Christian people typically hold to five traditions that comprise a worldview that shapes the nature of their beliefs. This philosophy may also contain characteristics that observers perceive as factors which, in fact, characterize a person as a Christian. The writing that follows is not intended to be a creed or the last word on the matter, but a consistent summary of Christian beliefs.
The first point of such a worldview is belief in a single God, monotheism, and an over-arching love of the deity who is specifically accountable for all creation. With this as the foundation of a Christian worldview, for example, an individual's opinion of concepts that do not acknowledge God or that do not recognize the origin of creation will lead to a lack of agreement with these ideas.
The next factor in a Christian worldview is acceptance of Jesus as the son of God and the only salvation for humans, in the sense that Jesus is the way to everlasting life in heaven. In order to be a "Christian," the meaning of the term requires literal faith in Jesus as a personal savior. This affects a person's worldview in manifold ways, primarily in the contexts of knowing that others who believe in Jesus are also saved, that those who deny this belief are not part of the church community, and that there may be a need for teaching others about the Christian faith.
The third element of defining a worldview for the Christian faith is a belief in the Holy Ghost (or Spirit) as the manifest presence of God's power, especially as displayed in the acts of the apostles. This leads to the need for good works, or positive actions, through the church and within the community. A Christian style of life will develop active expressions of one's faith to affect one's neighbors.
The fourth element of such a worldview would be the view of Christians as people of the book, biblios, the Bible. The Bible serves as a source of inspiration and specifically expresses the point of view that each Christian should use to evaluate the events of their lives. The New Testament displays for people how to believe, think, and act in order to be Christians, which, in turn, develops one's worldview.
And the fifth element is the instruction that Christians are to demonstrate their "love" for other people in every aspect of their lives. From the basis of choosing to love other people, a Christian worldview accepts that all things will ultimately demonstrate God's love for his faithful, that belief in Jesus is the path to everlasting life, and that Christians can express that love through their actions toward others.
An outlook on the world evolving from the aforementioned Christian principles may lead to the personal revelation that God will take care of all things in His time, and that belief in Jesus, faith in the communion of the church, and actions that express love toward others will result in a peaceful and joy-filled life, though not without common sufferings of the spirit and the body. And it is the sure blessing of salvation through Jesus that gives enduring meaning to the Christian worldview.
The first point of such a worldview is belief in a single God, monotheism, and an over-arching love of the deity who is specifically accountable for all creation. With this as the foundation of a Christian worldview, for example, an individual's opinion of concepts that do not acknowledge God or that do not recognize the origin of creation will lead to a lack of agreement with these ideas.
The next factor in a Christian worldview is acceptance of Jesus as the son of God and the only salvation for humans, in the sense that Jesus is the way to everlasting life in heaven. In order to be a "Christian," the meaning of the term requires literal faith in Jesus as a personal savior. This affects a person's worldview in manifold ways, primarily in the contexts of knowing that others who believe in Jesus are also saved, that those who deny this belief are not part of the church community, and that there may be a need for teaching others about the Christian faith.
The third element of defining a worldview for the Christian faith is a belief in the Holy Ghost (or Spirit) as the manifest presence of God's power, especially as displayed in the acts of the apostles. This leads to the need for good works, or positive actions, through the church and within the community. A Christian style of life will develop active expressions of one's faith to affect one's neighbors.
The fourth element of such a worldview would be the view of Christians as people of the book, biblios, the Bible. The Bible serves as a source of inspiration and specifically expresses the point of view that each Christian should use to evaluate the events of their lives. The New Testament displays for people how to believe, think, and act in order to be Christians, which, in turn, develops one's worldview.
And the fifth element is the instruction that Christians are to demonstrate their "love" for other people in every aspect of their lives. From the basis of choosing to love other people, a Christian worldview accepts that all things will ultimately demonstrate God's love for his faithful, that belief in Jesus is the path to everlasting life, and that Christians can express that love through their actions toward others.
An outlook on the world evolving from the aforementioned Christian principles may lead to the personal revelation that God will take care of all things in His time, and that belief in Jesus, faith in the communion of the church, and actions that express love toward others will result in a peaceful and joy-filled life, though not without common sufferings of the spirit and the body. And it is the sure blessing of salvation through Jesus that gives enduring meaning to the Christian worldview.
About the Author:
W. H. Lindgren is a freelance writer presently working on a book of fiction. For an in-depth look at recent Christian news and events, or to find ministry jobs, visit eChristianNews.com.
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