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An Introduction to Christian Worldview: Pursuing God's Perspective in a Pluralistic World
Everyone has a worldview. A worldview is the lens through which we interpret the cosmos and our lives in it. A worldview answers the big questions of life: What is our nature? What is our world? What is our problem? What is our End?
As Anderson, Clark, and Naugle point out, our worldview cannot simply be reduced to a series of rational beliefs. We are creatures of story, and the kinds of stories we tell reveal important things about our worldview.
Part of being a thoughtful Christian means being able to understand and express the Christian worldview as well as developing an awareness of the variety of worldviews.An Introduction to Christian Worldview takes you further into answering questions such as
• Why do worldviews matter?
• What characterizes a Christian worldview?
• How can we analyze and describe a worldview?
• What are the most common secular and religious worldviews?
Well organized, clearly written, and featuring aids for learning, An Introduction to Christian Worldview is the essential text for either the classroom or for self-study.
As Anderson, Clark, and Naugle point out, our worldview cannot simply be reduced to a series of rational beliefs. We are creatures of story, and the kinds of stories we tell reveal important things about our worldview.
Part of being a thoughtful Christian means being able to understand and express the Christian worldview as well as developing an awareness of the variety of worldviews.An Introduction to Christian Worldview takes you further into answering questions such as
• Why do worldviews matter?
• What characterizes a Christian worldview?
• How can we analyze and describe a worldview?
• What are the most common secular and religious worldviews?
Well organized, clearly written, and featuring aids for learning, An Introduction to Christian Worldview is the essential text for either the classroom or for self-study.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2017
27 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Tawa J. Anderson
3 books4 followersTawa J. Anderson (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of philosophy and director of the Honors Program at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He previously served as a Garrett Fellow at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, guest lecturing in a broad variety of philosophy courses. He also served for seven years as the English pastor of Edmonton Chinese Baptist Church and as part-time Baptist chaplain at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Anderson is passionate about contemporary Christian philosophy, particularly philosophical apologetics, and has written several articles in journals such as Christian Scholar's Review, Calvin Theological Journal, and Trinity Journal. He has led apologetic workshops, seminars, and conferences in western Canada, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Colorado. He and his wife, Vanessa, have three children.
Anderson is passionate about contemporary Christian philosophy, particularly philosophical apologetics, and has written several articles in journals such as Christian Scholar's Review, Calvin Theological Journal, and Trinity Journal. He has led apologetic workshops, seminars, and conferences in western Canada, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Colorado. He and his wife, Vanessa, have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 20, 2024
I've engaged with many different Christian Worldview sources at this point, and this was one of the best-researched, well-balanced, and spiritually encouraging sources that I've read. This will definitely be of use in the classes I teach.
Huge shoutout to Aaron Bond for the recommendation.
Huge shoutout to Aaron Bond for the recommendation.
January 5, 2018
Summary: A work designed for classroom or personal study, defining the idea of worldview and its importance, delineating the Christian worldview and responding to critical objections, and outlining and critiquing other major worldviews according to criteria established in the first part of the book.
I was first introduced to the idea of worldview in the summer of 1974 during my collegiate years. I heard an early presentation of the ideas that would form the core of James W. Sire's The Universe Next Door (now in its fifth edition). These gave me a critical tool as a student studying in a public university. Sire's seven basic worldview questions helped me read critically the different texts of my courses and discern the different ways of seeing and engaging the world reflected in those texts. Not only that, I found I could apply these ideas as I watched films, or advertising, or engaged with different-believing friends. Worldview helped me understand why people would talk past each other on issues like abortion or sexual ethics. As you can see, "thinking worldviewishly" was, and still is, a powerful tool in my "intellectual workshop."
This new work, designed to serve as a textbook for a college-level course on Christian worldview, builds on the work of Sire and others. It is organized in three parts. The first introduces the whole subject of worldview, dealing with definitions and what the authors consider the four major worldview questions that are important to answer:
1. What is our nature?
2. What is our world?
3. What is our problem?
4. What is our end?
The authors go on to discuss how worldview operates in our lives. They discuss confirmation bias, experiential accommodation, and how worldview shapes our pool of live options. They note circumstances under which we adjust our worldview or even convert, noting that this is more likely when our worldview assumptions are unexamined, which leads to a discussion of the benefits and pitfalls of worldview study. The final chapter in this part focuses on the critical work of worldview analysis--how worldviews hold up under scrutiny. Three criteria are developed:
1. Internal consistency: logical coherence.
2. External consistency: evidential correspondence.
3. Existential consistency: pragmatic satisfaction.
These criteria are then applied to analysis of both the Christian worldview and the other major worldviews discussed in the book.
Part two focuses on the Christian worldview. First it is considered narratively around the story of creation, fall, redemption, and glorification, with a preliminary discussion of revelation. Then, using the four worldview discussion questions noted above, Christianity is discussed propositionally. One thing I noted, which may be a defect of the four question schema, is that significant space under "what is our nature?" is devoted to God's nature. Certainly this is necessary to understand our nature, but it suggests that a prior question, like Sire's "What is prime reality--the really real?" may be an important one to ask. I found this so with the other worldviews as well. The third chapter in this part then uses the three criteria of worldview analysis to critique Christian belief. Numerous possible objections are considered, particularly that of the problem of evil, and responses are given.
Part three then considers western and global alternatives in two chapters with a propositional description of each worldview using the four worldview questions followed by use of the three analytic criteria on each worldview. The western worldviews considered are deism, naturalism, and postmodernism, and the global alternatives are Hinduism and Islam. It was striking to me that 125 pages are devoted to the Christian worldview, and less than 100 to the other five considered in this book. Far more space was spent both in outlining the Christian faith, and responding to possible critiques. It might have been interesting to have a response from proponents of these other worldviews to the critiques of those worldviews, as was the case in the objections raised to the Christian worldview. That would "keep it real." Space limitations may have come into play and the authors may have deemed it more important that Christians be able to understand and defend their own worldview.
The conclusion challenges people to embrace a consistently Christian worldview, rejecting various "worldlyviews": scientism, hedonism, consumerism, blameism, apatheism, dogmatism, universalism, functional atheism, and conformism. This list acknowledges the growing realization that worldviews, as they discuss in the beginning, are not mere matters of propositions but also the orientation (conscious or not) of the heart.
This work incorporates several elements that make it particularly useful as a text. Sections conclude with reflection questions on what one has read. The end of each chapter includes as "mastering the material" section identifying key learning objectives for the chapter, a glossary of terms possible term paper topics from the chapter, and a core bibliography for the chapter. The text includes occasional sidebars illustrating concepts from film or contemporary culture.
This work is clearly designed as a text for a "worldview academy" or Christian college course on worldview. I think it could also be used individually or in a collegiate ministry or adult education context. It is a valuable work in helping students identify the "unexamined," both in terms of Christian faith, and other worldview assumptions and heart orientations intermixed with these. While I would add a question on prime reality, the four questions and three analytic criteria are clear and memorable. For those who would teach or lead courses, I hope either written materials or live representatives of other worldviews might engage the critiques of those worldviews in this book. This happens all the time in graduate student education, and the Christian student will be better prepared for this eventuality if they are exposed to it as undergraduates.
Consciously examining one's worldview, learning to think critically about worldviews, and think Christianly, and bringing Christian assumptions to all of life have been a powerful influence in my own life. A resource like this, far more systematic than my initial exposure to these ideas (a talk drawing on a seminar Sire had given before his book was first published) can't help but equip students to think rigorously about these matters. Hopefully this will bear much fruit in discerning reading, viewing, and acting, and in engaging the views of others.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I was first introduced to the idea of worldview in the summer of 1974 during my collegiate years. I heard an early presentation of the ideas that would form the core of James W. Sire's The Universe Next Door (now in its fifth edition). These gave me a critical tool as a student studying in a public university. Sire's seven basic worldview questions helped me read critically the different texts of my courses and discern the different ways of seeing and engaging the world reflected in those texts. Not only that, I found I could apply these ideas as I watched films, or advertising, or engaged with different-believing friends. Worldview helped me understand why people would talk past each other on issues like abortion or sexual ethics. As you can see, "thinking worldviewishly" was, and still is, a powerful tool in my "intellectual workshop."
This new work, designed to serve as a textbook for a college-level course on Christian worldview, builds on the work of Sire and others. It is organized in three parts. The first introduces the whole subject of worldview, dealing with definitions and what the authors consider the four major worldview questions that are important to answer:
1. What is our nature?
2. What is our world?
3. What is our problem?
4. What is our end?
The authors go on to discuss how worldview operates in our lives. They discuss confirmation bias, experiential accommodation, and how worldview shapes our pool of live options. They note circumstances under which we adjust our worldview or even convert, noting that this is more likely when our worldview assumptions are unexamined, which leads to a discussion of the benefits and pitfalls of worldview study. The final chapter in this part focuses on the critical work of worldview analysis--how worldviews hold up under scrutiny. Three criteria are developed:
1. Internal consistency: logical coherence.
2. External consistency: evidential correspondence.
3. Existential consistency: pragmatic satisfaction.
These criteria are then applied to analysis of both the Christian worldview and the other major worldviews discussed in the book.
Part two focuses on the Christian worldview. First it is considered narratively around the story of creation, fall, redemption, and glorification, with a preliminary discussion of revelation. Then, using the four worldview discussion questions noted above, Christianity is discussed propositionally. One thing I noted, which may be a defect of the four question schema, is that significant space under "what is our nature?" is devoted to God's nature. Certainly this is necessary to understand our nature, but it suggests that a prior question, like Sire's "What is prime reality--the really real?" may be an important one to ask. I found this so with the other worldviews as well. The third chapter in this part then uses the three criteria of worldview analysis to critique Christian belief. Numerous possible objections are considered, particularly that of the problem of evil, and responses are given.
Part three then considers western and global alternatives in two chapters with a propositional description of each worldview using the four worldview questions followed by use of the three analytic criteria on each worldview. The western worldviews considered are deism, naturalism, and postmodernism, and the global alternatives are Hinduism and Islam. It was striking to me that 125 pages are devoted to the Christian worldview, and less than 100 to the other five considered in this book. Far more space was spent both in outlining the Christian faith, and responding to possible critiques. It might have been interesting to have a response from proponents of these other worldviews to the critiques of those worldviews, as was the case in the objections raised to the Christian worldview. That would "keep it real." Space limitations may have come into play and the authors may have deemed it more important that Christians be able to understand and defend their own worldview.
The conclusion challenges people to embrace a consistently Christian worldview, rejecting various "worldlyviews": scientism, hedonism, consumerism, blameism, apatheism, dogmatism, universalism, functional atheism, and conformism. This list acknowledges the growing realization that worldviews, as they discuss in the beginning, are not mere matters of propositions but also the orientation (conscious or not) of the heart.
This work incorporates several elements that make it particularly useful as a text. Sections conclude with reflection questions on what one has read. The end of each chapter includes as "mastering the material" section identifying key learning objectives for the chapter, a glossary of terms possible term paper topics from the chapter, and a core bibliography for the chapter. The text includes occasional sidebars illustrating concepts from film or contemporary culture.
This work is clearly designed as a text for a "worldview academy" or Christian college course on worldview. I think it could also be used individually or in a collegiate ministry or adult education context. It is a valuable work in helping students identify the "unexamined," both in terms of Christian faith, and other worldview assumptions and heart orientations intermixed with these. While I would add a question on prime reality, the four questions and three analytic criteria are clear and memorable. For those who would teach or lead courses, I hope either written materials or live representatives of other worldviews might engage the critiques of those worldviews in this book. This happens all the time in graduate student education, and the Christian student will be better prepared for this eventuality if they are exposed to it as undergraduates.
Consciously examining one's worldview, learning to think critically about worldviews, and think Christianly, and bringing Christian assumptions to all of life have been a powerful influence in my own life. A resource like this, far more systematic than my initial exposure to these ideas (a talk drawing on a seminar Sire had given before his book was first published) can't help but equip students to think rigorously about these matters. Hopefully this will bear much fruit in discerning reading, viewing, and acting, and in engaging the views of others.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 28, 2018
What is a worldview? How does one discern it's contours and courses? Are there ways to distinguish between worldviews? Why is any of this important? Tawa J. Anderson, assistant professor of philosophy and director of the Honors Program at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma; W. Michael Clark, legislative counsel at Center for Arizona Policy; and David K. Naugle, chair and professor of philosophy at Dallas Baptist University, have teamed up to craft a manual ideal for answering these questions and more. "An Introduction to Christian Worldview: Pursuing God's Perspective in a Pluralistic World" is a 384 page casebound text book ideal for high school and freshman college classes, or for readers desiring to expand their education.
"An Introduction to Christian Worldview" falls into three sections. Part one is penned by Tawa Anderson who tackles the more theoretical. This author lays out what a worldview is, specifically that it is "the conceptual lens through which we see, understand, and interpret the world and our place within it" (8). Anderson further maps out the four major questions that worldviews answer: (1) What is our nature? (2) What is our world? (3) What is our problem? (4) What is our end? Lastly, since our "worldview should help us to make sense of the world around us rather than present cognitive or existential dissonance in the face of reality" (84), he guides the reader through worldview analysis, especially what is truth; and the criteria needed to rightly gauge any particular worldview.
David Naugle authors the second part, delving into the outline of an explicitly Christian worldview. Because the "human person is predominantly a "storied" creature" where "narratives and stories resonate with us more deeply than doctrinal claims" (98), the author begins by telling the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and glorification. He then applies what was learned from Anderson in part one, and applies it to Christianity to see if it meets the standard. These three chapters in part two are a miniature Biblical and Systematic Theology, comprehensible by older teens and first year college students.
The third part of "An Introduction to Christian Worldview" compiled by Michael Clark takes a prolonged look into deism, naturalism, postmodernism, Hinduism and Islam. Clark applies the four worldview questions and analysis picked up earlier in the volume. These two chapters are a poignant series of practical exercises applying what has been learned. But as readers engage with these highly informative chapters, they are subtly brought to examine their own worldview.
What makes "An Introduction to Christian Worldview" ideal for academic settings is the way it is arranged. Not only do the chapters naturally flow and move forward, but numerical way-points mark the pages, and illustrative tools are interspersed through out. Many sections end with a bundle of reflection questions that help the student think back over the material. Then each chapter finishes out with a "Mastering the Material" segment. These include a checklist of what the learner ought to have gained from the chapter. There is also a glossary of terms germane to the chapter. Then there are several suggestions for term papers that could be completed. Finally comes a core bibliography.
"An Introduction to Christian Worldview" plods academically from first to last. The subject is heavy, and so the rationale is fairly rigorous. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, it is a text book ideal for high school and freshman college classes, as well as for readers desiring to expand their education. I recommend the book.
Thanks to IVP Academic for providing, upon my request, the free copy of the book used for this review. The assessments are mine given without restrictions or requirements (as per Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255).
"An Introduction to Christian Worldview" falls into three sections. Part one is penned by Tawa Anderson who tackles the more theoretical. This author lays out what a worldview is, specifically that it is "the conceptual lens through which we see, understand, and interpret the world and our place within it" (8). Anderson further maps out the four major questions that worldviews answer: (1) What is our nature? (2) What is our world? (3) What is our problem? (4) What is our end? Lastly, since our "worldview should help us to make sense of the world around us rather than present cognitive or existential dissonance in the face of reality" (84), he guides the reader through worldview analysis, especially what is truth; and the criteria needed to rightly gauge any particular worldview.
David Naugle authors the second part, delving into the outline of an explicitly Christian worldview. Because the "human person is predominantly a "storied" creature" where "narratives and stories resonate with us more deeply than doctrinal claims" (98), the author begins by telling the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and glorification. He then applies what was learned from Anderson in part one, and applies it to Christianity to see if it meets the standard. These three chapters in part two are a miniature Biblical and Systematic Theology, comprehensible by older teens and first year college students.
The third part of "An Introduction to Christian Worldview" compiled by Michael Clark takes a prolonged look into deism, naturalism, postmodernism, Hinduism and Islam. Clark applies the four worldview questions and analysis picked up earlier in the volume. These two chapters are a poignant series of practical exercises applying what has been learned. But as readers engage with these highly informative chapters, they are subtly brought to examine their own worldview.
What makes "An Introduction to Christian Worldview" ideal for academic settings is the way it is arranged. Not only do the chapters naturally flow and move forward, but numerical way-points mark the pages, and illustrative tools are interspersed through out. Many sections end with a bundle of reflection questions that help the student think back over the material. Then each chapter finishes out with a "Mastering the Material" segment. These include a checklist of what the learner ought to have gained from the chapter. There is also a glossary of terms germane to the chapter. Then there are several suggestions for term papers that could be completed. Finally comes a core bibliography.
"An Introduction to Christian Worldview" plods academically from first to last. The subject is heavy, and so the rationale is fairly rigorous. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, it is a text book ideal for high school and freshman college classes, as well as for readers desiring to expand their education. I recommend the book.
Thanks to IVP Academic for providing, upon my request, the free copy of the book used for this review. The assessments are mine given without restrictions or requirements (as per Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255).
November 27, 2017
Few concepts are more foundational to critical thinking as a Christian than a worldview informed by God’s perspective of the world. The notion of worldview shapes and frames everything that a person thinks about or does in this world—a subtle, and often overlooked set of presuppositions that subconsciously inform ones understanding of reality. An Introduction Christian Worldview: Pursuing God’s Perspective in a Pluralistic World by Tawa J. Anderson, W. Michael Clark, and David K. Naugle is an important new resource that offers readers a unique, formative study and analysis of the consistency of the Christian worldview among the marketplace of ideas.
An Introduction Christian Worldview is organized into three parts: (1) introducing worldview, (2) contours of a Christian worldview, and (3) analyzing worldviews. Part one focuses on the concept of worldview and the basic components and core questions that structure worldview thinking. A worldview is defined and developed as “the conceptual lens through which we see, understand, and interpret the world and our place in it” (p. 12). Additionally, the heartbeat of every individual and corporate worldview is identifiable by four core worldview questions: (1) what is our nature? (2) what is our world? (3) what is our problem? (4) what is our end? (p. 19-21). Part two builds on the prior chapters and expound on the specific contours of a Christian worldview. The narrative worldview core of the Christian story is represented as creation, fall, redemption, and glorification (p. 117-138). Additionally, the Christian worldview is approached through the core worldview questions before being tested for internal, external, and existential consistency (p. 185-219). Part three engages in comparative worldview analysis, exploring both philosophical worldviews (deism, naturalism, and postmodernism) and alternative religious worldviews (Hinduism and Islam).
Anderson, Clark, and Naugle have done an excellent service with An Introduction Christian Worldview. Not only is the book conceptually superb and organizationally strategic for the benefit of the reader, but the trio has offered a refreshing approach to the study of a worldview that is both engaging and practical. Each chapter includes reflection questions throughout for readers to interact with the material. Additionally, each chapter concludes with a “Mastering the Material” section, which includes learning objectives, a glossary of terms, possible paper topics related to the material, and a select bibliography for further reading. Still, one of the most helpful features of this volume are the sidebar sections: (1) scenic view—contemporary culture worldview meditations and (2) stop & pause—biblical worldview insights. These sidebars help readers connect the material to real-world examples and Scripture. The various study features that support the content make this textbook an appropriate resource for the classroom or personal study, and either is certain to yield lifelong fruit.
An Introduction Christian Worldview: Pursuing God’s Perspective in a Pluralistic World by Tawa J. Anderson, W. Michael Clark, and David K. Naugle is a much-needed resource that offers readers an incredibly practical and attractive examination of one of the most important concepts for engaging the world. Anderson, Clark, and Naugle are unashamedly Christian in their approach and do a fantastic job emphasizing the consistency of the Christian worldview. This is a book that should be read and engaged broadly. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly!
An Introduction Christian Worldview is organized into three parts: (1) introducing worldview, (2) contours of a Christian worldview, and (3) analyzing worldviews. Part one focuses on the concept of worldview and the basic components and core questions that structure worldview thinking. A worldview is defined and developed as “the conceptual lens through which we see, understand, and interpret the world and our place in it” (p. 12). Additionally, the heartbeat of every individual and corporate worldview is identifiable by four core worldview questions: (1) what is our nature? (2) what is our world? (3) what is our problem? (4) what is our end? (p. 19-21). Part two builds on the prior chapters and expound on the specific contours of a Christian worldview. The narrative worldview core of the Christian story is represented as creation, fall, redemption, and glorification (p. 117-138). Additionally, the Christian worldview is approached through the core worldview questions before being tested for internal, external, and existential consistency (p. 185-219). Part three engages in comparative worldview analysis, exploring both philosophical worldviews (deism, naturalism, and postmodernism) and alternative religious worldviews (Hinduism and Islam).
Anderson, Clark, and Naugle have done an excellent service with An Introduction Christian Worldview. Not only is the book conceptually superb and organizationally strategic for the benefit of the reader, but the trio has offered a refreshing approach to the study of a worldview that is both engaging and practical. Each chapter includes reflection questions throughout for readers to interact with the material. Additionally, each chapter concludes with a “Mastering the Material” section, which includes learning objectives, a glossary of terms, possible paper topics related to the material, and a select bibliography for further reading. Still, one of the most helpful features of this volume are the sidebar sections: (1) scenic view—contemporary culture worldview meditations and (2) stop & pause—biblical worldview insights. These sidebars help readers connect the material to real-world examples and Scripture. The various study features that support the content make this textbook an appropriate resource for the classroom or personal study, and either is certain to yield lifelong fruit.
An Introduction Christian Worldview: Pursuing God’s Perspective in a Pluralistic World by Tawa J. Anderson, W. Michael Clark, and David K. Naugle is a much-needed resource that offers readers an incredibly practical and attractive examination of one of the most important concepts for engaging the world. Anderson, Clark, and Naugle are unashamedly Christian in their approach and do a fantastic job emphasizing the consistency of the Christian worldview. This is a book that should be read and engaged broadly. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly!
December 2, 2017
There has been a lot of Works written recently about a Christian worldview. In fact I have a few of them on my desk currently. Yet While others Focus on more topical application of a Christian worldview, three seldomly is there a work which details how to build a Christian worldview using the Bible as its foundation. One such work is, and Introduction to Christian: Pursuing God’s perspective in a pluralistic world by Tawa J. Anderson, W. Michael Clark, and David K. Naugle.
An introduction to Christian worldview, is a mid-size work which can be used as a personal introduction to worldview but also has enough Scholastic weight to be used as part of a high school or early college level class. This work is divided into three parts which build upon one another so that when the reader is done with the book they are able to understand how to view the world through a Biblical Christian net, and how to defend their viewpoint Biblically. Of important note here is the emphasis on defending a Christian worldview against that of the cultures preoccupation with pluralistic views. In a world dominated by pluralism this work stands apart defending absolute truth and foundationalism. In addition to the content itself, there are various excursus found in the text entitled stop and pause, in which the reader is invited to stop the reading, see where the author is coming from Biblically, and how to act according to scripture. In addition to the previous excursus there are also other sections include reflection questions and a summary section at the end of each chapter entitled mastering the material.
On the topic of mastering the material section, there are a few specific items which a professor should note. The first is there is a summary section followed by a glossary of terms for each chapter. And if that is not enough there is also a section which details possible term paper topics dealing with what was discussed in the previous chapter. In regards to writing a possible term paper the last part of the mastering the material section list a few books in which a person can start the research. In the end an introduction to Christian worldview, is well worth the cost for both professors as well as personal use.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
An introduction to Christian worldview, is a mid-size work which can be used as a personal introduction to worldview but also has enough Scholastic weight to be used as part of a high school or early college level class. This work is divided into three parts which build upon one another so that when the reader is done with the book they are able to understand how to view the world through a Biblical Christian net, and how to defend their viewpoint Biblically. Of important note here is the emphasis on defending a Christian worldview against that of the cultures preoccupation with pluralistic views. In a world dominated by pluralism this work stands apart defending absolute truth and foundationalism. In addition to the content itself, there are various excursus found in the text entitled stop and pause, in which the reader is invited to stop the reading, see where the author is coming from Biblically, and how to act according to scripture. In addition to the previous excursus there are also other sections include reflection questions and a summary section at the end of each chapter entitled mastering the material.
On the topic of mastering the material section, there are a few specific items which a professor should note. The first is there is a summary section followed by a glossary of terms for each chapter. And if that is not enough there is also a section which details possible term paper topics dealing with what was discussed in the previous chapter. In regards to writing a possible term paper the last part of the mastering the material section list a few books in which a person can start the research. In the end an introduction to Christian worldview, is well worth the cost for both professors as well as personal use.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
January 25, 2018
It’s great to see this outstanding textbook come down the pike on Christian worldview. Tawa J. Anderson, W. Michael Clark, and David K. Naugle have teamed to produce an eminently readable book on understanding worldview as it presents itself in a pluralistic age. Teachers will love it for its accuracy while students will appreciate it for its clarity.
The book is divided into three main parts. In Part 1 three chapters introduce worldview, in Part 2 three chapters explain the contours of a Christian worldview, and in Part 3 two chapters analyze various worldviews.
Part 1 succeeds in explaining the overall concept of worldview. Philosophy and logic are expertly brought in while up-to-date examples are provided. For example, it was amazing how one of the author’s love of TV detectives could be brought in on a few occasions to make a great point. I loved it.
When Part 2 transitioned to explaining a Christian worldview, the book continued to deliver. In this case, I was amazed at how well theology, and I mean in-depth theology, was worked into the discussion in a perceptive way.
Part 3 was somewhat less interesting to me but had to be discussed in a book of this nature. Western philosophical alternatives, as well as global religious alternatives, were reviewed. The conclusion tied the parts together in a meaningful way.
You will appreciate, as well, how the book is laid out. In each chapter, you will find reflection questions, illustrations entitled “scenic view”, as well as some charts that really advance understanding. Every chapter ended with a list of things that you should be able to do if you mastered the chapter, a glossary of terms for that chapter, and even a list of possible term paper topics.
This book exceeded my expectations. I’m convinced I will be pulling it down from the shelf with profit in the future. It deserves an A+ rating.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The book is divided into three main parts. In Part 1 three chapters introduce worldview, in Part 2 three chapters explain the contours of a Christian worldview, and in Part 3 two chapters analyze various worldviews.
Part 1 succeeds in explaining the overall concept of worldview. Philosophy and logic are expertly brought in while up-to-date examples are provided. For example, it was amazing how one of the author’s love of TV detectives could be brought in on a few occasions to make a great point. I loved it.
When Part 2 transitioned to explaining a Christian worldview, the book continued to deliver. In this case, I was amazed at how well theology, and I mean in-depth theology, was worked into the discussion in a perceptive way.
Part 3 was somewhat less interesting to me but had to be discussed in a book of this nature. Western philosophical alternatives, as well as global religious alternatives, were reviewed. The conclusion tied the parts together in a meaningful way.
You will appreciate, as well, how the book is laid out. In each chapter, you will find reflection questions, illustrations entitled “scenic view”, as well as some charts that really advance understanding. Every chapter ended with a list of things that you should be able to do if you mastered the chapter, a glossary of terms for that chapter, and even a list of possible term paper topics.
This book exceeded my expectations. I’m convinced I will be pulling it down from the shelf with profit in the future. It deserves an A+ rating.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 2, 2018
Great work that I do recommend to anyone interested in pursuit of truth, worldviews, or religion.
That said, I'm a little puzzled at the authors' virtual silence on reincarnation in the Hinduism section of part 3 (pages 267-291). I understand the nature of the book does not allow for an in depth analysis of all doctrinal teachings of alternative worldviews (especially one as diverse as Hinduism), nonetheless I think the omission was detrimental to the aim of the book. The omission is especially puzzling given "... a study done in 2008 by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, among self-described Christians, 22 percent believe in reincarnation..." (268).
It seems to me the concept of reincarnation runs into immediate questions on the continuity of personal identity and thus raises a significant challenge to the doctrine itself and all doctrines dependent upon it (e.g. Karma and Samsara). How does personal identity endure through death and rebirth- put simply, how am "I" the same "I" as "my" previous incarnation? This question is difficult enough with respect to different human incarnations but it is compounded to being nearly preposterous with the extension of reincarnating to different categories of entities- [d]epending in one's karma, one may be [reincarnated] into a variety of hells, into an animal form, human form, or even a divine being" (273). Whatever else "I" am, I am fundamentally a human being- it stretches the limits of credulity to suppose my identity could persist through rebirth into a cockroach.
Calling the "Atman" your true self, eternal self, or any other vaguely mystical name does not answer the question of what it is and (far more importantly) how it persists in any meaningful way.
That said, I'm a little puzzled at the authors' virtual silence on reincarnation in the Hinduism section of part 3 (pages 267-291). I understand the nature of the book does not allow for an in depth analysis of all doctrinal teachings of alternative worldviews (especially one as diverse as Hinduism), nonetheless I think the omission was detrimental to the aim of the book. The omission is especially puzzling given "... a study done in 2008 by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, among self-described Christians, 22 percent believe in reincarnation..." (268).
It seems to me the concept of reincarnation runs into immediate questions on the continuity of personal identity and thus raises a significant challenge to the doctrine itself and all doctrines dependent upon it (e.g. Karma and Samsara). How does personal identity endure through death and rebirth- put simply, how am "I" the same "I" as "my" previous incarnation? This question is difficult enough with respect to different human incarnations but it is compounded to being nearly preposterous with the extension of reincarnating to different categories of entities- [d]epending in one's karma, one may be [reincarnated] into a variety of hells, into an animal form, human form, or even a divine being" (273). Whatever else "I" am, I am fundamentally a human being- it stretches the limits of credulity to suppose my identity could persist through rebirth into a cockroach.
Calling the "Atman" your true self, eternal self, or any other vaguely mystical name does not answer the question of what it is and (far more importantly) how it persists in any meaningful way.
August 24, 2022
This is a really nice high school-ish aged textbook on the Christian worldview.
Covers the nature of worldview, and is well-versed in contemporary issues. Then digs into Christian theology and the worldview that flows from it. Then concludes with analyzing Secular, Eastern, and Islamic worldviews.
Also utilizes pop culture and contemporary culture examples. Has discussion/review questions and a wordbank of new terms after each chapter.
Written from a Reformed-ish/evangelical perspective.
Covers the nature of worldview, and is well-versed in contemporary issues. Then digs into Christian theology and the worldview that flows from it. Then concludes with analyzing Secular, Eastern, and Islamic worldviews.
Also utilizes pop culture and contemporary culture examples. Has discussion/review questions and a wordbank of new terms after each chapter.
Written from a Reformed-ish/evangelical perspective.
May 7, 2018
I liked that this book encouraged me to analyze my perspective of the world. As well as educated me on the islamic, hindu, and christian worldview. I liked this book. It was fairly thought for me to grasp the first few chapters but further examples in the book helped clarify my confusion.
July 26, 2020
The first 3/4 of this book is fantastic. The last 1/4 is an attempt to force massive topics into a few chapters.
July 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!! although I read it in a time crunch though and it hurt my brain, it gave me a lot of insight to my own worldview and to others!
May 17, 2021
Decent, covers a broad sweep. Best at providing worldview analysis tools, and then applying them again and again throughout the work. In this "wax on, wax off" fashion, students can acquire an important skill, and needed discernment. As a multiauthor work, not all chapters are equally good. I'd say it's a solid basic textbook for classes, but will need to be supplemented. I prefer writing with a few more jalapenos.
November 17, 2020
Not helpful to forming a useful worldview. Resorts to trying to be the only acceptable way to view the world in order to justify it's assumptions and undermine the other.
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