I know what I believe, but I had not thought about my specific ‘worldview’
in the context of the four basic questions in Entwistle’s book. “Who am I? – Where
am I? – What’s wrong? & What’s the remedy?”
1
I believe he is correct when he
states:
As one astute observer points out, ‘We learn more than we create; we accept
more than we reject. In short, we do not develop our own private world
views. At most, we refine and reconceptualize (normally the latter) what we
have learned from others.’ The repercussions of this claim are astounding.
Very few people have been able to rise above their cultural prejudices to
challenge institutionalized slavery, ethnic conflict, gender bias, or a host of
other societal ills. It is humbling to consider how many incorrect beliefs we
have adopted— and how many immoral actions we engage in— because of
how deeply acculturated they are in our own worldviews.
2
The above statement is very true for my own religious background and
upbringing. I was born and raised in rural WI and attended a conservative Lutheran
church for eighteen years before I joined the Army. My worldview was very much
shaped by my parents and the church up until that point in time. I did not inherit
any of the cultural prejudices listed above, but I also was not challenged to confront
or even think about such issues. The worldview was very much confined to
memorizing scriptures and engaging in social activities versus discussing biblical
truths or how the word of God could or should be used to change lives. I also do
not recall any discussions or sermons on the church’s stance regarding creationism,
evolution, or even science in general.
Like many others I am sure, my worldview has evolved in the last thirty
years as I have moved around the world and raised a family. I have gone from
exploring my cultural background in Judaism to a Christian Universalism to my
1
David N. Entwistle, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An
Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of Integration, (3rd ed.),
(Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2015), 69
2
Ibid., 68
present Evangelical beliefs. I have never found myself opposing science, or at least
not in the same manner consistent with the early Roman Catholic church and
Galileo or even the early fundamentalist movement in the Scope’s trial. I would like
to believe that my beliefs are more closely aligned with Einstein when he stated, “I
do not think that it is necessarily the case that science and religion are natural
opposites. In fact, I think that there is a very close connection between the two.
Further, I think that science without religion is lame and, conversely, that religion
without science is blind. Both are important and should work hand-in-hand.
3
I believe in the inerrancy of scripture, and I also respect science; not
believing that the two need to be mutually exclusive. One example of my views on
this is reflected in the creation story in Genesis. The bible states six days, but I am
open to discussion on whether that is six days as we know them, or six years,
centuries, etc. Archeologists continue to make discoveries every day that further
corroborate portions of the bible, and I believe this also leaves room for a faith
component. God asks Job in Job 38:4-6, 18, “Where were you when I laid the
foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its
measurements, since you know? Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its
bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone?...Have you understood the expanse of the
earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.” At least Job had reasons for questioning God
based upon his circumstances, I thankfully, do not. d d d
My intellectual virtues of humility, caution, courage, integrity, and
perseverance have been shaped in a large part by my thirty-four years of service in
the Army. It is hard to think of the above virtues without hearing Douglass
MacArthur’s speech to the cadets at West Point run through my head, “Duty,
3
Entwistle, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, 20
Honor, Country” and reflecting on how the Army has shaped my life and pursuit of
learning. I am blessed that I get to practice ‘humility’ daily, as the people that
work for me are much smarter than I am. Courage, integrity and perseverance have
also been strongly ingrained within me. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to come up
with examples of what happens when someone does not practice intellectual morals
or uses their ‘virtues’ in a manner that goes against God. I followed Ravi Zacharias
for years, watched his podcasts, had purchased many of his books, etc., and I
thought it such a profound travesty that he used the word of God and his gifts to
prey upon women.
4
I found the book Virtuous Minds to be a great resource for those that are
more interested in developing their intellectual virtues. The author discusses the
seven virtues in depth and has a biblical discussion guide that I plan on using for a
later bible study with my small group. d One of his comments that resounded with
me was the importance of not just thinking about the fruits of intellectual character,
but the value of spending time with others that model that behavior.
5
d
d
4
Open Letter from the International Board of Directors of RZIM on the Investigation of Ravi Zacharias
https://www.rzim.org/read/rzim-updates/board-statement
5
Philip E. Dow, Virtuous Minds: Intellectual Character Development, Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2013, 118
Bibliography
Dow, Philip E. Virtuous Minds: Intellectual Character Development, Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity Press, 2013
Entwistle, David N. Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity: An
Introduction to Worldview Issues, Philosophical Foundations, and Models of
Integration, 3rd ed., Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2015
Open Letter from the International Board of Directors of RZIM on the Investigation of Ravi
Zacharias
https://www.rzim.org/read/rzim-updates/board-statement
