULTIMATE questions… ORIGIN: ORIGIN: Where did everything come from? MEANING: Why are we here? MORALITY: How should we live? DESTINY: What happens when we die? ORIGIN: ORIGIN: Where did everything come from? MEANING: Why are we here? MORALITY: How should we live? DESTINY: What happens when we die?

God has a plan and God is in control of everything. -Beyonce Knowles Whatever happens in life is fine-- just trust in that. -Orlando Bloom

There are no rules. Just follow your heart. -Robin Williams Its all about me....

Sometimes I feel like Im living a meaningless life and I get frightened... I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but its a God-sized hole. If I knew, Id fill it and Id be on my way... I have no answers to anything. None. Why am I an alcoholic? I havent a clue! What is life about? I dont know.... The best I can do is learn from my mistakes and move forward. And thats what Im trying to do. ~Shia LeBeouf

O R I G I N M E A N I N G M O R A L I T Y D E S T I N Y

O R I G I N M E A N I N G M O R A L I T Y D E S T I N Y E L T

II. The World of Worldviews: Three Basic Approaches to Life Dr. William E. Brown

Naturali sm Transcen - dentalis m Theism

Nothing Nature

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny Naturalism

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ?

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation

I have never seen the slightest scientific proof of the religious ideas of heaven and hell, of future life for individuals or of a personal God. Thomas Edison

Im an atheist, and thats it. I believe theres nothing we can know except that we should be kind to each other and what we can for each other. Katharine Hepburn

The beauty of religious mania is that it has the power to explain everything. Once God (or Satan) is accepted as the first cause of everything which happens in the mortal world, nothing is left to chance… logic can be happily tossed out the window. The beauty of religious mania is that it has the power to explain everything. Once God (or Satan) is accepted as the first cause of everything which happens in the mortal world, nothing is left to chance… logic can be happily tossed out the window. Stephen King

Dear god, if you were alive, You know wed kill you. Marilyn Manson Godeatgod from the album Holy Wood

Heres what happens when you die– you sit in a box and get eaten by worms. I guarantee that when you die, nothing cool happens. Howard Stern

I would thank God, but I dont believe in it. Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam

Ive got my own religion… If I get into trouble, theres no God or Allah to sort me out. I have to do it myself. Bjork

I believe in the good message that you can find in religion. But whether there is some ruler up there, above the clouds, I doubt it. Annika Sorenstam

It isnt just that I dont believe in God…I dont want there to be a God; I dont want the universe to be like that… Thomas Nagel Professor of Law and PhilosophyNYU It isnt just that I dont believe in God…I dont want there to be a God; I dont want the universe to be like that… Thomas Nagel Professor of Law and PhilosophyNYU

"If I was having a bad day, or if something was really getting me down -boy troubles, whatever- I wanted to go out and get a new piercing. It was definitely a release for me. Something that made me feel a little more strong or empowered. Because it was something that had to do with me and no one else." was really getting me down -boy troubles, whatever- I wanted to go out and get a new piercing. It was definitely a release for me. Something that made me feel a little more strong or empowered. Because it was something that had to do with me and no one else." Christina Aguilera Rolling Stone Its all about me....

= GOD NATURE Nothing

I just find the evangelical church, too, well, restrictive. But the School of Practical Philosophy is non- confrontational. We believe there are many forms of Scripture. What is true will never change, whether its in the Bible or in Shakespeare. Its about oneness. Its basic philosophy is that if the Buddha and Krishna and Jesus were all at a dinner table together, they wouldnt be arguing. There is an essential truth. And we are limitless. Hugh Jackman,

Ultimately the Force is the larger mystery of the universe. And to trust your feelings is your way to that. George Lucas Ultimately the Force is the larger mystery of the universe. And to trust your feelings is your way to that. George Lucas

I think I was a tree or something in a past life. Ive always been attracted to nature. Tommy Lee

I am a blank slate therefore I can create anything I want. -Tobey Maguire Its all about me.... I don't necessarily believe in organized religion. I love my God, my higher power, but it is mine and mine alone, and I create my connection, and I decide how my connection is going to be. -Will Smith

You know when I feel inwardly beautiful? When I am with my girlfriends and we are having a "goddess circle." -Jennifer Aniston Its all about me....

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One

I don't believe in God now...I can still work up an envy for someone who has faith. I can see how that could be a deeply soothing experience. -Jack Nicholson Its all about me....

I must say that when I go to church – and I do go to church – I ponder the mystery. I meditate on the why? of Why people are as they are? and Why bad things happen to good people? and Why good things happen to bad people?... The mystery is what I think is, almost, the grand unifying theory of all mankind. Tom Hanks

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment... Hebrews 9:27

NATURE God

NATURE God

THEISTIC RELIGIONS JUDAISM (2,000 BC) CHRISTIANITY (AD 30) ISLAM (AD 600)

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One Theism

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God Eternity with or apart from God

Our father, God, Allah, we thank you for this moment in time. Bless Kanye, bless his album, take over his album and take it to the highest place possible... In the name of Allah and the spirit of our inner essence. Amen. Prayer by Kanye West prior to a concert, Blender

THEISTIC RELIGIONS JUDAISM (2,000 BC) CHRISTIANITY (AD 30) ISLAM (AD 600)

CHRISTUS NEXUS Christianity is Christ... Take Christ from Christianity, and you disembowel it; there is practically nothing left. Christ is the center of Christianity, all else is circumference. John Stott Christianity is Christ... Take Christ from Christianity, and you disembowel it; there is practically nothing left. Christ is the center of Christianity, all else is circumference. John Stott

When all is said and done and my life is over, all that will have truly mattered is that I made a choice in this life to believe in and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. -Kerry Livgren of Kansas of Kansas Dust in the Wind

Naturali sm Transcen - dentalis m Theism

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God Eternity with or apart from God Christianity

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God Eternity with or apart from God ChristianityCreated by God

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God Eternity with or apart from God ChristianityCreated by God Glorify/love God; love others

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God Eternity with or apart from God ChristianityCreated by God Glorify/love God; love others Determined by character/will of God

WorldviewOriginMeaningMoralityDestiny NaturalismNatural means ? Self- determined Annihilation Transcenden- talism Derived from the One Recognize oneness Determined by unity/harmony Rebirth; back to the One TheismCreated by God Determined by God Eternity with or apart from God ChristianityCreated by God Glorify/love God; love others Determined by character/will of God Determined by relationship with Christ

III. Worldviews: Why Does it Matter? Dr. William E. Brown

Cedarville University Health Science Center

DeMaurice Smith NFL Players Association Will Schenck Fairchild Fashion Group Rolling Stone, Mens Journal (prev.) Mac McQuiston CEO Forum Michael Franzese Mafia Boss Colombo crime family Dr. Ramesh Richard RReach

A. Broadening Your Perspective

Let it snow!!!

B. Giving an Answer

Christopher Hitchens Author, God is NOT Good: How Religion Poisons Everything Marilyn Sewell Unitarian Universalist Minister Interview, Portland Monthly Magazine, Jan 2010

The religion you cite in your book is generally the fundamentalist faith of various kinds. Im a liberal Christian, and I dont take the stories from the scripture literally. I dont believe in the doctrine of the atonement (that Jesus died for our sins, for example). Do you make and distinction between fundamentalist faith and liberal religion?

Only in this respect: I would say that if you dont believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, in other words, the Messiah, and that he rose again from the dead and by his sacrifice our sins are forgiven, youre really not in any meaningful sense a Christian.

I disagree with that. I consider myself a Christian. I believe in the Jesus story as story, as narrative, and Jesus as a person whose life is exemplary that I want to follow. But I do not believe in all that stuff that I just outlined. I disagree with that. I consider myself a Christian. I believe in the Jesus story as story, as narrative, and Jesus as a person whose life is exemplary that I want to follow. But I do not believe in all that stuff that I just outlined.

I simply have to tell you that every major Christian, including theologians, has said that without the resurrection and without the forgiveness of sins, what I call the vicarious redemption, its meaningless. In fact, without that, it isnt even a nice story - even if its true...

It doesnt really matter to me if its true literally. It matters to me whether the story has efficacy for my life. It doesnt really matter to me if its true literally. It matters to me whether the story has efficacy for my life.

Well, thats what I meant to say. When C.S. Lewis, for example, says,.. if this man was not the son of God, then his teachings were evil because if you dont believe that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and you can get to it by the way, the truth, and the life, offered by the gospel, then theres no excuse for telling people to take no thought for the morrow, for example, as he did... It would be an evil nonsense.

C. Walking the Path of Wisdom and Knowledge

The Path of Wisdom and Knowledge 1.Know God

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 Knowing God

The Path of Wisdom and Knowledge 1.Know God 2.Know Gods Word

I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18 Scripture cannot be broken. John 10:35 All Scripture is God-breathed. 2 Timothy 3:16 Knowing Gods Word

1.Knowing the content 2.Understanding the content 3.Applying the content Knowing Gods Word

The Path of Wisdom and Knowledge 1.Know God 2.Know Gods Word 3.Know Gods World

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. Proverbs 1:20-22 Knowing Gods World

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. Knowing Gods World

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. Knowing Gods World

1 Wisdom has built her house... 3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, 4 Let all who are simple come to my house! To those who have no sense she says, 5 Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight. Proverbs 9:1,3-6 Knowing Gods World

Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, Let all who are simple come to my house! To those who have no sense she says, Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, Let all who are simple come to my house! To those who have no sense she says, Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. Proverbs 9:13-18 Knowing Gods World

Worldviews: Why Does it Matter? Dr. William E. Brown