o
These convictions surface when people interact with one another and the
universal intent with which they hold their beliefs becomes obvious. This
happens particularly when disagreements arise.
o
For example, when a person tries to cut in line at a store’s checkout counter,
people in the back of the line do not normally react as if their views about the
matter are personal and private. Typically, they feel some urge to react
negatively as if a universal rule has been broken.
-
Neutrality normally is conceived of as a state in which a person is completely
undecided about key issues, holds no convictions, and is unwilling to support any side
in a conflict or disagreement.
-
Objectivity, on the other hand, represents a goal that, to some degree, is attainable. It
relates to fairness, evenhandedness, and an open mind that attempts to gain
understanding of others’ views prior to assessment. Making progress toward
objectivity requires a willingness to listen carefully, an ability to suppress personal
biases and prejudices, and a concern for justice.
o
For example, a person who does not believe that God exists is not neutral at
all with respect to this central worldview assumption. The same person,
however, may believe that humans who believe in God should be free to
gather each week in order to worship him. This person is not neutral with
respect to worldview commitments, but he or she remains objective enough to
recognize that those who disagree should be granted the freedom to assemble
and other freedoms necessary to live out their convictions.
-
Elements of a Worldview
o
Ultimate reality
refers to the absolute, supreme, and final person, power,
principle, or substance underlying the universe. Conceptions of ultimate
reality vary widely, but there are three fundamental ways of defining what is
ultimately real:
A personal god or gods
An impersonal force or principle
Nothing exists beyond the present space-matter-time-energy
continuum
a person may assume that nothing exists beyond the physical
world. Another person may assume that something exists
beyond the physical world as a spiritual reality, but that
“something” is not personal or relational. Rather, it is a
pervasive force or spiritual essence that pervades the universe.
Finally, an individual may believe that something, or rather,
someone who is personal exists beyond the physical world.
o
Nature of the Universe
: A second major element of worldviews stems from
questions about the world that humans inhabit.
understandings about the relationship between the physical universe
and ultimate reality deeply shape convictions about the nature and
purpose of the world.
Also, it is important to consider whether the universe is a closed
system or an open system that can be influenced significantly by the
spiritual world? One possible response envisions a world that is merely
physical in the sense that nothing exists beyond the material universe.
