What is your worldview? A worldview is simply “the general mental and emotional filter that allows you to understand and relate to our world in a meaningful way. It’s the way in which we are able to make sense of our world and then make a decision on how to live consistently with that perspective” (“The Heart for Ministry Manual” pg. 46). Now what is a biblical worldview? George Barna in his book “Think Like Jesus” gives this definition:
“. . . A biblical worldview is a means of experiencing, interpreting, and responding to reality in light of Biblical perspective. This view provides a personal understanding of every idea, opportunity, and experience based on the identification and application of relevant Biblical priorities so that each choice we make may be consistent with God’s principles and commands . . . a Biblical worldview is thinking like Jesus. It is a way of making our faith practical to every situation we face each day. A Biblical worldview is a way of dealing with the world such that we act like Jesus, twenty-four hours a day, because we think like Jesus” (pg. 21-22).
Unfortunately, extensive research done by George Barna shows that we can’t assume that many people in the Church have a Biblical worldview. Consider these results from a survey done in December 2003 (George Barna, “Think Like Jesus” pg. 36-39):
- Among all born again adults, 1 out of 4 make moral and ethical choices on the based of the Bible.
- 1 out of 5 base their choices in life on “whatever feels right.”
- 1 out of 12 rely on what parents taught in terms of values and principles.
- 1 out of 10 do whatever will minimize conflict.
- 1 out of 7 rely on the Bible as their moral compass AND believe that moral truth is absolute.
- According to the historical measure of Biblical faith, 91% of all born-again adults do not have a Biblical world-view; 98% of all born-again teenagers do not have a Biblical worldview.
I find these results disturbing (especially the last one). Why don’t more Christians have a Biblical worldview? Why is it getting harder and harder to distinguish between what Christians believe and what non-Christians believe? These are tough questions but they do need to asked and they need to be answered. I believe a BIG part of the problem is that we have learned to segment our faith from every day life. We compartmentalize our lives into sacred and secular. Our faith then does not get lived out in our every day lives. We can justify living one way on Sunday and then living quite a different way throughout the rest of the week.
The truth is that this is NOT real faith! REAL faith is lived out 24/7. REAL faith does not compartmentalize. REAL faith recognizes the connection between what we say we believe and how we actually live our lives. This is a passion that God has laid on my heart. I DON’T want to be someone who says one thing and then does another. I WANT my faith to be backed up by my actions. I want to live out my faith in everyday life!
How about you? Can you relate to Barna’s findings? What is your reaction?
***** Do a simple evaluation of your worldview click here.
Just wanted to chime in and let you know how much I enjoy your blog! I took the quiz too and got 10/10 ( although I thought it was pretty easy to get that with how they worded the answer choices )
Thanks for chiming in Tracey!