Worldviews 101Sample

How Can We Understand What is Actually True?

We think the Christian worldview is true, but to make this claim we must have some concept of truth. Truth has two parts: understanding what is true with our minds (Rom. 12:2) as well as with our hearts (Heb. 4:12). The authors of Making Sense of Your World suggest four tests for evaluating whether or not a worldview is true at a mind and heart level:

1. Test of reason: Is it reasonable? Can it be logically stated and defended?
2. Test of the outer world: Is there some external, corroborating evidence to support it?
3. Test of the inner world: Does it adequately address the “victories, disappointments, blessings, crises, and relationships of our everyday world”?
4. Test of the real world: Are its consequences good or bad when applied in any given cultural context?

To say the Christian worldview is true is to say that it best describes the contours of the world as it actually exists. We’re not asking you to take our word for it: follow God, not us. If at any point you are confused, prayerfully seek God’s Word under the guidance of wise counselors with a determination to understand and obey every good thing you need to do God’s will.

Understanding the truth, though, is only the first part. We must also learn to communicate truth, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you… with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15). Critics say Christianity is irrational, unhistorical, and unscientific. Christianity is more than equal to these criticisms, but we must be trained to articulate how and why.