Millions of questions; two answers

In a book I'm reading at the moment the author poses a thought-provoking argument in the early chapters. He suggests that the vast majority of debates relating to the value of life, morality, and so on, boil down to two major worldviews that are gripped in a fierce battle (in America at least). These two worldviews relate to two views of how the universe (including humans) came to exist: one that views the universe as being bought into existence by a Creator; and the other, that views the universe as having evolved through natural causes.

It would take many blog posts to cover this topic (maybe just read the book for yourself). But it does simplify things a lot for me. Basically, decisions based on the Creation view take into account the fact that humans will be made accountable for their actions to God. Human life has immense value because people are created in the image of God, and each life is precious in His sight. On the other hand, decisions based on a naturalistic view may uphold the power of an individual to make their own choices as paramount. Or perhaps the 'greater good'.

Abortion, for example, is at present permitted in Australia, because the naturalistic view is preferred by many Australians (or perhaps, they do not see where allowing abortion may conflict with a belief in God). I oppose abortion because I do not believe we should terminate the life of a human being, be they born or unborn. Naturalism, however, is 'pro choice' - it emphasises the choice of the mother as being paramount. We can see how, in this example, the real war is between two worldviews, not just between two sides of a current debate. Anti-abortionists campaign so vigorously because they know the underlying principles that are at stake - those that determine the value we place on human life. And our decisions on these matters have widespread ramifications.

There are limitations to this concept: an important one that comes to mind is that there are those who reject naturalism but also reject creationism - and these type of worldviews are growing in popularity.

I might blog more about this later. In the meantime, I'd encourage you to think about what lies at the heart of your beliefs. Why do you believe what you do? And if your worldview was held by everybody, what do you think the world would be like?

I know that most of us would like the whole world to believe what we do, but I want to challenge you to take your beliefs to their extreme end and examine them. What would happen if there were (insert-your-worldview-here) extremists, or if your views about some debates were transferred to others and the whole world followed that system of beliefs and values? What would that world be like? Is it a nice place to live?

Another question: is their congruency to your actions? That is, if you believe that life is precious, do you treat every individual person you meet accordingly? Now there's a challenge, to me also...

Like I said, I'll blog more about this later.

For more info about worldview, check out this post.