You have a Weltanschauung! In fact, everyone from about 15 to 18 years old has one. Don’t worry it’s not a weird disease. Although one could argue that some people have a distorted, incoherent or dangerous Weltanschauung. So, what is it? Why should you care?
Weltanschauung [velt-ahn-shou-oong] is German for ‘Worldview’. It is a comprehensive view or personal philosophy of human life and the universe (dictionary.com).
Essentially, our Worldview is the lens through which we view, interpret and engage reality. Whether we are aware of it or not, our worldview informs us and drives our thinking and actions. Worldview’s can be shared causing unity among people. Conversely, worldviews can clash causing strife. Every thought, action and word is born of an individual’s worldview.
Ravi Zacharias provides an excellent illustration of the function of a worldview. A worldview answers the questions that are at the core of human existence.
- Where did I come from? (Origin)
- What is life’s meaning? (Meaning)
- How do I define right from wrong? (Morality)
- What happens to me when I die? (Destiny)
Link to Video: What is a Worldview? Ravi Zacharias on Origin, Meaning, Morality, and Destiny
You can agree or disagree with the Christian worldview. However, each of us face the questions above. And the answers that we carry manifest themselves in every aspect of our lives. I think Dr. Zacharias gives an excellent application of the term ‘Worldview’.
God can use anyone wthiout them knowing. Strange things happen people do good all the time, so I guess that’s tons of answered prayers, this is nuts man. Hahaha, if folks wanna look at it that way, fine. I agree with what Tom Wright says about prayer- a mystery difficult to understand what it does or can do? The reality is, oddly enough people find themselves encouraged or energized . What’s interesting, is the Lord’s Prayer. In this prayer, Jesus doesn’t pretend that pain and hunger aren’t real, but some religions do; This prayer doesn’t pump God’s greatness or majesty to belittle the human plight but some religions do that, Jesus didn’t.