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
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
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. c c c
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.
3
Entwistle, Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, 20
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. c 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
c
c
Bibliography
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
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
