Worldviews and Christianity
What practical steps could be taken to build a relationship with a follower of this worldview who might be a co-worker, neighbor, etc.
One of the first steps, in my opinion, would be to build an understanding of the individual's worldview. This would include the doctrines and dogmas of the religious beliefs that this worldview holds, but also the information about why this individual is affiliated with that worldview. For example, it may be the case that a Buddhist or Hindu was born into the faith and was taught the teachings of the religion through their family and the broader network of people in their lives. A secular humanist, by contrast, may have chosen their worldview based on their own personal reasoning as opposed to family or cultural reasons. However, understanding the worldview and how the person became affiliated with it will provide an avenue to communicate with the individual.
Also by asking questions about the person's worldview and genuinely trying to understand it, will also most likely create a space for you to talk about your worldview and your relationship with God. Communication is often a give and take process in which you have to give your full attention to someone before they will give you there's. However, once you have the person's attention, this is the ideal time to talk about the Christian Faith and some of the particular ways in which the Christian worldview as improved your life or allowed you to find...
The information that you chose to share should be based on and related to the information about the individual's worldview so that it stands the best chance of resonating with the individual.
2. What barriers/hindrances would exist with presenting the Christian gospel to a person from this worldview?
It is common to be presented with many barriers among individuals who have alternative worldviews to the Christian faith. In some cases the individual might not be open to having a dialogue of any sorts; they may not be open to sharing information about their worldview or hearing anything about yours. It can be very difficult to communicate with people who are not open to any sort of communication at all. In this situation, you must be patient and persistent and scan for opportunities that are conducive to opening a dialogue. In other situations, the individual may be superficially open to a conversation, but dismissive of any of the information that is given. For example, they might enter into the conversation with something of a closed mind in regard to their worldview. In such a situation it is important to really reflect on the most important advantages that your relationship with God has given you in your own life and by sharing important personal information you stand a greater likelihood of the individual becoming receptive to the messages you are attempting to convey.
3. What personal challenges might you…
