Introductory Unit BIBLE 12

Objectives After completing this section, you will be able to: I. Explain the following terms: worldview, presupposition, conscious assumption, and unconscious assumption. II. List the six worldviews that are under investigation. III. Articulate the goal and importance of the study of worldviews. IV. Demonstrate how to properly analyze a worldview.

I. Basic Terminology 1. Worldview – History of the Word: This word originated in Germany in 1855 (Weltanschauung = Welt – world; anschauung – perception). Definition: Although many definitions can be sufficiently attached to this word, Bible 12 will utilize the following: the thought process that one uses to interpret reality. Illustrations: a. Glasses b. Tree c. Filter

I. Basic Terminology 2. Presupposition – To conclude that something is true without complete proof. What is your starting point? Scientific Inquiry Human Reasoning Inner Feelings Revelation Tradition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kamvMi6V0aQ

I. Basic Terminology 3. Conscious assumption – A developed deduction that one affirms to be true. 4. Unconscious assumption – An undeveloped deduction that one affirms to be true.

Unconscious Assumption I. Basic Terminology Presupposition Worldview Unconscious Assumption Conscious Assumption P P P

I. Basic Terminology “Most people catch their presuppositions from their family and surrounding society, the way that a child catches the measles. But people with understanding realize that their presuppositions should be chosen after a careful consideration of which worldview is true.” ― Francis A. Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture

I. Basic Terminology Ricky Gervais, a self-proclaimed atheist, is the director of The Invention of Lying

https://youtu.be/3DmchoOLczY Cant lie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6qN4JdylXM Evolution of lying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8YQojNdCt8 Benefits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWXw8STaFlM Mom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0c_-I2cLbo 10 commandments

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS The second segment of chapter 1 assumes that success comes via mastering the world’s patterns. In 5-10 sentences, summarize the key points of this section. The sixteenth-century scientist Johannes Kepler argued that a Christian should aim to “think God’s thoughts after him” (4-5). What does this mean? How should Christians seek to fulfill this goal?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS On page 5, it records some shocking internet findings by Domo. What are these findings? How are these social changes affecting jobs and travel safety? How are the world’s pattern different than God’s patterns (6-7)? Give 2-3 examples. Why should Christians care about understanding the rules and patterns of this world (7-8)?

II. The six worldviews under investigation Which worldviews will we look at this year? 1. Christianity 2. Secular Humanism 3. Postmodernism 4. Marxism 5. Cosmic Humanism 6. Islam What aspects of each worldview will we be looking at this year? 1. Theology 2. Philosophy 3. Ethics 4. Biology 5. Psychology 6. Sociology 7. Law 8. Politics 9. Economics 10. History

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

III. The Goal of bible 12 The goal of this class is to help you understand the prominent worldviews that exist within the Western culture and to transform your unconscious assumptions into conscious assumptions so that you are prepared to … 1. Guard yourself from false views and actions. Colossians 2:6-8 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

III. The Goal of bible 12 2. Recognize and evaluate the prominent worldviews in order to properly engage your world.

III. The Goal of bible 12 3. Offer holistic worship to God by utilizing your intellectual properties. Matthew 22:34-38 - Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS How Can We Understand What is Actually True? Can’t We all Just Get Along?

IV. Evaluating worldviews A worldview should be … Internally Consistent Externally Verifiable Reason Law of Non-Contradiction Science Logic Intuition Revelation Etc.

IV. Evaluating worldviews Can Christians have assurance in their walk with the triune God of Scripture? If so, what gives them this assurance? Romans 8:15-16 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Summarize 3 major points that are made in the section entitled Ideas Spread Like Viruses (10-11).

Strategy to Withstand and Engage Culture Definition Inoculating – To implant (a disease agent or antigen) in a person, animal, or plant to produce a disease for study or to stimulate disease resistance. Research Categories No preparation/Reinforcement of Previous Information Warning of an Attack/Inoculation Inoculation + Refutation + Preparation