Joshua Strahan - The Basics of Christian Belief: Bible, Theology, and Lifes Big Questions

General

Old Testament

New Testament

Why Worldview Matters

There are some people... and I am one of themwho think that the most practical and important thing about a [person] is still his [or her] view of the universe.

G. K. Chesterton, Heretics

If you lived in London at the turn of the twentieth century, you would probably be aware of the six-foot-four, three-hundred-pound, bushy-mustachioed, cigar-smoking, sword-cane-wielding British journalist by the name of G. K. Chesterton. This larger-than-life man had a knack for saying something that sounded unreasonable, then going on to show why, in fact, it was quite reasonable. Take Chestertons claim above: There are some people... and I am one of themwho think that the most practical and important thing about a [person] is still his [or her] view of the universe. Surely Chesterton is exaggerating, right? Could a persons view of the universe have any actual, practical relevance in the realm of everyday life? And sure, a persons view of the universe might be interesting, but isnt calling it important a bit much?

Lets consider Chestertons bold claim by examining two views of the universe: the worldview assumed by atheism and the worldview assumed by the Lords Prayer. The following thought exercise will likely feel simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar. Everybody knows what atheism is. And even most people who arent Christians have probably heard the Lords Prayer in movies or on television. I suspect, however, that many may be unfamiliar with the practical and important implications of atheism and the Lords Prayer.

I chose atheism and the Lords Prayer because of the draw they have for me personallyin part because I believe they offer the two most intellectually satisfying systems of thought. I am a Christian who has prayed the Lords Prayer regularly for more than fifteen years. I know firsthand the intimacy, comfort, strength, and beauty of this prayer. Sometimes, however, atheism appeals to me, especially since Christianity can feel exhaustingintellectually, emotionally, ethically. I grow tired trying to find answers to questions that dont have easy answers. I find it fatiguing to care in a world with so many broken people and broken situations. And I get worn out trying to love my neighbor as myself. So why do I stick with Christianity? There are several reasons, and one of those reasons is that Ive considered the practical and important implications of both Christianity and atheism, which well now look at in a bit more detail.