Worldview Basics Pt.2: God as Absolute Personality

By Dylan Rowland

Last week we began a study covering the basic principles of “Weltanschauung”, or worldview, and opened the series by formulating a brief history and definition of the concept (click here to view). We found that, according to the Prussian philosopher Immanuel Kant, a very simplistic definition of Weltanschauung consists of one’s sense perceptions of the world—the lens through which a person views reality. Given this introduction, I also noted that, for the remaining segments of this series, I would like to focus our attention on discussing what John Frame describes as, “The four most important things to remember about the Christian worldview.”[1] So…what are they?

According to Frame, the four most important concerns for maintaining a healthy Christian worldview are, “First, the absolute personality of God; second, the relationship between Creator and creature; third, the sovereignty of God; and fourth, the Trinity.”[2] Let’s dissect the first—the absolute personality of God.

Songs for Your Playlist

I have a confession.  I like Christian rap.  There, I said it.  I know, I know, it’s the thing to do because guys like John Piper have supported and promoted Christian hip-hop.  Regardless, I still like it.  While many Christians I know would think the mixture of Christianity and hip-hop go together like oil and water, the fact is that you will likely hear more truth proclaimed in one song by Lecrae, Shai Linne, or Trip Lee than you will after listening to a contemporary Christian station for an hour.  Having said that, here are a few of my favorites…

This is Trip Lee’s “To Live is Christ,” from his album 13 Letters.

Here’s Shai Linne’s “Perfect Love,” from his album The Attributes of God.

Finally, this is Beautifly Eulogy’s song “Beautiful Eulogy,” from their most recent album Satellite Kite.  You can download the entire album for free here.

TBR Recommends…

Hey guys, here is some recommeneded reading for you to consider. Since there will be a series of posts from Robie and I concerning apologetics and worldview, I figured that I would reocommend three books that have been helpful for me. I hope you will find them useful!

The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God– This book was written by John Frame and is the first in the Theology of Lordship Series. It deals with the issue of epistemology from a Christian perspective. I have been very influenced by Frame in my thinking and recommend this book to everyone (click here).

Worldview: The History of a Concept– This book was written by David K. Naugle and is a fairly extensive study on the concept of worldview. Though I have not read it in its entirety, what I have read has been very beneficial (Click here).

Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview– This work was written by William Lane Craig and J.P Moreland, two of Christianity’s major apologists. Though I do not agree theologically with Craig or Moreland on several issues, I absolutley have a profound respect for them and charish their defense of the faith and building of a Christian worldview (Click here).

Worldview Basics Pt.1: Understanding Worldview

Lately, when Robie and I meet together in the lobby of our local Tim Horton’s restaurant for coffee, it seems that there is one theme that dominates our conversation—that of worldview. One of the many blessings that God has graciously granted is the companionship of another who cares deeply for the same issues that concern me. What Robie and I have come to understand (and I hope he agrees!) is that discussing the concept of building and maintaining a Christian worldview is of paramount importance! Over the next several weeks, I’d like to take some time and expound upon what John Frame labels as, “The four most important things to remember about the Christian worldview.”[1] However, before all the fun begins, we must do a little work in defining the idea of what it means to champion a “worldview”.

TBR Recommends…

Here’s this week’s recommended reading.  As usual, I hope you find it to be helpful.  – Robie

I have placed Jamie Munson’s post on priorities first this week, and if you read it, I think you will see why.

Ed Stetzer posted this article on the benefits of effective small groups in the church.

Kevin DeYoung posted this overview of his recent sermon series on the doctrine of Scripture, particularly, Jesus’ view of Scripture.

Dave Dunham writes an important piece entitled, “Prodding Obedience vs Rock Star Christianity,” a problem facing many churches as they try to reach younger generations.