Chapter 2 - Worldviews (The Culture War)
The lenses through which we SEE the World
“Through the Lens: Unveiling the World’s Worldviews”
In the vast realm of human experience, diverse perspectives shape how we perceive the world. We gather data from our visual cortex; but it is our perceptual filters that interpret what we see according to our unique life experiences, upbringing, education, cultural background, religious beliefs, and even individual personality traits. As a result, different people may interpret the same visual input differently.
Just as an optometrist uses different kinds of lenses to enhance our eyesight, various facets of society – academia, culture, politics, and religion – manufacture lenses through which we interpret reality. These lenses, like optical aids, can potentially sharpen our understanding of the world. Contrastingly, they can also distort our vision, leading us down paths that may not align with objective truth. It is vitally important to discern how various worldviews influence our perception and impact our lives. From the clear-cut to the kaleidoscopic, the incarnate Word of God, as manifested in His Son Jesus Christ, offers a unique divine lens into the human experience and understanding of our complex world.
Jesus offers a Multi-Focal lens by which we can see the world RIGHT.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Mat 6:21-24)
This verse brilliantly explains worldviews and it’s affect on us: If our worldviews are right, our whole body, will be full of light! If our worldviews, and judgments are dark, because our seeing is distorted our whole body is full of darkness. Seeing the world through the lens of Jesus, brings lights to my whole being: thoughts, emotions, relationships, work, finances, habits, values, yes every part of my being! The mention of Mammon, is a worldview. Someone serving mammon, is viewing everything and everyone as a means of profit. This view contaminates all relationships of its true intrisic value. One, is only my friend because of what can be financially gained…
Believers should have an accurate Jesus-centred Biblical lens through which they view the world. James A. Fowler, states emphatically that Christianity is not just another ism, ideology, and worldview. In his 1998 article, Fowler argues that Christianity is not a mere “ism” or a confined set of beliefs but a dynamic and living expression of the Spirit of Christ in those who embrace Him through faith.[1] Throughout history, Jesus Christ has been perceived through various “isms” and ideologies, shaping God into our image. Nonetheless, the essence of His being defies simplistic categorization.
The “Best Live Ever Lived” course on the life of Jesus Christ[2] contemplates the enigmatic paradoxical aspects of Jesus’ character: how His public speaking was filled with good-natured humour but also direct warnings of eternal judgment. He paradoxically stood as a pacifist and yet sparked controversy. He served with humility while reigning as King, healed others to empower them to heal others in turn, and led not by force but by empowering His followers. In Jesus, we encounter an unconventional combination of orthodoxy and liberality that challenges traditional understanding.
The life and teachings of Jesus Christ cannot be fully encapsulated or accurately represented by any “ism” or ideology. Jesus’ teachings were profound, revolutionary, and often paradoxical, making it difficult for any single “ism” to capture their depth and complexity fully. However, some “isms” or theological perspectives have emerged throughout history that attempt to emphasize specific aspects of Jesus’ life and doctrine. It’s important to note that none of these “isms” can fully encompass the entirety of Jesus’ teachings and life.
The Spirit of Christ
While many of these belief systems may contain elements of truth, they often fall short when taken as stand-alone premises. This is because they tend to simplify and reduce complex realities into rigid frameworks, unable to encompass the full richness and complexity of life.
Additionally, clinging too rigidly to one particular “ism” or ideology can lead to extreme positions, where individuals or groups become entrenched in their beliefs and are unwilling to consider other perspectives. This extreme pendulum swing can result in polarization, divisiveness, and the rejection of valuable insights that may exist outside the chosen ideology.
The alternative, of the Spirit of Christ, is to seek a middle ground of balance. This means embracing a more nuanced and holistic approach that acknowledges the partial truths found in various ideologies while also recognizing their limitations. It encourages openness to diverse viewpoints and a willingness to learn from different perspectives.
Moreover, the concept of paradoxical antinomy refers to the coexistence of seemingly contradictory truths. This notion recognizes that some aspects of reality are not easily reconciled within a single framework. Instead of trying to force a resolution between opposing truths, the idea suggests embracing the paradox and understanding that both truths may coexist without negating each other.
The Spirit of Christ, in this context, represents a guiding principle of humility, love, and wisdom. It seeks unity amidst diversity and encourages individuals to approach complex issues with empathy and compassion. It acknowledges that ultimate truths may be beyond complete human comprehension and that the journey of seeking truth is ongoing.
Bible Hermeneutics
Many distortions affect a message being understood by the listener. At any given time when two people communicate, there exists an invisible barrier between them that may distort the original intended meaning: audible noise, emotional distress, timing, hunger, sickness and trauma, tiredness etc.
Written communication has even more challenges because we do not have emojis to show the speaker’s mood. Ancient languages have limited mood indicators embedded in the grammar, but average readers cannot access this and thus miss the emotion behind the words. We also do not have the non-verbal cues, hand gestures, and facial expressions to enhance meaning. On top of that, we must realize the enormous distance of the ancient time period in terms of social development, unique cultural unspoken laws and understanding, unknown physical geographical space, ancient language of idioms, and unknown word pictures.
Since the bible was written, we have had 2000 years of religious movements of thought and perspective that influenced Bible translation, commentaries, sermons and understanding according to the period. For example Hellenistic Jewism, Rabbinic Jewism, Apostolic fathers (Didache[3]), Church councils[4], Middle (dark) ages, Reformation and Renaissance (Luther, Calvin, Knox, Swingley – the five solas) and the Anabaptists, Age of Renewal and revival (Quackers, Moravians, Whitefield), Age of progress (Wilberforce, Finney, Wesley), Pentecostalism (William Seymore Azusa Str – four square gospel), Evangelical (Billy Graham, Reinhardt Bonnke), Charismatic (House churches, Contemporary Worship, each member has a ministry, faith), Apostolic Reformation (Spherical Leadership, Missions, Social Responsibility, Doctrine).
Moreover, one must consider all the heresies, and false doctrines that tried to delude the gospel message of the kingdom over the years. See A Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century A.D., with an Account of the Principal Sects and Heresies.[5]
We ourselves can distort the text.
Norman Gottwald[6] suggests that theological students should self-consciously reflect on the following eighteen factors that have shaped their experiences.
(1) denominational history or tradition,
(2) norms or standards valued besides the Bible;
(3) their working theology,
(4) ethnicity,
(5) gender,
(6) social class,
(7) educational background,
(8) community priorities,
(9) explicit political position,
(10) implicit political stances,
(11) customary exposures to the Bible,
(12) Bible translations used,
(13) use of other Bible study tools,
(14) past exposure to biblical preaching,
(15) orientation toward biblical scholarship,
(16) family influences,
(17) life crises, and
(18) spirituality and divine guidance.
Students may then reflect on how they have consciously or unconsciously prioritized these various factors in their lives and how they may help or hinder valid biblical interpretation.[7]
Social-scientific approaches to scripture.
A much greater danger and challenge immerged over the years: Social-scientific approaches to scripture.
Over the year,s advocacy groups would rise and try to find biblical validation for their pursuits, like the liberation struggle of the civil rights movement – Martin Luther King Jr. Recently the social justice movement seeking gender, race, sexual-right equality is giving rise to a more liberal hermeneutic. These strong post-modern themes dominate people’s perspective and lens by which they interpret scripture.
Textual Criticism
In the Bible, we do not have any of the original text as written by the original author. The work of textual critics involves tedious and painstaking comparisons of dozens of ancient OT manuscripts and versions, and hundreds (thousands if one includes small fragments) of portions of Greek NT texts from the early centuries of the Christian era. Ancient writing on scrolls and codices (manuscripts in book form) did not look much like print in modern books. In the oldest manuscripts, words were written in capital letters with no use of lowercase and no spacing between words, punctuation, hyphenation, paragraphing, section headings, or any of the other devices of modern writing.
Comparing older manuscript copies, with modern translations of the text shows a huge amount of additions, alterations, and omissions of the older manuscripts. This off-course was done depending on the particular group doing the scribing’s particular doctrinal belief.[8]
The need for accurate Doctrine:
The point is: one does need an accurate Christ-centred doctrinal belief framework to interpret scripture accurately.
The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Ps 119:160)
“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (Matthew 28:20, NKJV)
“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.” (John 7:17, NKJV)
“But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.” (Romans 6:17, NKJV)
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17, NKJV)
“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:13, NKJV)
“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,” (2 Timothy 3:10, NKJV)
“and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvationthrough faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:15–17, NKJV)
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2, NKJV)
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:” (Titus 2:1, NKJV) “not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” (Titus 2:10, NKJV)
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 9, NKJV)
Principals for Formulating Accurate Doctrinal Thesis:
Doctrine is a formulation of one’s beliefs. For context view Natural Geographic series on Taboos in culture.[9] Without a biblical objective code of truth, anything goes!
The Spirit of the Word
The most important doctrinal hermeneutic principle is to first understand the ‘spirit of the Word’. In a recent major retailer’s ethical code manual, the introduction explains that there are many rules and guidelines expressed, but if someone wants to be unethical, they will eventually succeed regardless of all the rules mentioned. One must therefore first grasp the spirit of intend – ethical fairness. The same principle applies when reading scripture as a whole. As explained in previous chapters, get to know the author, be filled with Spirit of the Author, and spend time with all the Author’s children and you will grasp the wisdom, heart, mind behind the texts.
Common Law of right-wiseness.
Melchizedek, a pagan king do what is right, this rightness is explained in Heb 7:3 “made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” 15 He understood the Priestly mandate of tending, keeping, protecting, persevering, stewarding. (Gen 2:15) This premise can be found throughout the bible. Jesus applies pragmatic sobering wisdom to deal with life’s difficulties. Fundamental to Jesus’ life were His logic, reasonableness, sobriety, and use of common sense. Jesus reveals the folly of religious dualism and double standards:
“You want to swear by the heavens, the earth, the temple, the altar, the throne of God. . . why not just that your yes, yes, and your no, no. ” (Matt. 5: 33-37).
“Do not think that repeated rhymes recite more power to move God. “They imagine their prayers will be heard because they use a lot of words.” (Matt. 6: 7).
Some people try to fit their bodies into clothes. Clothes are for the body. Let your body determine your attire. “Therefore, I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? ” (Matt. 6:25).
What makes one unclean? What you eat, or the words you speak? “You must now listen and understand well! It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles the man. But what comes out of the mouth makes one unclean. ” (Matt. 15:10).
“Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (Matt. 15: 17-20).
Jesus often uses practical examples of common sense to help listeners see how foolish religious practice really is.
Blessing to the nations.
Man’s purpose is clearly outlined that he wants the world that we subdue, to be His delight. When we cause delight, we make Eden out of chaos. (Exo 12) God created… then said “it is good”. Our purpose is to reshape, reorder, subdue that what is in our hand, and do good, cause delight! “Does it contribute to human flourishing? Is it good for the earth? Good for you? Good for your city, your nation, your world? Good for culture? Does it take the raw materials of Planet Earth — metal and wood and wind and words and ideas and E=mc2 — and rearrange them into a place where image bearers can thrive in relationship to God? Most importantly, is it something that God smiles on? After all, his opinion of your work matters more than anybody else’s. After a hard day’s labor, can you hear God whisper in your ear, Well done?”[10] Throughout the History of the Jews as a small group of people, they always found among the greatest of world-dominating nations: Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, America, United Nations. The same applies to the church, Jesus made a point to work across the cultural ethic and social-class boundaries of His time. He included the Samaritans, Roman Soldiers, and tax collectors, he touched the lepers and the disenfranchised.[11]
Christ-centred Values:
Balance, reciprocity, compassion, inclusion, justice, impartiality, fairness, faithful, stewardship, and personal responsibility are some of the most cardinal to the heart of Jesus Christ. Even if some do not believe Christ exists, he is still the best way to do life. Our Doctrinal beliefs should be centered around these Christ-centred values. Follow the link in the footnotes for a modern-day application of a Christ-centred valued-driven ethic healing SA’s historically divisive past regard land-reform.[12]
Let the Bible interpret the Bible.
Seek other scriptures and portions that describe and explain the former? All the parts explain the singular part. For example: “Baptism in the Holy Spirit.” We first read of this concept when John baptized Jesus. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Mat 3:11 and John 1: 32-34) Jesus repeats these words after His resurrection when He ascends to heaven and commands them to wait on the Holy Spirit. John did baptize with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit within a few days. ”(Acts 1: 5) This Scripture was literally fulfilled a few days later when the Holy Spirit was poured out. (Acts 2: 1-13) The concept, of baptism in the Holy Spirit, therefore clearly indicates the experience that the disciples had on the day of Pentecost.
Retain the paradox/balance/antinomy of the truth.
“Paradox is never about two. Paradox is about the conception of a tertium quid, a “third somewhat,” that is born from the coming together of two opposites. True twoness always births threeness. The living-water gospel is a cocktail of opposites, a paradoxical brew of hydrogen and oxygen, both of which burn but when brought together douse burning.[13] Packer explains the antinomy of conflicting truths, as per example of how scientist measure light. “There is cogent evidence to show that light consists of waves, and equally cogent evidence to show that it consists of particles. It is not apparent how light can be both waves and particles, but the evidence is there, and so neither view can be ruled out in favor of the other. Neither, however, can be reduced to the other or explained in terms of the other; the two seemingly incompatible positions must hold together, and both must be treated as true. Such a necessity scandalizes our tiny minds, no doubt, but there is no help for it if we are to be loyal to the facts.”[14]
A famous theological antinomy is: the Arminian – vs Calvin debate. Arminius taught that Calvinist predestination and unconditional election made God the author of evil. Instead, Arminius insisted, God’s election was an election of believers and therefore was conditioned on faith. This antinomy is mentioned here together in one text: Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:36-38) Armenians hold to the imperative “Repent” while the Calvinist hold to the unconditional promise “the Lord our God will call”. This paradox is easily explained as a before-salvation, and after-salvation perspective. Before salvation, the call is made to everyone to come and repent! After salvation, one realises that salvation was a work of grace not effort.
Jesus Christ is perfect theology.[15]
The best commentary ever was where Jesus Himself explained the scripture to the two disciples traveling from Emmaus. And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Luk 24:27) The safest Bible Interpretation pertains to seeing Christ revealed.
Do not build doctrine on allegory, visions, and experiences.
Although experiences and emotions are a necessary part of our faith, it is still a subjective perspective. Who can argue against what a person personally has experienced? One cannot, therefore, base a doctrinal premise on an experience of a particular analogy. Find the meaning the author placed on an allegory, picture-image, or metaphor. For example: “Can the friends of the mourn as long as the is with them?” (Mat 9:15) Some have taken this singular scripture to mean that there is the bride, and then there are friends of the bride. Thus, two distinct groups of people with different privileges are accepted in heaven. This is simply not what was implied by the author or understood by the ancient listeners.
The longer-explained portion of scripture explains the quick intermitted mention in other places. A very good example of this is found in Jesus’ teaching three long elaborate portions of scripture on the question: What is going to happen in the end? (Mat 24:3-44; Mar 13:5-37; Luk 21:8- 36) These portions of scripture by Jesus, is certainly more authoritative than Daniel’s prophetic remark in the OT, or Paul’s random remark in his letters. One should thus first read Jesus’ words, then interpret all other verses accordingly.
New covenant reality interprets the old covenant promise.
A titanic shift occurred in religious understanding with the arrival, life, death and resurrection of Christ. The following recent author’s books are worth the read, to validate the importance of this point. Andy Stanley – Irresistible[16], and Alan Platt – It is done![17] Too many people are interpreting scriptures focussed on their righteousness, and what they should do to be accepted and approved by God. This is an Old Covenant view. The after-the-cross perspective is radically different! It is a completely different perspective. The New Covenant view is to be focussed on the righteousness of Christ, receiving it by faith, as He makes us His disciples, children, holy people, and re-purposed nation.
The Bible is a supernatural Book.
Some scriptures are statements, and information, not commands. Some are commands and need to be obeyed. We will have much fewer strange doctrines, and divisions in the church, if simply obey the words of Jesus. But not all of us are required to sell all, give to the poor, and become missionaries. Some of the influential followers of Jesus supported Him, and He did not require them to sell everything. This is where interpretation becomes huely important! Remember the Bible is a spiritual book, of a spiritual God, who works the supernatural faith in individuals to obey Him. God is Spirit, and one can only truly know Him by the Spirit. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 The Bible is a collection of stories of ordinary people having a mystical, supernatural encounter with a mysterious invisible, unknown God. The patriarchs are known for having several angelic encounters, visions, dreams, divine instructions with a supernatural God. The Bible is truly a compilation of people experiencing all kinds of supernatural activities with a supernatural God.[18] Some people research the book, and never discover the supernatural enabling power of God towards right living, and doing the more Jesus promised His disciples to do. (John 14:12)
He who controls the source document controls the doctrine.
There have been many attempts to find the oldest, most direct words of God, in the most original language. Recently such a man translated the Bible from the Aramaic to Afrikaans. He hence introduced several doctrines, like Jesus is not the son of God, was not divine and we ought to rekindle the application of the OT laws. The following link is in Afrikaans, but is an explanation, why this translation goes against the whole mainstream theological, text-critical work of generations. [19]
[1] http://www.christinyou.net/pages/Xnotism.html
[2] https://diebestelewe.co.za
[3] Franck, N., 2017. Didache. 1st ed.
[4] https://www.ccel.org/fathers
[5] Wace, H., 1911. A dictionary of Christian biography and literature to the end of the 6th century A.D.. London: Murray. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/w/wace/biodict/cache/biodict.pdf
[6] N. K. Gottwald, “Framing Biblical Interpretation at New York Theological Seminary: A Student Self-Inventory on Biblical Hermeneutics,” in Reading from This Place, 1:251–61.
[7] N. K. Gottwald, “Framing Biblical Interpretation at New York Theological Seminary: A Student Self-Inventory on Biblical Hermeneutics,” in Reading from This Place, 1:251–61.
[8] Ehrman, B., 2014. Jesus, interrupted. HarperCollins e-Books.
[9] https://www.natgeotv.com/in/taboo/videos/taboo
[10] Comer, J., n.d. Garden city.
[11] https://hrco.co.za/blogs/why-we-need-to-reach-all-nations-2/
[12] https://landsummit.co.za/about/
[13] Sweet, L., 2009. So beautiful. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook.
[14] “(J. I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God [Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1961] p. 19).” Excerpt From: Jan Oosthuizen. “Die persoon en werk van die Heilige Gees”. Apple Books.
[15] Oosthuizen J.A. Jesus the best life ever lived. https://diebestelewe.co.za
[16] Stanley, A., n.d. Irresistible.
[17] Platt. A, 2016. Not do but done. ‘living from the completed work of christ.’ struik christian media.
[18] Footnote Chart adapted from Appendix 2 in Norman L. Geisler. Miracles and the Modern Mind: A Defense of Biblical Miracles. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker (1992).
[19] https://www.litnet.co.za/n-oorspronklike-aramese-nuwe-testament-n-kritiese-evaluasie-van-die-pesjitta-voorrangsteorie-die-die-pad-van-waarheid-tot-die-lewe-vertaling