UCC 101 Christian Worldview Course Outline PDF

ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY UCC 101 CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW COURSE OUTLINE Lecturer: Rev. Walter N. Omudokolo [email protected] 0720259014 Purpose of the course The purpose of this course is t...

ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY UCC 101 CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW COURSE OUTLINE Lecturer: Rev. Walter N. Omudokolo [email protected] 0720259014 Purpose of the course The purpose of this course is to expose students to fundamentals of Christian worldview and how they differ from perspectives of non-Christian worldviews. The course aims at helping students to think and act in a Christian way as they encounter contemporary realities of life. Course Objectives By the end of the course students will be expected to: i. Explain the main elements of Christian worldview ii. Know the difference between Christian worldview and other worldviews iii. Analyze a worldview in order to facilitate transformation iv. Appreciate and explain the Christian response to various realities of contemporary life Course content and Outline 1. Nature of Worldviews –worldview definition, common worldview questions at individual level, worldview Universals (Themes), basic characteristics of worldviews, functions of worldviews 2. Major Types of worldviews –Animistic worldview, Theistic worldview, Atheistic worldview, Pantheistic worldview, Modern worldview, Postmodern worldview 3. The Christian Worldview –Definition of Christian worldview, advantages of Christian worldview, elements of Christian worldview 4&5 The Christian Scriptures –Definition of scripture, the canon, the Old Testament books, the New Testament books, the apocrypha 6. Christian rites, Statements of faith & calendar –Meaning of ritual, function of ritual, Major Christian rituals, the Nicene Creed, the Apostles Creed, the Athanasian Creed, The Christian calendar of events 7&8 Christianity and Culture –What is culture?, Culture and Worldview, God’s attitude towards culture, Christ and Culture, Paradigms of Christianity in culture 9. Christian perspectives on social life –Courtship and engagement, Christian marriage, Family life 10. Stewardship in Christian worldview –Christian approach to work, Christian views of money and wealth, the proper use of money, Stewardship of the environment 11. Victorious Christian life –The character of a Christian, Christian victory, Purposeful Christian life  12. Worldview Transformation –The nature of worldview transformation, Steps in worldview transformation, Transformation to Christianity Coursework and final Examination Coursework will amount to 30%of the total coursework mark. The first take away term paper will account for 15% of 30% marks; the second CAT (sitting) will account for the other 15% of 30% marks. At the end of the semester, students will sit for a final examination carrying 70% marks. Class attendance The student is expected to attend all classes on time, do all assignments/CATS and sit for the final examination. Part of the Reading List Chemorion, D. C, 2017. Introduction to Christian worldview: Meanings, Origins and Perspectives. Tafsiri Printing Press Heibert, P.G, 2008. Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological understanding of How People Change. USA: Baker Academics Kraft, C.H, 2008. Worldview for Christian Witness. Pesedena California. William B Eermans. Naugle, D, 2002. Worldview: The History of a Concept. Grand Rapids:William Eermans. Neibuhr, R, 1951. Christ and Culture. New York: Harper & Raw Publishers Palmer, M.D, 1998. (ed) Elements of Christian Worldview Ryken, P.G, 2006. What is the Christian Worldview?: Basics of the Reformed Faith Series. New Jersey: P&R Publishing. Walsh, B.J, 1984. The Transforming Vision: Shaping a Christian Worldview. Downer’s Grove, III: Interversity Press  ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY JOSHUA AND TIMOTHY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY UCC 101 CLASS NOTES LECTURE 1 Nature of Worldviews Worldview –definitions  Framework of thoughts which people use to make sense of the world  It refers to people’s way of looking at reality and how they perceive the world around them  It is culturally structured assumptions that underlie people’s perception of reality  It is a cognitive and evaluative presupposition that people make about things  It is a structure of understanding we use to make sense of our world  It is a way of looking life from a person’s own interpretation  It’s a commitment; a fundamental orientation of the heart that can be expressed to be story that we hold  A worldview refers to power that influences people’s perception of reality; an internal mechanism for assigning meaning to external reality  It is a religious inclination of heart/mind Note: A person’s worldview is a combination of all beliefs and assumptions internalized by a person as values, and convictions. These then apply in generating thoughts, feelings, attitude, decisions and actions. Christian worldview Christian worldview refers to:  A way in which Christians look at reality or the understanding of the meaning of life  Is the integrated system of beliefs derived from faith in Jesus Christ which Christians use to make sense of the world.  Is a biblical worldview –The Bible is the basic book that Christian’s faith is pegged.  Is a Christo-centric mindset that is oriented towards the things of God. Relationship between worldview and culture A worldview is a mindset whereas culture is a way of life. A worldview informs culture and culture modifies a worldview. Culture embodies thoughts, feelings, attitudes, decisions, words and actions whereas worldview embodies convictions and values. Importance of Christian Worldview  Provides answers to fundamental questions of human life, example, where did the universe originate?  Explains precisely and vividly the origin of the universe and the entire creation and their destiny, nature of spiritual reality, visible and invisible aspects of life as well as external and temporary realities  It offers authentic answers to basic questions that humans ask  Christian worldview approves human as God’s special creation created in His image and likeness; …fearfully and wonderfully made –Ps. 139:13,14. Characteristics of worldviews Worldviews are learned – they are not genetically acquired. People learn worldviews from others in the group and gradually identify self with that group through socialization They are subjective–One perceives a worldview individually and crafts own reality. A single reality can be viewed differently by people in different worldviews. Since worldviews are subjective, a person can abandon his/her worldview and adopt another one. They are holistic –this means that worldviews affect all aspects of life in an integrated version. There is no aspect of life that is not addressed by person’s worldview They are invisible –Worldviews are mental constructs and mental processes. They cannot be seen however, they demonstrate in people’s actions and thoughts. Most times they operate unconsciously. People give meaning to life spontaneously without realizing that their decisions are guided by deeply rooted worldview convictions. They are typically human –Worldviews are typically human because all humans subscribe to a particular worldview. No one lives without a culture and none lives without a worldview. How worldviews are: Acquired Through media –electronic, print, mass Through education –in schools, public lecture, crusades Through socialization –learning from people in the society Through movements of people –from a place to another as they transmit worldviews Through cyber world –world of computer communication Spread They are spread through: Lectures, public rallies, religious expeditions/ preaching, crusades, workshops, seminars, discipleship programs Communicated They are communicated through: Constitution, laws, politics, social structures, economic structures Functions of worldviews Identity –worldviews help people identify who they are. In a particular group, people learn to identify themselves with members of their groups and by comparing themselves with the non group members, people are able to point out identifying characteristics that make them different from others. Worldview not only helps in labeling non group members; it also functions as means in which people can best define themselves. Validation –To validate is to confirm. Worldviews operate within the confines of societal standards of behavior because they shape people’s perceptions on the way things are and how they ought to be. Validation in worldviews means confirmation of good norms that people use to reward good conduct or reward wrong behavior. Explanation – Worldviews provide answers to fundamental questions of life asked. For example, when asked about the cause of drought, animists and naturalists are likely to provide different answers because of their worldview differences. Whereas animists may attribute the cause to unhappiness of the spirits, naturalists may link it to deforestation. Prioritizing –Worldviews influence how people choose priorities in life. At any point when choices have to be made, worldviews guide people in deciding the most important things. People’s priority in investment, family size, lifestyle among, others are, all depended on their worldviews. Organization –Worlds help people to order their lives. People approach life based on their worldview presuppositions, which also serve as the basis of daily schedules of events. They integrate cultural ideas, feelings and values into a more or less unified view of reality which helps people to live a single undivided life. Models of reality –the understanding of things in the world is patterned alongside our worldview presuppositions. Worldviews do not only help in describing the nature of things but they also prescribe how this ought to be done. Adaptation –Worlds help people to interact cross-culturally without losing their own identity. As people get exposed to other cultures and worldviews, they depend on their own worldviews to determine which ideas to adapt into their cultures and which ones to decline. Appropriate behavior- every worldview informs its members of the acceptable patterns of doing certain things and expressing feelings and emotions. During critical times, people turn to their worldviews for the most appropriate ways of behaving or responding to a given issue in life. Summary The ‘IVEPOMAA’, that is Identity, Validation, Explanation, Prioritizing, organization, models of reality, adaptation and appropriate behavior make up functions of worldviews. LECTURE 2 Types of Worldviews Major Types of worldviews Different people have different frameworks of thought. The different frameworks of thought make people to have different perspectives of life. In this lesson we look at different mind-frames that shape the way people think. The major types of worldviews 1. Animistic worldview 2. Theistic worldview 3. Atheistic worldview 4. Pantheistic worldview 5. Modern worldview 6. Postmodern worldview Each of type of worldview has a distinct way of viewing life. 1. ANIMISTIC WORLDVIEW The term “animism” is derived from the Latin word “anima”, which means soul/breath. The religion of animism is mainly found among oral cultures. A mindset that is predominantly directed by the fear of spirits In animism, everything has a spirit. The world is full of spirits which influence events. Spirits must be appeased for man to stay in peace.  People depend on the mercies of the spirits. They can punish or protect as they wish. As a religion, animism does not have sacred texts: it is preserved through collective memory and transmitted through narratives. Animists believe in existence of both spiritual and material reality: The spiritual and material realms are interconnected: Universe is mysterious and unknowable Use of magic, divination, astrology Truth about the natural world is discovered through the shaman figure who has visions telling him what the gods and demons are doing and how they feel. Moral values take the form of taboos, which are things that irritate or anger various spirits. These taboos are different from the idea of "good and evil" because it is just as important to avoid irritating evil spirits as it is good ones. All forms of life live in the same space which is separated between the visible and invisible. No distinction is made between the natural and supernatural. The forces of nature are seen in terms of superstition involving the balance of medicine, witchraft and various powers. All matter is animated by spiritual forces. Certain mountains or forests or rivers are places of power where individuals go to meditate and have intense experiences of the spirit world and to gain spiritual power. Aspects of animism in traditional African worldview Ideas of traditional African worldview are contained in narratives, proverbs, rituals, etc Animism dominates every aspect of people who uphold African traditions “Wherever the African is there is his religion: He carries it to the fields where he is sowing seeds or harvesting a new crop; he takes it with him to the beer party or to attend a funeral ceremony; and if he is educated he takes it with him to the examination room at school or in the university; if he is a politician he takes it to the house of parliament.” (Mbiti, 1992:2). Belief in God: There is belief in God as Supreme Being but the fear of spirits is most outstanding aspect in this worldview. God is self-existing and pre-eminent: Among the Kikuyu: He has no father; no wife and no children. He is all alone. He is neither a child nor an old man. He is the same today as he was yesterday. He does not eat and he has no messenger (Mbiti, 1999:14).  Pygmies song: In the beginning was God; today is God; tomorrow will be God. Who can make an image of God? He has no body. He is a word which comes out of your mouth. That word! It is past and it still lives! So is God (Mbiti, 1999:35) Nature of the universe: Universe is divided into two: World above and world below. The world above is the place of God, divinities and celestial objects The world below consists of the zone of human beings and the zone of spirits The two zones overlap Origins: Different communities have their own narratives concerning origins. Devolution: a great spirit disintegrated into myriads of spirits around the world (Miller 2001:10). Vugusu: “God created first the heavenly universe with the sun, moon, stars and clouds; then he created the earth, followed by the creation of man (both husband and wife); and finally plants; animals and other earthly creatures (Mbiti 1969:40). Human beings: various perspectives on how they came into being. No explanation on the image of human beings. Human life finds true meaning in communal relationship: human and spirits Bible speaks against animism: (Deut 18:9-14) 2. THEISTIC WORLDVIEW Theistic worldviews subscribe to the existence of God or gods There are two main types of theism: Polytheism and Monotheism Polytheism is believe in the existence of many gods For example, the Canaanites had a pantheon of gods consisting of: El: chief god Asherah: wife of El Baal: god of fertility Anat: the wife of Baal Monotheism Monotheism is the believe in one God. Three religions believe in the existence of one God: Christianity, Islam and Judaism Common aspects of theism (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)  An infinite God exists. He created a finite material world.  Reality is both material and spiritual.   The universe as we know it had a beginning and will have an end.  Human kind is the unique creation of God  Truth about God is known through revelation.  Moral values are based on the word of God in scripture. Christians –Bible Muslims –Koran/ Quran Judaism –Torah/ Laws of Moses Jewish worldview Founder: Abraham. The other patriarchs are Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Pillars of Judaism are: 1. Belief in Yahweh (YWHW) as the creator God 2. Belief in the Torah as revealed word of God 3. Belief in the coming Messiah 4. Observation of sacred times: Shabbat: Sabbath Rosh Hashanah: New Year (Sept/Oct) for repentance and prayer for a prosperous year Passover: 15th day of Nissan (March/April) Hannukah: 25th of Dec to commemorate victory against Greeks in 164 BC Purim: 14th of Adar (February/March). Victory of Jews led by Esther and Mordecai over the evil plans of Haman Feast of weeks (may/June) seven weeks after Passover. Also to remember giving of law on Mt Sinai Feast of booths: Commemoration of God’s providence in the wilderness Day of atonement (10th day after roshhashanah September/October) Sacred actions of the Jews: circumcision and eating of kosher foods Kosher food. Islamic worldview Founded by Muhammad in 7th Century AD.  Muhammad was the last prophet and he bore God’s revelation as recorded in the Quran. The name Islam means to submit: Muslims submit to the will of God. 1. Creed (Shahada): there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s messenger 2. Prayer (Salat): Pray five times in a day: dawn, noon, midafternoon, dusk, evening 3. Almsgiving (Zakat) : giving to support the poor 4 Pilgrimage (Hajji): a trip to Mecca atleast once in a lifetime 5. Fasting (Sawm): fasting in the month of Ramathan: The penultimate night of the fast recalls when Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran 3. PANTHEISTIC WORLDVIEW Pantheism Hinduism; Taoism; Buddhism; Major aspects of pantheism 1. Brahman as the ultimate reality: infinite, self-existing, omni-present and real. He is a spiritual reality. All matter is maya (illusion). 2. The law of karma: re-union with Brahman can be achieved through observation of the law of karma (actions). 3. Caste system: People are born into castes. Castes are social stratas The order from the highest to the lowest is: Brahmin (priests), Shatriya (warriors and rulers) vaisya (traders/merchants), sudra (unskilled workers), and the outcastes (untouchables) Depending on karma, one can be reborn to a higher or lower caste. 4. Re-incarnation of souls: There is rebirth after death; existence is in heaven or on earth. Series of rebirths are experienced until one enters re-union with brahman. 5. Salvation: Three ways: works, knowledge, and devotion. Works-sacrifice, scripture reading, children Way of knowledge: follow Upanishads Meditation and unity with Brahman Way of devotion: commitment to a particular god: shiva and vishnu popular gods 6. Creation: No clear explanation