Sárospataki Füzetek 14. (2010)
2010 / 1. szám - TANULMÁNYOK - Byl, John: Világnézetek háborúja: a keresztyénség és kihívói.
War of the Worldviews our most basic beliefs concerning God, the world, and ourselves. Typical worldview questions are: • Who is God? • What exists? • Why does the world exist? • What is man? • What can we know? • What should we do? • What can we hope for? These are very deep questions, dealing with philosophical issues such as religion, ontology, teleology, epistemology, anthropology, ethics, and eschatology. Many people today find philosophy boring. However, how one answers these philosophical questions can have major consequences for life. Deeply held ideals can lead to drastic action. Philosophy is hard work, requiring deep thought, but it is essential for developing a cohesive worldview. A carefully articulated worldview not only helps us to live a purposeful life but also gives us a solid platform from which to critique other worldviews. One’s worldview consists of a story (an overarching account of the history of the world) and a set of accompanying assumptions or presuppositions answering the main worldview questions. One’s worldview acts as spectacles through which we interpret and make sense of our experiences. It also acts as a map, giving us guidance and direction as we make important decisions.7 Assessing worldviews Nobody is neutral. Everyone has a worldview even though not everyone is aware that they have a worldview. How are we to judge between opposing worldviews? Since each side has its own presuppositions and sees things through its own set of worldview spectacles, it may seem impossible to convince someone that their worldview is flawed. However, there are a few characteristics that every viable worldview should have. For example, a worldview should be internally consistent. Its presuppositions should not lead to contradictory conclusions. Second, one’s worldview should be consistent with the experiences it is trying to explain. Third, one’s worldview should be liveable. For example, how can you communicate to people if your worldview asserts that language has no meaning? Finally, your worldview should be able to account for such things as common sense and science. Naturalism What are the worldview presuppositions that underpin naturalism? To answer this, consider the following quote from the naturalist historian of science, William Provine: 7 This is discussed more thoroughly in Byl, John: The Divine Challenge: On Matter, Mind, Math and Meaning. Edinburgh, Banner of Truth Trust, 2004. SÁROSPATAKI FÜZETEK 31
