Every time we listen to a song, see a film, read a newspaper or novel, watch TV or have a casual conversation with friends we are being exposed to a world view of some kind.
This lively, eye-opening new book highlights society’s most influential voices and the extent to which they impact our daily lives. Feminism, Postmodernism, Relativism, Consumerism, Liberalism and New Age Spiritualism are dealt with among others. You may be surprised to learn what lies behind the dominant messages of our culture and how these relate to a Christian world view.
Simon Smart, the editor of A spectator’s guide to world views, suggests that as Christians we should try to understand the influence various world views have on us. “Our increasingly complex society,” says Simon, “is one in which we are close to people at work, in our neighbourhood, on the bus, in classrooms and possibly the same house who regard out world view as nonsense. This makes it all the more important to understand something of the world views of others and be conscious of what lies behind the messages we receive.”
So what do we say when chit-chat during homeopathic therapy turns to crystals, self-actualisation and inner spirituality? Or conversation at a dinner party focuses on the latest acquisitions of fashion, cars and gadgets? How do we react to a colleague whose attitude is “No-one is right or wrong. Everyone is entitled to their own perspective?”
Understanding what lies behind such views may well be the first step in being able to effectively explain our own faith to others.
Simon insists that while the writers of each chapter in A spectator’s guide to world views hold firmly to a Christian world view, they aim to give a balanced, fair and objective presentation of each ‘ism’. “We hope that in understanding the basis of each world view and the implications of accepting it as true, readers will be able to make their own judgments; to be able to compare and recognise distinctions with Christianity. All the more important is the need to understand and articulate our own world view - what we believe about God, ourselves, other people and the world around us.”
This easy-to-read book will appeal to both Christians and religious ‘spectators’. It includes questions for reflection and discussion, making it an ideal resource for young adult study groups and Christian Studies classes in senior school.
Contributing authors include: John Dickson, Kirsten Birkett, Greg Clarke, Ross Clifford, Andrew Cameron, Rod Thompson, David Koyzis, Geoff Broughton, Mary Fisher and Michele Smart.
