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 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
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
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. b b b b
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, 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
3
Entwistle, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, 20
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. b 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
b
b
Bibliography
Dow, Philip E. Virtuous Minds: Intellectual Character Development, Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2013
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
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
