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Biblical Worldview Essay
Casey J. Ritzmann
Liberty University
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Introduction
A theistic worldview is ultimately the link to an addict’s successful recovery. As a
recovering addict and alcoholic, I am entrenched on the front lines in the world of addiction and
alcoholism, an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and a recovery advocate at a treatment
center. I will identify aspects of the natural world, human identity, human relationships, and
culture through the lens of a Biblical worldview, utilizing Paul’s letters to the Romans. In doing
so, I will highlight the importance of a Biblical worldview in relation to not only the recovery
community, but to all those who are affected by brokenness in our fallen world.
The Natural World
All of us, at some point in our lives, take for granted God’s beautiful creation around us.
Our perception of this world can simply become distorted because of the presence of sin.
Looking through the spectacles of a Biblical worldview, we find this to be true: “For by him all
things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions
or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16,
English Standard Version). Paul expands upon this concept in his letter to the Romans by telling
us that we can see “God’s invisible qualities” through “His eternal power and divine nature”
(Romans 1:20). To anyone recovering from the damage and pain of sin in their life, being able to
identify God’s invisible presence within the natural world around us is imperative. Herein lies a
major aspect of understanding God’s omnipotence in respect to a Biblical worldview.
Human Identity
Because of the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden, most people reach a point where they
“know that something is wrong with the world, and there is a deep longing that it be put right”
(Cabal, p. 1681, 2007). Before knowing Christ as my personal savior and completely
surrendering my life to Him, my worldview was distorted and confused. I lived in complete
brokenness, trying to fix it with illusory lies the world offers on a platter directly from Satan.
Through God’s grace, I realized that I was “dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once
walked” (Ephesians 2:1), but that that didn’t define my identity, rather I was called to be a saint.
We are all created in the image of God, not only His physical image, but His moral likeness
(Genesis, 1:26). Paul states that we are “renewed in the spirit of your mind…created after the
likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24). In recovery, it is
essential to understand this attribute of a theistic worldview; not relying on our own power to
recover, but understanding that “He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God”
(Romans 8:27).
Human Relationships
Once I embraced recovery through God’s grace and mercy, I understood that he called me
for His purpose. He gave me a testimony to share with others, and with that a responsibility to
live my life according to His purpose. Paul describes a “new life in Christ” in his letter to the
Romans, teaching us to be “slaves of God” and that we should offer ourselves as “slaves to
righteousness, which results in sanctification” (Romans 6:19). While incorporating these truths
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into our worldview and our interactions with those surrounding us, we must share the truth of the
gospel and be messengers of Christ. Paul constructs a charge of quotations (mainly from the
Psalms) about our wickedness as humans, beginning in Romans 3:10, “There is no one righteous,
not even one.” In dealing with others, whether they know Christ or not, it is important that we
realize that our actions reveal our hearts. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 12:35, “The good person
out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of this evil treasure brings
forth evil.
Culture
Living a life through a Biblical worldview means that we are no longer slaves to sin, but
that we are, as Paul states, “enslaved to God” (Romans 6:22). The authors of The Apologetics
Study Bible incorporate the idea of “corporate solidarity” in describing the culture of humanity
(Cabal, p. 1688, 2007). In the culture of the world we live in, we are all dead in our sin, “in
Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). So, while the
consequences of Adam’s sin were passed onto us, justification also passes onto all who receive
God’s gift of righteousness secured through Christ’s sacrifice (Cabal, 2007). A Biblical
worldview supplies the Christian a culture of understanding the qualities of forgiveness through
repentance. In the recovery world, being set free of fear, guilt, and shame are the direct result of a
newfound relationship with Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis sums it up with this single quote: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that
the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else” (Lewis, p.
140, 1949). As I take in the natural world around me, I am amazed by God’s divine presence
within everything. As I know I am created in God’s image and a child of God, I find peace and
security in my identity as a human being. My relationships with believers and non-believers alike
are influenced by the Holy Spirit that resides in my heart. Instead of living in a dark, insecure,
and false perception of this fallen world, I see the light in it, because I have accepted the calling
as a saint, and I know it to be true, indeed, the Son has risen!
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References
Cabal, T. (2007). The apologetics study bible: Understand why you believe. Nashville, TN:
Holman Bible Publishers.
Lewis, C.S. (1949). The weight of glory. New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company.
