PE010-612 - Christian Worldview

  • 2,940 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 6
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • Philosophy & Ethics Unit Discipline

Prerequisites

This unit may only be undertaken by students enrolled in the Bachelor of Divinity

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Developing knowledge and understanding of a Christian worldview.

B. Be able to

1. Analyse the nature and function of worldviews

2. Critically Reflect on current scholarship regarding a Christian worldview on a selection of vocations and disciplines

3. Present Analytical evidence-based perspectives on a Christian worldview

C. Be in a position to

Apply perspectives from current scholarship regarding ‘Christian Worldview’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts 

Content

Section A: What is a worldview?

The functions of worldviews in human thought and action, how a world view is formed and how it is changed or transformed, non-Christian worldviews, a review of the history of reflection on worldviews.

Reflection on issues involved in the development of a Christian worldview from Scripture, including the place of Christian scholarship.

Section B

The description of a Christian worldview, with consideration of the possible variety among Christian worldviews and the similarity and differences of theology and worldview, and the general principles underlying its application to Christian life and ministry. A brief review of the history of reflection on worldviews.

Section C

Reflection on the expression of a Christian worldview in the Christian life and in various vocations and disciplines.

Application of a Christian worldview to at least three of the following:

i. history

ii. science

iii. the study of human culture

iv. literature and the arts

v. education

vi. apologetics

vii. cross cultural ministry

viii. economics

ix. politics

x. law

xi. health

xii. recreation

xiii. technology

xiv. media and/or communication

One of these topics (or another not covered in the list above, approved by the unit coordinator) may be the subject of a self-study sub-unit for each student, and if such a sub-unit is included in the unit, then this sub-unit should form a significant part of the unit assessment.

Further Information

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PE510.

Set Readings

Antony, L. Philosophers without Gods: Reflections on Atheism and the Secular Life (Oxford: OUP, 2010).

Begbie, J. S., Resounding Truth: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

Bouma-Prediger, S., For the Beauty of the Earth: A Christian Vision for Creation Care 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic 2010).

Cavanaugh, W. T., Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008).

Claar, V. V. and R. Klay, Economics in Christian Perspective: Theory, Policy, and Life Choices (Downer Grove: IVP, 2007).

Detweiler, C., A Matrix of Meanings, Finding God in Pop Culture (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003).

Dockery, D., Shaping a Christian Worldview (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2002).

Eckman, J. P., The Truth About Worldviews: A Biblical Understanding of Worldview Alternatives (Wheaton: Crossway, 2006).

Frame, J. M., A History of Western Philosophy & Theology (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2015).

Hiebert, P. G., Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change (Baker Academic, 2008).

Hoffecker, W. A. (ed.), Revolutions in Worldview: Understanding the Flow of Western Thought (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2007).

Johnson, T. E. and D. Savidge, Performing the Sacred, Theology and Theatre in Dialogue (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009).

Johnston, R. K., Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006).

Kuyper, A., Lectures on Calvinism (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1931).

McIlroy, D., A Biblical View of Law and Justice (Waynesboro: Paternoster, 2007).

Moreland, J. P. and W. L. Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview. 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2017).

Naugle, D. K., Worldview: The History of a Concept Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002).

Schaeffer, F., The Complete Works of Francis Schaeffer 5 vols (Westchester: Crossway, 1982).

Sire, J., The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog (6th ed.; Downers Grove: IVP, 2020).

Sproul, R. C., The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts that Shaped Our World (Wheaton: Crossway, 2009).

Staub, D., The Culturally Savvy Christian: A Manifesto for Deepening Faith and Enriching Popular Culture in an Age of Christianity-lite (San Francisco; John Wiley & Sons, 2007).

Vroom, H. M., A Spectrum of Worldviews: An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion in a Pluralistic World, M. Greidanus & A. Greidanus (trans) (Amsterdam and New York: Rodopi, 2006).

 

Wolters, A. M., Creation Regained (Downers Grove IVP, 2nd ed. 2005).

Available At

Units appear below when a college has scheduled the unit for current or upcoming delivery. Please check with your college directly for a complete list of units offered less regularly which may not appear below as not yet scheduled, and for various research projects and other delivery options which may be available on request.