Some of this post may seem redundant, but it is very
important to have a clear understanding of what I have chosen to call a “biblical
worldview.” I want to take this blog
post and explain more clearly – perhaps a little more in depth so when we look
at some of the issues of the day – even if you disagree with my position – you will
understand my reasoning. Fair enough?
In the last blog post I referred to a biblical worldview as
a belief that an absolute moral truth exists and that “truth” is understood by
an honest study of the Bible. While I
am quick to admit it is not always easy to understand the Bible because of the
complexity and variety of the 66 books it contains, an honest study of the
Bible is possible. Honestly, I have
found that many people who talk “about” the Bible often have never “read” much
less really “studied” the Bible.
Let me expound on the biblical worldview I hold.
I believe/think/reason there was a way God designed our
universe/world to operate. I believe
that God created all we see and know about our world and space. Now “how” He did it – there is a great
debate, but “that” He did it for me – holding a biblical worldview – is not up
for debate. He created it with
order. There are universal laws/principles
that govern this cosmos that we are still trying to fathom. A simple example is our earth’s
gravity. Whether you believe in it or
not – it just is. On earth it is
constant. You might not believe in
gravity – but jump off your house and you will experience it! (Don’t try it …. Without a Superman Cape! Smile)
It is my understanding there are constants all around us
that have allowed us to fly to space, combine chemical and do all sort of
amazing things. These are constants that
allow our world to function as it was designed.
With a biblical worldview, I believe that God intentionally
created man and then woman. It was not
a cosmic accident, but rather the crowning creation of God. God
surrounded man with these constants – these principles – these rules to keep
His creation running at peak efficiency.
All of God’s Creation follows His Plan – His Design – His Patterns. But God gave something to man and woman He
didn’t give to any other of His creations here on earth. He gave
man – us – that ability to choose – to make moral, reasoned choices whether to
follow His designs, patterns, plans or to function in a different manner.
Originally He gave this choice to Adam and Eve. While we don’t know how long it took,
eventually they both chose to rebel against God’s design and instructions and
eat of the forbidden tree. When they
deliberately chose to do this, the creation that was perfect, whole and efficient
began to unravel. Never again would God’s
Creation be as He created it. It was now
contaminated with one of His Creation looking to Him and saying “No.”
The theological term for this is “Sin” – I almost hate to
use that term because it carries with it such cultural weight, but let’s look
at it differently for a moment. The
Greek word for sin is “hamartia” which means to “miss the mark.” Let me loosely paraphrase: When we choose to operate outside the patterns/design/principles
of God then we sacrifice the full benefit of functioning in the manner He
created us to live.
Illustration: Most
new cars come with an “Instruction Manual” that explain all the nuances of the
automobile and its electronics. (Or you
can ask a 15 year old about the electronics – they can figure out anything …. Grin) Inside that manual there is preventative maintenance
that you can and should do. Tire
Pressure, Fluids, Periodic Oil Changes etc.
Now you can choose to follow the instructions and perform the maintenance
or you can ignore them. But chances are,
if you ignore them, the car will not operate as the “Creator” designed it to
function.
I believe we are the same.
There are principles/patterns/laws that God has in place. If we operate in harmony with those
principles/patterns/laws then life will go much better. But if we choose to ignored them, then life
isn’t going to go as the “Creator” designed it to function.
Please understand – this is a very simplistic explanation of
my biblical worldview, but I wanted you to understand my “frame of reference”
when dealing with complex issues we face today.
So the question I ask is – “As best as I can honestly understand in studying the Bible – what is/was
God’s principle/design/pattern/law concerning ___________________ .” That is how I attempt to navigate through life. Again – it isn’t always easy to determine,
but in most cases you usually can find indications as to what should be done or
what is right or wrong.
Ok …. Now – if you have made it this far, then you either
agree or think I am an idiot. (maybe
both if you know me well …. ((grin)).
But if you disagree – what is your worldview? How do you wrestle with these issues?
Next Blog Entry we will look at the area of Morals, Gluttony
and Gossip. Are the all the same? (smile)
Peace!
PS: If you want to email me any thoughts/questions/comments/responses - click here! I really would like to hear from you!
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