How do we perceive the world around us? More specifically, how do we perceive, and in turn react to, the culture around us?
The way we perceive the world in which we live is referred as our worldview. Still, the term is more specific. Our worldview dictates how we react to and position ourselves in culture.
Better said, our worldview is the framework by which we tie everything together, understand society, and find our place in it.
Allow me to explain.
(As a note, those of you familiar with Dr. Jimmy Scroggins and or those in that general circle will find that the following is very much like the "upper floor/lower floor" philosophy.)
The philosophy of the two spheres is not something that someone would claim proudly. Sadly, however, we see this permeating our christian society. This philosophy claims that somethings are not associated with God, Christianity or other "personal" beliefs.
I tried to upload a diagram which I made, but alas, it did not work. Try to picture that there are spheres (circles) around these groupings.
Public (week)
Politics
Science
Work
Private (weekend)
Church
God
Family
The idea is that these two spheres never come in contact with each other. That is to say, that what I do with my personal or private life has no bearing on my public life. Example: In the the 2004 presidential elections John Kerry was asked a question concerning abortion, in his reply he made the statement that he, himself, is against abortion but that he can not allow his personal beliefs to affect the way he makes political decisions.
Further, on the liberal side of neoevangelicalism we find those who "believe the Bible" but do not "allow" their personal beliefs to influence what they see as the "truths" of science (pardon all of the quotations)("").
These are both good examples of a faulty worldview.
On the other side, a positive world view would be that of one sphere. That is, all of our decisions/ beliefs emit from the same, Christ-centred, position.
Life
Family
God
Politics
Work
Church
Science
If we are to truly follow Christ in our christian walk, we must not allow the philosophy of the two spheres to permeate our thinking. We must see the whole of culture as it is lit by God's Word. Indeed, we should view the whole world through a lens that is colored with nothing less than the blood of Christ.
How we do this is not as easy to answer. But, as always, we must search the scriptures, study wise writings (books), follow Godly advise and be in a constant state of prayer to even come close to walking as Christ did.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
