(A)	Stories from Real Life

(1)	View of Gender from North America

Gay and lesbian couples in San Francisco rejoiced Thursday over a state Supreme Court decision affirming their right to marry even as political leaders on both sides of the issue prepared for an extended fight over the ruling in the courts and at the ballot box. Hundreds of people showed up at San Francisco City Hall, including some women in wedding dresses and at least one carrying an open bottle of Champagne. “It’s just amazing to feel like I am a full citizen — I am not a second-class citizen,” said Christmas Leubrie, a nurse, who was with her partner, Alice Heimsoth, across the street from City Hall on the steps of the Supreme Court building. Gay rights organizations said the decision was a watershed moment for their movement, which has seen greater societal acceptance in recent decades but continued opposition in some quarters toward same-sex marriage. “Today will go down as a true turning point,” said Geoff Kors, the executive director of Equality California, a gay rights advocacy group. “It really is a very powerful message that love trumps hate and hope trumps fear.” Thursday’s decision was cause for celebration for Gavin Newsome, the San Francisco mayor, “What a day for San Francisco, what a day for California, what a day for America, what a day for equality,” Mr. Newsom said. Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger, a Republican who has vetoed past bills aimed at legalizing same-sex marriage, issued a brief statement saying, “I respect the court’s decision.” (as quoted from The New York Times, May 16,2008 by Jesse McKinley)

(2)	View of the Nature of Reality (Sickness) from North America

When Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America, was asked what role her faith played in her recent battle with breast cancer, she answered, “It’s unwavering. I mean, who am I to complain? I’ve had a great support system and health care - many more advantages than other people have had. I don’t think God selected me to have cancer, but my mother said I was given this opportunity to bring light to those who don’t have the same opportunities, when it comes to an illness like this. I didn’t pray anymore - well, no, I prayed a lot more. But I will say this: to know the people of all faiths, whether it was in the church or a temple or in a mosque were lifting me up? Praying on my behalf? You cannot not be changed person, knowing so many different people around the world were lifting you up to their respective God. That’s powerful. And it’s going to stay with me.” (Salvatore, 2008)

(3)	View of the Nature of Truth from North America

In the three-year study of Minnesota Christians, “Faith and Ferment” give some interesting results on Americans in their church identity or lack thereof: “Instead, says church historian Martin E. Marty in his analysis of the data, they had developed a ‘“Pick and Choose” Christianity’ in which individuals take what they want from church tradition and pass over what does not fit their own spiritual goals. Two-thirds of the 1,017 respondents saw no harm in rejecting some of their church’s doctrines; as one woman put it, ‘I feel that in religious training, as in any other thing, you are taught the basics. From those basics, the sort out what you want or pick it apart as you see fit.” (Woodward, 1983)

(4)	View of Mankind from the Southern USA

A motel manager in the Southern USA was furious when he witnessed blacks swimming with whites in the motel swimming pool. “You can’t do that. Get out!” screamed motel manager, James Brock. They didn’t listen to him. Brock came back with a container of hydrochloric acid. “OK,” he said, “this is acid. Acid! If you don’t get out, I’ll pour it in the water.” Again, they refused to comply. So he poured the dangerous liquid into the pool. The next day, Brock put an alligator in the pool to discourage the activists from coming back and continuing their ‘mixed’ swimming in his pool (Carson, 2003, p. 264).

(5)	A View of Wealth from the Northwest USA

A man in Oregon had agreed to plead guilty to mail and bank fraud charges in a scheme that took $12 million from over 200 people. The investors were promised annual returns on their money between 12 and 30 percent. The money was to be used for real estate investments. The man lured investors into the scheme with seminars and cassette tapes in which he described his rag-to-riches rise and his being born again too traditional Christian beliefs. Because he said he was a Christian, the people trusted him and put their faith in him to make them off any. They took out second mortgages on their homes to invest with him. What he sold them was either worthless or nonexistent real estate. (Polich, 1990)

(B)	Looking for Starting Points

Briefly reflect on what happened in each cultural situation. What were some of the tacit assumptions each person may have held?

(1)	View of Gender from Gay and Lesbian’s perspective

(2)	View of the Nature of Truth from Minnesota Christians’ perspective

(3)	View of Mankind from James Brock’s perspective

(C)	A Worldview Model

Figure 1

(Source: Adapted from G. Linwood Barney in Hesselgrave, 1994, p. 49)

(1)	A Definition of Worldview

Simple Definition of "Worldview" - The Lens through which one views life.

(D)	An Analysis of the Worldview Model

The core assumptions about the nature of reality, including who Man is and how he sees himself relating to every aspect of an accepted reality. These core assumptions are part of a network of interconnected assumptions primarily born out of stories that form the ‘lens’ through which life is viewed.

(1)	Worldview - The Starting Point

WorldView

(a)	Secular Humanistic Worldview

(b)	Postmodern Worldview

While postmodernists are enamored of stories and narratives, they demur when it comes to metanarratives, deeming them hopelessly ideological and debunked by the failures of history.” (Groothuis)

(c)	Judeo-Christian Worldview

(2)	Values - Emerge from Worldview Assumptions

Values and ideals are born out of one’s worldview. They are expressions of the way things ought to be in light of the accepted view of reality.

Values

(a)	Humanistic Values

Man, having evolved, perceives himself to be autonomous, being his own authority. Personal choice is important; ‘morals’ are relative; man decides what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’.

(b)	Postmodern Values

“…humans are products of culture and deny the individual self all together." (Leffel, 2008) ‘Morals’ are relative; man decides what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. Truth means personal preference and personal empowerment. There is no objective truth and reason therefore to believe something is to make it true.

(c)	Judeo-Christian Values

Man as one created in God’s image has great intrinsic value and is different from non-man; morals are in reference to the Eternal God and are absolute; life is Theo-centric; man’s choices have earthly and eternal consequences

(3)	Socio-Cultural Systems

Social and cultural systems and institutions develop out of worldview and values. No orderly society could exist without them; only anarchy and chaos would rule. These institutions and systems involve marriage, family, religion, law, media, education, politics, economics, etc.

SocioCultural Systems

(a)	Humanistic Institution of Marriage

Not forced to marry; can marry person of choice; if they marry, one or both parties may choose to divorce.

(b)	Postmodern Institution of Marriage

Not forced to marry; can marry person of choice; if they marry, one or both parties may choose to divorce.

(c)	Judeo-Christian Institution of Marriage

Marriage is ordained by God in creation of man; divine purpose to glorify God and benefit mankind; a source of family/social order; a model of the love of Christ; divorce not a part of God’s original purpose

(4)	Observable behavior – outward manifestations

The observable phenomena of a society. These include the stories, actions, events, and emotions that help form and reinforce a society’s worldview. May include symbols (e.g. words, art, dress, colors) or rituals (e.g. rites of passage, ceremonies, festivals).

Outward Behaviour

(a)

Humanism

Marriage: may or may not observe a ceremony; if ceremonies are observed, they will vary greatly: couples often live together before “married” to test compatibility.

(b)	Postmodern

Marriage: may or may not observe a ceremony; if ceremonies are observed, they will vary greatly and may even “borrow” religious symbols; often with no regard for “truth” or rationality. Couples often live together before “married” to test compatibility

(c)	Judeo-Christian

Marriage: Though observable customs may vary, all is done to glorify God, as well as to honor parents, relatives and friends; typically in a church building; may observe much by way of ritual/symbols (music, singing, seating arrangement, décor, candles, cross, dress – style and colors, rings, sermon, etc.)

(E)	Synthesis of the WorldView

(1)	Homosexual Marriage

(2)	The Use of the Horoscope

(F)	Analyzing the Observable Behavior

Note to Facilitator: Using the Worldview model, analyze the observable behavior of James Brock, the motel manager (see 1 Introduction), and the practice of abortion. Begin your analysis with the observed outward behavior

(1)	James Brock (pouring acid and putting alligator into pool)

(2)

Abortion

(G)	Reflecting on Worldviews

Reflecting on Worldviews

(A)	The Role of Story in Worldview Formation

Worldview and stories are inextricably bound together and are essential elements of the belief systems we will encounter.

(1)	“How are worldviews formed in the first place?”

David Hesselgrave notes, “Basically by the telling of a story (and stories within a story) and drawing inferences from it.” That’s why all people have their story (myth, legend, history – in one sense it makes little difference) and draw upon it to sustain their values, institutions and behavior patterns. So the Japanese build upon the Shinto myth of Izanagi and Izanami and the Sun Goddess. Hindus build upon one or another version of the Golden Egg myth. In one way or another the Chinese build upon the story of Pan Ku. Post-Christian Westerners build upon the story of naturalistic evolution. Christians build upon the biblical story” (Hesselgrave, 1994, p. 50).

(2)	What are stories?

In the context of worldviews we use the word “stories” to refer to authoritative metanarratives that form the basis for an understanding of reality, or worldview. The metanarrative sets in place the framework by which other stories will be understood and interpreted, even as they reinforce the worldview metanarrative itself.

(3)	Why “story”?

Why is “story” telling so fundamental to the formation and development of worldviews? Consider the nature of reality as God has made it. It is centered in the relational. Every person on earth, Christian or not, has been created by God primarily for loving relationships with Himself and with one another (cp. Matt 22:37-40; Mark 12:28-31). Story has the power it does because it reflects the relational nature of reality as intended by the eternal, personal God.

(4)	The Nature and Power of Story - Stories...

Worldviews, then, are formed by and through the powerful means of story. This results in an overarching story, with its associated and supporting stories, that set forth an authoritative framework through which all of life’s experiences are viewed and interpreted.

(a)	Are powerful because they are relational and multidimensional. They weave characters, events, details, plots and themes into an emotional comprehensive whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Stories play a key role in influencing worldview formation.

(b)

Capture imaginations, influence ideas, shape perceptions, communicate values and fuel emotions. All of these elements are crucial for worldview formation. Stories stir deep reflection that can lead to new points of view. They open the doors to fresh conclusions; affect understanding, meaning, and even the choices that are made.

(c)

Provide the necessary framework by which “facts” (all the separate, existential aspects of life) can be understood and infused with meaning and value. Note: Mere “facts” do not having meaning in isolation. They must first fit into an understood framework in order to communicate a message. Therefore, the story they are embedded in is crucial if truth is to be communicated.

(d)

Form an emotional connection between its characters and the hearers. Stories “woo” or attract listeners rather than “push” or force themselves on them. This is crucial in regards to worldview formation because God is the Creator of both the mind and the emotions. Too often the ever-important emotional or affective domain is overlooked in ministry.

(e)	Communicate the abstract in real-life, concrete terms, thus facilitating effective communication, understanding, learning and recall. Without these facets, worldview formation would be impossible. The Relationship between Story and Worldview

(A)	The Nature of Worldviews

(1)	Issue of Authority in Worldview or Metanarrative Formation

The issue of ultimate authority is a critical component in worldview development. We have noted that worldviews are largely formed and shaped by story (a Metanarrative and supporting stories). You will find that the story and its resulting worldview find their roots in an ultimate, authoritative source to which one gives his allegiance (e.g. Self (Humanism), What “Works” (Postmodernism) The Bible, Koran, Science, authority figure/s, ancestor spirits, etc.). It’s important to note that this ultimate authority is itself an essential part of one’s worldview. As we introduce a biblical worldview we will face the challenge of “Who said so?”

(a)	“By what authority?”

(i)

“Voiced or unvoiced, that basic question faces the churches and their missions today…It is not a new question…The Fathers and Reformers faced it. A century ago our forebears faced it. And now we face it in a world increasingly characterized by a cacophony of truth-competing claims” (Hesselgrave, 1994, p. 17).

(ii)	“All religious debate will develop into a question of ultimate authority” (Bahnsen, 1996, p. 69).

(b)	Only One Ultimate Authority

(i)	The Lord Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Man . - Mat 6:24

(ii)	One cannot serve two ultimate authoritative views of reality, two worldviews. One must commit to one or another.

(iii)

Therefore we note here that the issue of ultimate authority also speaks to ultimate commitment. This is more than a matter of the intellect. It involves the emotions, allegiance and obedience of the worldview adherent.

(iv)	Illustrate the above through story, video, pictures, etc.

(2)	Worldview, Metaphysics, and Epistemology

(a)	Metaphysics – The Nature of Reality

Worldviews establish, at a fundamental level, an understanding of the nature of being and reality, including the origin and structure of the universe. They provide explanations of who God (gods) is, who Man is, what non-Man is, and how all of these entities relate to one another. The concept of self and of others (community) is also part of one’s understanding of reality. Because of this fundamental orientation to an accepted reality, these relational elements are held with deep emotion.

(b)	Epistemology – The Nature of Knowledge

Worldviews also address the nature of knowledge—how we know, and how we know that we know. This helps determine the adherent’s perception of what is real or fictional, what is possible or impossible. In other words, it touches all aspects of knowing.

(c)	Worldviews – An Entire System

(i)	Like a spider web, the important areas noted above are woven together to form an entire system. Worldviews should always be viewed as such—interconnected and held together as a unit. You cannot touch one strand without affecting the whole!

(ii)

The fact that worldviews are entire systems of belief will guide our approach to evangelism and discipleship. A fragmented approach to ministry will not significantly affect genuine worldview change. In fact, it will promote negative outcomes (e.g. syncretism; we will further discuss this later in this and others modules.)

(3)	Purpose and Destiny

Given that worldviews address all of reality; it is out of worldview that one’s assumed purpose and destiny emerge. Therefore, beliefs about death and the after-life are inextricably tied to worldview.

(a)	Worldview Presuppositions

(i)	Tacitly Assumed

Worldviews are tacit assumptions rather than the result of rational inquiry. “Worldview assumptions are taken for granted and hardly ever examined; they are fundamental givens with which people think, not what they think about” (Hiebert, Shaw and Tienou 40) [emphasis mine]

(ii)	Learned Informally

Worldviews are mostly developed and learned informally through observation of modeled behavior and through what is heard. (More on this in Section 15, How Worldview Change Occurs.) Because of this informal enculturation, people are not typically conscious of their own worldview assumptions anymore than a man wearing eyeglasses thinks about the fact he’s wearing them! (Hall 1959, p.96) (Hesselgrave, 1994, p. 396)

(iii)

Examined Rarely

The fact that worldviews are rarely examined by their adherents is part of sinful Man’s self-deception. It is important to note that, as outsiders, we may have analyzed their worldview more than they have. Therefore as wise stewards of the Gospel we should use this analysis for lovingly ministering God’s Word

(4)

Values

(a)

What is believed or assumed regarding how things ought to be (values/ideals) is grounded in what is perceived to be, that is, the nature of reality. In other words, values and ideals are born out of one’s worldview and are understood in relation to the assumed and accepted relationships of reality. Note also that people can and do act in conflict with their values and moral beliefs. This, too, is part of the sinfulness of man and his great neediness before God.

(b)	The degree of the perceived consequences or benefits to self and the community shape the depth and importance of a value.

(c)

People’s emotions are intimately connected to their values. Their feelings even affect their daily choices. This is due to the deep bond emotions have with worldview assumptions about the nature of reality, and to the various socio-cultural institutions that form the platform to subjectively experience values.

(5)	Socio-cultural Systems and Institutions

(a)	In light of the above, we see that worldviews are the authoritative foundation from which values emerge, and also the foundation upon which the socio-cultural systems and institutions are built.

(b)

Socio-cultural institutions such as marriage, family, religion, law, media, education, politics, economics, art, music, and sports provide a real-world context of relationships through which one can subjectively experience the embraced values and worldview assumptions (even though perhaps not acknowledging or even consciously aware of all the assumptions).

(c)	Here, in this context of the socio-cultural realties purpose of life is experienced and meaning is felt. By these, values, emotions and integration into society are deepened.

(6)	Observable Behavior

(a)	Manifested life behavior within the socio-cultural systems and institutions serve to affirm and strengthen all that lies underneath as relationships and events are subjectively experienced.

(b)	This deepened sense of identity and belonging, along with their associated emotions, also strengthens relationships, allegiances, loyalties, commitments, and worldview assumptions.

(c)	The building of history and collection of memories also deeply influence life’s experiences.

(d)	All of the above works together to affirm the correctness of worldview assumptions, and thus the adherents’ understanding of ‘reality’.

(e)	Stories, the worldview metanarrative and associated stories, invest symbols and praxis with meaning (Wright, 1992, p. 124).

(f)	Form (outward expression) and Meaning (inwardly signifies / value)

(B)	Transmission of Worldview

(1)

Worldviews are not only initially formed and shaped by story, but also are transmitted and periodically reinforced or influenced by the power of story (i.e. the Metanarrative and supporting stories); “…stories are the mode in which worldviews are best transmitted from generation to generation and from one people to another” (Hesselgrave, 1994, p. 51).

(2)

“Story” is more than just oral communication. It is a metanarrative that transmits values and provides a context for the subjective experiences of life within the socio-cultural systems and institutions. These reinforce and affirm the worldview metanarrative. Every aspect of life relates to the overall “story”.

(3)	North American Worldview Discovery (Learning Together about Worldviews)