My World View 1

Introduction
A world view is a set of principles and beliefs that shape the way we think, act, and live. A world
view will answer questions like, “What is the cause of evil and suffering?” or, “What happens to man after death? Needless to say, the way you answer these questions will also govern your ultimate purpose in life. For this reason, I have written out my personal world view to finalize and organize all of what I believe. My world view will be contained in the answers to seven basic questions. Our first question will explain my beliefs about God. In this essay I will not discuss in detail the proof I have for the existence of a God. However, I am able to say that all I will say in this essay is supported by both science, And the Bible.

My World View 2

What is God Like?
God is a supernatural being who is both personal, and infinite. The personal nature of God affirms that he is not a mere “force” or a Supernatural “mind”. Instead, he is a God capable of anger, love, regret, compassion, and every emotion known to man. God is not far off and untouchable, but a God who is interested in the lives of his creation, and who wants a personal relationship with us. God’s infinite nature assures us that God had no beginning, and will have no end. This means he required no creator, but was the creator of all things. God’s infinite nature extends also to his love, wisdom, perfection, and power. With God as our building block we can begin to enquire as to the nature of his creation.

My World View 3

What is the Nature of the Universe?
The universe was created by God. It consists of two parts; a portion visible two man, and a portion invisible to man. The visible portion is our material universe. This portion, in which we live, is confined by time, matter, and energy. God created this portion of his creation to be a temporary home for mankind. Our eternal home is in the “invisible” portion of the universe. By “invisible” I mean that it cannot be seen by those living in the visible universe. This portion of the universe is not confined by time. 2 Peter 3:8 says “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day”. God also created Mankind, whose nature will be our next topic.

My World View 4

What is the Nature of Man?
Man was created in the image of god, his creator. God created mankind to glorify him, and to be the object of his love. However, man has fallen into sin, which prevents us from fulfilling our full purpose, and separates us from God. When the Bible says, “So God created man is his own image”, (Gen 1:27) it refers not to our physical likeness to God, but to the fact that we were created to be “personal”. We also were created with an eternal soul, and the ability to make independent choices. Mankind was originally perfect, and blameless. We made the independent choice to rebel from god’s authority, and are now in danger of eternal punishment after death. We have also inherited a “sinful nature” that causes us to be unable to keep from sinning to some extent. Man’s very nature is sinful, not by God’s doing, but our own rebellion. Now that we have touched the subject of sin, it becomes necessary to define what exactly sin is.

My World View 5

What is the Basis of Morality and Ethics?
God is the basis for morality and ethics, and the ultimate judge of humanity. To understand right from wrong, we must look no further than the Bible, which is God’s revelation to us. There are several reasons that I believe God determines right from wrong. Among these, the Bible is by far the most important. Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making the wise simple”. God’s law has been clearly revealed to us throughout the Bible. Among the most straight-forward, and well known revelations are the Ten Commandments, which lay out a grid of basic rules, filled in richly throughout the rest of the Bible. The Bible teaches that Jesus was the only man ever to live a perfect life. Christians are then called to follow Christ’s example. Sin, defined, is anything apart from the perfection of God. Of course, no one, other than Jesus, has achieved perfection, which leads us to the cause of evil, and suffering.

My World View 6

What is the Cause of Evil and Suffering?
Evil and suffering are the consequences of man’s rebellion from God since man’s first sin in the Garden of Eden. Many people today wonder how a kind and loving God could allow all the suffering in the world today. The answer to their question is actually found in the nature of man. God created man with the ability to choose to do either right, or wrong. He did this out of love, because he didn’t want to force us to obey him. This would have made us virtual robots, unable to make independent choices, or to honor God with our obedience. Suffering, then, is caused by the independent choices of fallen mankind. Evil is also the result of man’s independent choices. Evil entered the world though man’s sin in the Garden of Eden. The Bible teaches that Satan, (a fallen angel), is the main force of evil on earth. Satan is the tempter of humanity, who constantly tries to separate us from God. God did not create evil, evil is the absence of God, and the rejection of his law. God will Judge each person for their sin. And after death, God will punish those who have caused others to suffer. This is one subject of our next question.

My World View 7

What Happens to Man After Death?
After Death, mankind will enter the “invisible” universe, and receive either reward, or punishment based on their life on earth. Within the invisible universe, are two places, Heaven, and Hell. To enter Heaven, the bible teaches that one must be completely without sin. The only way we can achieve this is through faith in Jesus Christ, who blots out our sins through his death on the cross. Thus, Heaven is not something we can earn, or deserve, but a gift from God. Hell, on the other hand, is the punishment for sin. The Bible teaches, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. Because all have sinned, it is impossible to avoid hell without the grace of God. God doesn’t want us to suffer in hell, but because he is a just God, he must allow the wicked to be punished. So, why didn’t God just create heaven, and put us in heaven with him? Why have humanity live in a temporary universe first? God has an intricate plan for humanity, which will be explained in our next question.

My World View 8

What is the Meaning of History?
After the passing of this visible world, history will continue on in a timeless eternity. History is a meaningful journey that god is using to bring mankind to himself. This world we live on is temporary. At the appointed time, our universe will be destroyed in a final judgment. Though temporary, the history of our universe is meaningful because of two main reasons. First, throughout history, God has been able to show his unconditional love and mercy. Second, our short stay on earth allows us the choice to love God back, or reject him. Love will be rewarded in heaven, and rejection punished at the end of the world, and in eternity in hell. In the end, history’s greatest meaning, and mankind’s greatest calling, is to love, and glorify our creator.

My World View 9

My Greatest Calling
My world view has not only changed the way I look at life, but the way I live my life. Life on this earth is short, and eternity is very long. Because I know this, I can live my life in a way that will count for all eternity. This is my greatest calling; to glorify my creator, and to lead others to glorify him as well.