Clarification of Worldviews (Sidebar 1)

Worldview is how one sees and explains what is real. It is a benchmark from which one measures and assesses such topics as self, life, the universe, beginnings as well as endings, values, and evil. Geisler (1999) and Phillips and Brown (1991) think there are at least seven basic worldviews: theism, atheism, deism, pantheism, panentheism, finite godism, and polytheism. When each view is thoroughly defined, they are understood to be mutually exclusive; a person cannot consistently hold to more than one view at a time. Further, in terms of logic, only one can be true and the others false.

The best way to sort out the unique significance of these different views is to make a flow diagram to demonstrate what they have in common and in contrast. Many configurations could be constructed, yet one built on characteristics of the Creator will serve to illustrate the dichotomous nature of these philosophical ideas.

Worldviews Flow Diagram

In a similar fashion, beliefs about human nature, the origin of evil, and the future could be separated in such a diagram. Such a figure can also be used to help individuals find their position in these belief systems.

Dr. Morris rightly points out that there are only two worldviews when discussing the type of creator responsible for reality: matter or God. In fact, the atheistic position, which is frequently referred to as naturalism as opposed to supernaturalism, has been posited by the blasphemous paraphrase, "In the beginning hydrogen created the heavens and earth," (Shapley, 1960). So, although there may exist many philosophical stories, there are only two fundamental explanations for the universe: either God is the Creator or matter created itself.

References
1. Geisler, N. L. 1999. Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Books.
2. Shapley, H. ed. 1960. Science Ponders Religion. New York, Appleton-Century-Crofts. p. 3.
3. Phillips, W. G. and W. E. Brown, 1991. Making Sense of Your World, Chicago, IL, Moody Press.