Christian Faith and God

Apologetics/Worldview

Worldview refers to how one historically or personally views things and events. Since philosophy often takes a universal view of things, there might be a negative connotation to the term as far as philosophy is concerned because of its rational approach. Nonetheless, philosophical worldviews can also be classified based on rationality and so achieving some level of universal acceptance. Worldview therefore is our perspective, at a basic level, of our environment and how we experience and react to it[footnoteRef:1]. This concept does not imply that every person has a specific philosophy that guides their life. Christian worldview, for instance, isn't the same thing as theology[footnoteRef:2]. While philosophy is grounded on man's reason, theology gravitates towards the Bible's authority. [1: Alister Mcgrath, Mere Apologetics. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2012.] [2: Albert Wolters, Creation regained: Biblical basics for a reformational worldview. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.]

Part II

A Christian has a simple answer to the question of how life came to being: God created everything. It was God's intention to create life. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being"[footnoteRef:3] God had a purpose in creating all life forms. According to the Bible, life has value; it is declared in the book of Genesis that life is "good" [footnoteRef:4]. God created man in His image and likeness. On initial interpretation, it might mean that we bear physical resemblance to God. [3: Genesis 2:7] [4: Gen. 1:12, 21, 25]

God finds human life very valuable. Human life, as it is, is valuable, even without the attached functions that God assigned man. God "made" man. Other animals were "created." Man was made in God's image and likeness and was given authority to rule over other creations. God literally breathed life into man and a living soul was born showing that man has an eternal characteristic and nature[footnoteRef:5]. [5: Gregory Koukl, Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.]

It is made clear by the Bible that man was created by God and his creation was for God's glory[footnoteRef:6]. This means that man's highest purpose is glorifying God, as per the Bible. This purpose is fulfilled in living a life that faithfully serves Him. God has plans for every individual[footnoteRef:7]. All the plans God has for everyone are ultimately for His glory[footnoteRef:8]. [6: Isaiah 43:7] [7: Psalm 139:13 -- 16] [8: Proverbs 3:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31]

1 Corinthians[footnoteRef:9] clarifies that all things man does should glorify God. Wrong and right, as defined by the bible, is whether the act glorifies God or not. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord[footnoteRef:10]. Loving the Lord, as Jesus said, is the greatest commandment[footnoteRef:11]. [9: 1 Corinthians 10:31] [10: Psalm 111:10] [11: Mark 12:29 -- 31]

Whoever believes in Jesus shall be granted life, though they may die[footnoteRef:12]. The dead will rise from the dead when Jesus comes back. But there are two resurrections, of life and of condemnation, the latter being for the wicked[footnoteRef:13]. [12: John 11:25] [13: Paul Chamberlain, Why People Don't Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to the Christian Faith. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011.]

Part III

"Love your neighbor" is a commandment that is stated multiple times in the bible. By loving our neighbors, we won't contemplate or carry out any harm against them. The bible states that love must be there in our relationship with other people but we must love Jesus more than we love others[footnoteRef:14]. God gives us the grace to love other people. Our relationship with bosses, family members, children and friends can be made awesome by having a strong relationship with the Lord and living according to His ideals. [14: Steve Wilkens, and Mark L. Sanford. Hidden Worldviews. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2009.]