How Should We Analyze a Worldview?

Post Author: Bill Pratt

There are many worldviews out there to choose from: Christianity,
Islam, secular humanism, New Age spiritualism, and so on. Since
choosing a worldview is perhaps one of the most important things a
person must do, it is highly important that we have a trustworthy
method to evaluate the options. Our worldview colors the way we see
almost everything around us, so we must choose wisely.
Apologist Ravi Zacharias offers what he calls the 3-4-5 method of
analyzing worldviews. I would like to share it with you because it will
provide you a method with which to judge worldview options.
First, there are three tests that a worldview must pass. It must be:
1. logically consistent Its teachings cannot be self-contradictory.
2. empirically adequate Its teachings must match what we see in
reality.
3. existentially relevant Its teachings must speak directly to how
we actually live our lives.
Second, each worldview must address the following four ultimate
questions:
1. origin Where do the universe and human beings come from?
2. meaning What is the meaning or purpose of life?
3. morality How do we know what is right and what is wrong?
4. destiny What happens to us after we die?
Third, there are five academic disciplines that must be employed to
study a worldview:
1. theology the study of God
2. metaphysics the study of what is ultimately real
3. epistemology the study of how we can know things
4. ethics the study of moral right and wrong
5. anthropology the study of what and who humans are
Why do I believe that the worldview of biblical Christianity is the best
choice? Its teachings are logically consistent, they accurately describe
reality as it is, and they speak directly to the human condition.
In addition, Christianity provides compelling and powerful answers to
the questions of origin, meaning, morality, and destiny.
Finally, the theology, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and
anthropology of the Christian worldview are expansively rich and
deeply profound unsurpassed by any other worldview.
If you are a Christian and you havent analyzed Christianity using the 3-
4-5 method, you are truly missing out. Read, and read some more. Dig
into your faith, as it provides comprehensive answers to lifes most
important questions.
If you are not a Christian, I plead with you to open your heart and mind,
and study the Christian worldview. Apply the 3-4-5 method described
above, but never forget that Christian doctrine always revolves around
a person, Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of our faith, and it is to
him that we look.