Parker Andres
THEO 202-D11
10/9/2019
Biblical Worldview Essay
A person’s worldview plays a unique role in their life because it shapes how they act
throughout life, shows what they value, and affects how they see the world. Although there are
many different views of humanity, the view of humanity as a machine and humans as pawn are
two of the more common theories in addition to the biblical worldview.
The view that humanity is a machine is a well known theory that that is based on people
being here on this earth to work for a position of value. The worth or value of a person comes
from there abilities. The more someone is capable of the more valuable that person becomes to
humanity. For example a tire on a car is far more value than a cup holder inside because it
provides a greater service to the car. The tire is crucial for the car to run effectively. Basically
everyone needs to have something to offer like a good or service in order to be considered
valuable. Erikson says, “work is the primary goal and concern” (Erikson, 178). This theory of
humanity as a machine contradicts the Bible because it places worth on the persons actions. In
Psalm 139:14 it says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are
wonderful, I know that full well.” This goes to show that people have value instantly after being
created it is not something people earn. The machine theory makes sense from a secular world
view, but from a biblical worldview this theory holds no weight.
Another common theory is that humans are pawns that are helplessly controlled by forces
of this world. Erikson describes it as humans being at the mercy of the forces of the world that
ultimately control each person’s destiny (179). However, this view is refuted because it would
mean that people have nothing to live for. Essentially this takes all the purpose out of life. In this
theory there is no point in a person trying to help themself or those around them because it would
not affect the outcome. This theory is also refuted by the Bible because believers are offered life
after death if they believe and follow Christ. This means people have a choice and an option for
life after death which contradicts the theory of people being helpless on a planet in the middle of
the universe.
Contrary to secular world views, the biblical worldview gives each individual value
because they are a part of something greater. Genesis 1 discusses how each person is made in the
image of God. This instantly gives each person value from the womb. There are not required
actions to gain value or status. Children of the God almighty automaticity receive the title child
of the king. God not only created us, but he loves us all. We were not only created by God to live
on this earth, but he went above and beyond for us. He sent his son to die for our sins so that we
may have life after death as well. Romans 6:23 states “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift
of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse gives Christians a hope and a future. It
gives a purpose to all believed to live a life of meaning and purpose. The great commission says,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew
Although the biblical world view often all stands alone, there are some similarities that
other world views have with the biblical worldview. With the machine theory the worth of the
individual is based on action. Christianity is a very heart based worldview. However, actions
often reflect the heart. We are judged on our actions at the end of the day. We will all be found
guilty for our actions. However, Christianity differs because it is not our identity or fate because
the blood of Jesus takes away all sin and leaves us pure in the eyes on God. The pawn theory also
has some parallels with Christianity but contrast a lot as well. The pawn theory and biblical
worldview both have a greater outside force that is ultimately in control. However, the difference
is that the biblical worldview has free will. Not only is there free will, but the all powerful
outside force is on the side of the believer. God gave all man free will so that we could chose to
love him. We are not controlled by outside forces or forces of the world. We are tempted by sin
and subject to pressures, but ultimately every choice we make is our own. There are many
different world views and theories on humanity and existence. In fact, there are hundreds but the
biblical world view is clearly the most evident and backed up world view. Many other world
views take ideas from the biblical worldview and misconstrue them. None the less, the biblical
world view is one of hope, love, and forgiveness that is the foundation to a fulfilling life on earth
and the gift of eternity with Lord.
Sources
The Holy Bible. New International Version, Zondervan Publishing, 2011.
Erickson, Millard J., and L Arnold. Hustad. 2015. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Baker
Publishing Group.
