The necessity of an integral Christian worldview: Reconnoitring the challenges for influencing the unbelieving world

 

Die noodsaaklikheid van 'n integrale Christelike wêreldbeskouing: Verkenning van die uitdagings vir beïnvloeding van die ongelowige wêreld

 

 

P.M. Theron; G.A. Lotter

School of Ecclesiastical Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom E-mail: ptvila@gmail.com, george.lotter@nwu.ac.za

 

 

---

ABSTRACT

Christians often conclude from the apostle Paul's warning: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Cor. 6:14), that he condemns all contact with non-Christians and advocates total withdrawal from the world. However, Christians are called to "influence the world". They need to find the fine balance between an exclusive and an accommodating Christianity. Being continously aware of and grounded in the Christian worldview will guide Christians to realise their calling to be "reformers" in all spheres of life. Christians are called to contribute to society's transformation by means of a comprehensive view of full-time service to God in every area of life. Christianity can only influence the world effectively if it is grounded in an integral Christian worldview and continually addresses the economy, politics, society, culture, religion, education and society as a whole. Flowing from the discussion, proposed guidelines for influencing the unbelieving world will be given at the end of the article.

Key concepts: Christians; unbelievers

---

OPSOMMING

Christene dink dikwels dat die apostel Paulus met sy waar-skuwing: "Moenie met ongelowiges in dieselfde juk trek nie" (2 Kor. 6:14), alle kontak met nie-Christene veroordeel en dat hy totale onttrekking aan die wêreld voorstaan. Christene word egter geroep om die "wereld te beïnvloed". Hulle moet die fyn balans tussen 'n eksklusiewe en 'n akkommoderende Christenskap vind. 'n Voortdurende bewuswees van en gegrondwees in die Christelike lewensbeskouing, sal Christene laat besef dat hulle 'n roeping het om "hervormers" op alle terreine van die lewe te wees. Christene is geroep tot transformasie van die gemeenskap deur middel van 'n omvattende beeld van voltydse diens aan God op elke terrein van die lewe. Die Christendom kan alleen die wêreld effektief beïnvloed indien dit in 'n integrale Christelike wêreldbeskouing gegrond is en voortdurend betrokke is by die eise van die ekonomie, politiek, gemeenskap, kultuur, godsdiens, opvoedkunde en die gemeenskap in sy totaliteit. Voortspruitende uit die artikel, word ten slotte riglyne voorgestel vir die beïnvloeding van die ongelowige wêreld.

Kernbegrippe: Christene; ongelowiges

---

 

 

Full text available only in PDF format.

 

 

List of references

ALFEYEV, H. 2005. European Christianity and the challenges of militant secularism. The ecumenical review, 57(1):82-91.         [ Links ]

ANDERSON, N.T., ZUEHLKE, T.E. & ZUEHLKE, J.S. 2000. Christ centered therapy. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.         [ Links ]

ANON. 2005. Media release embargoed: for release 29 November 2005. http://www.pwc.com/gx/eng/cfr/gecs/PWC_GECS05_South_Africa_PR.pdf Date of access: 16 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

ANON. 2006a. Declaration by church leaders on violence and crime in South Africa. http://www.kerkweb.org.za/persverklaring.asp?pid=31&sinid=22 Date of access: 13 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

ANON. 2006b. Media in motion. Christianity today, 50(10):38-39.         [ Links ]

ANON. 2007a. Towards a Christian worldview. http://thebigpicture.homestead.com/TowardsaChristianWrldview~ns4.html Date of access: 16 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

ANON. 2007b. Verklaring: landsituasie. http://www.kerkweb.org.za/persverklaring.asp?pid=39&sinid=22 Datum van gebruik: 13 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

ANON. 2007c. The world democracy audit. http://www.worldaudit.org/democracy.htm Date of access: 16 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

ARCH, C.C. 2007. A critical response to: building a Christian worldview. http://goodnewsiowacity.com/new_page_11.htm Date of access: 16 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

BALASURIYA, T. 2001. Communication ethics with a pluralist worldview. (In Lee, P., ed. Communication, reconciliation: challenges facing the 21st century. Geneva: WCC. p. 32-45.         [ Links ])

BARNA, G. 2006. Revolution. Vereeniging: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy.         [ Links ]

BARNETT, P. 1999. The message of 2 Corinthians. Leicester: InterVarsity.         [ Links ]

BARROW, J.D. 2006. The great basilica of nature. Science & theology news, 6(8):16-19.         [ Links ]

BERRY, R.J., ed. 2000. The care of creation: focusing concern and action. Downers Grove: InterVarsity.         [ Links ]

BOSMAN, J. 2002. Pastoraat aan die Afrika-mens. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. (M.Th.-verhandeling.         [ Links ])

BROWNING, D.S. 2006. Christian ethics and the moral psychologies. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.         [ Links ]

COETZEE, J.C. 1999. Menseregte: wat sê die Bybel? Die Kerkblad, 102(3058):8-10.         [ Links ]

CURRAN, P. 2000. All the hours God sends? Leicester: InterVarsity.         [ Links ]

DE VILLIERS, D.E. 1999. Challenges to Christian ethics in the present South African society. Scriptura, 69(1):75-91.         [ Links ]

DE VILLIERS, D.E. 2000. Die morele genesing van die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing: die bydrae van die Afrikaanse kerke. Hervormde teologiese studies, 56(2 & 3):440-455.         [ Links ]

DE VILLIERS, D.E. 2005. The vocation of reformed ethicist in the present South African society. Scriptura, 89:521-535.         [ Links ]

DU PLOOY, H. 2004. Die hede en 'n hoopvolle toekoms? Woord en daad, 387: 6-8.         [ Links ]

DUNCAN, G.A. 2002. A place in the sun? The role of the church in moral renewal and social transformation. Verbum et ecclesia, 23(2):333-342.         [ Links ]

ECHLIN, E.P. 2004. The cosmic circle: Jesus and ecology. Dublin: Columba.         [ Links ]

FERGUSON, K. 2006. Harvard creates science-religion chair. Science & theology news, 6(7): 14.         [ Links ]

FORRESTER, D.B. 2001. Social justice and welfare. (In Gill, R., ed. The Cambridge companion to Christian ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 195-207.         [ Links ])

FOURIE, D. 1998. Toepassing van moraliteit in die Suid-Afrikaanse staatsdiens. Koers, 63(3):251-267.         [ Links ]

FRENCH, W. 2005. Ecology. (In Schweiker, W., ed. The Blackwell companion to religious ethics. Malden: Blackwell. p. 469-476.         [ Links ])

GARDNER, B. 1997. Business ethics: a Christian perspective. The South African Baptist journal of theology, 6:54-58.         [ Links ]

GARLAND, D.E. 1999. The new American commentary: 2 Corinthians. Vol. 29. Nashville: Broadman & Holman.         [ Links ]

GIBERSON, K. 2006. Deep reflection. Science & theology news, 6(11 & 12):5.         [ Links ]

GOREDEMA, C. 2007. Fidentia case proves that fraud mechanisms are not working. Daily dispatch: 9, 15 Mar.         [ Links ]

GOUNDEN, F. 2007. Metro policemen fired in corruption probe. Independent on Saturday: 2, 21 Apr.         [ Links ]

HARTIN, P.J. 1997. Christian ethics in a pluralistic society: towards a theology of compromise. Religion & theology, 4(1):21-34.         [ Links ]

HAUERWAS, S. & WILLIMON, W.H. 1989. Resident aliens: a provocative Christian assessment of culture and ministry for people who know that something is wrong. Nashville: Abingdon.         [ Links ]

HEYNS, M. 2006. Die "antitese" - medisyne vir ons tyd? Woord en daad, 397:1-4.         [ Links ]

HOEK, J. 2009. Calvijn en de gemeenteopbouw. (In De Greef, W. & Van Campen, M., eds. Calvijn na 500 jaar: een lees en gespreksboek. Zoetermeer: Boekencentrum. p. 177-193.         [ Links ])

HOLLANDS, B. 2007. Sordid sex scare on cellphone chat system. Weekend post: 1, 3 Mar.         [ Links ]

HOLLINGER, D.P. 2004. Worldview: the history of a concept. Christian century, 121(2):40-41.         [ Links ]

HORGAN, J. 2007. Francis Collins: the scientist as believer. National geographic, 211(2):35-39.         [ Links ]

HOWELL, B.M. 2006. Globalization, ethnicity, and cultural authenticity: implications for theological education. Christian scholar's review, 25(3):303-321.         [ Links ]

HULST, J.B. 2004. Christian world view and scholarship. (In Hulst, J.B., ed. Christian world view and scholarship. Melbourne: Amani. p. 6-21.         [ Links ])

JANSE VAN RENSBURG, J. 2000. The paradigm shift: an introduction to postmodern thought and its implications for theology. Pretoria: Van Schaik.         [ Links ]

JANSE VAN RENSBURG, J.J. & PIENAAR, G.J. 2005. Vreemdeling in jou eie land? Teologiese riglyne vanuit 1 Petrus, met 'n juridiese begronding. In die Skriflig, 39(1):27-52.         [ Links ]

JORDAAN, T. 2000. Die nuwe etiek van doen. Insig, 146:30.         [ Links ]

KEATING, C. 2007. Dugmore to clamp down on school violence. Cape Argus: 5, 7 Jun.         [ Links ]

KINGMA, B.R. & LOTTER, G.A. 2002. Begrip vir die lewenskonteks van mense as 'n vereiste vir pastorale begeleiding. Koers, 67(3):309-328.         [ Links ]

KINOTI, G. 1994. Hope for Africa and what the Christian can do. Nairobi: Aisred.         [ Links ]

KNAPP, J.C. 2004. Bridging Christian ethics and economic life: how theological education falls short. http://www.southernunstitute.org/Bridging/Christian/Ethics/Economic/Life.pdf Date of access: 26 Jan. 2006.         [ Links ]

KOK, J.H. 2004. Learning to teach from within a Christian perspective. (In Hulst, J.B., ed. Christian worldview and scholarship. Melbourne: Amani. p. 99-108.         [ Links ])

LANTOS, G.P. 2001. How Christian character education can help overcome the failure of secular ethics education. http://www.faculty.stonehill.edu/glantos/Lantos1/PDF_Folde r/Pub_arts_pdf/Why%20Ethics%20Education%20Is%20Failing.pdf Date of access: 26 Jan. 2006.         [ Links ]

LARNEY, T. & LOTTER, G.A. 2006. The parental role in establishing Christian values as the starting point of kingdom citizenship in an African (South African) context. Unpublished paper delivered at the IAPCHE Conference in Nicaraqua, 14-19 November.         [ Links ]

LATEGAN, L.O.K. 2003a. The free-wheeling society: what values should be on the agenda and the role of the Christian education in the promotion of these values. Nederduitse Gerefomeerde teologiese tydskrif, 44(3 & 4):361-367.         [ Links ]

LATEGAN, L.O.K. 2003b. What is business ethics? Tydskrif vir Christelike wetenskap, 39(1 & 2):211-223.         [ Links ]

LOTTER, G.A. 2004. Die huwelik en die reformasie. Die Kerkblad, 107(3168):26-27.         [ Links ]

LOTTER, G.A. 2006. Dehumanization by cyberfication. Paper delivered at the IPSI Conference in Spain, February 2006.         [ Links ]

LOTTER, G.A. 2007a. The influence on learner discipline of values transmitted by parents. Unpublished paper delivered at the International Conference on Learner Discipline at the NWU, 2-4 April.         [ Links ]

LOTTER, G.A. 2007b. Ever-increasing threats to privacy on the www. Unpublished paper delivered at the 9th Annual Conference on wwwApplications, 5-7 September.         [ Links ]

MAKAPELA, L. 2007. Corrupt SARS auditor given leave to appeal. Daily Dispatch: 3, 30 May.         [ Links ]

McDOUGALL, D.G. 1999. Unequally yoked - a re-examination of 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:4. The master's seminary journal, 10(1 ):113-137.         [ Links ]

McFARLAND, A. 2007. A teacher's influence: what should Christian parents do since American schools do not uphold a Biblical worldview? http://www.focusonthefamily.com/focusmadazine/parentfamily/ A000000061.cfm Date of access: 16 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

MLAMBO-NGCUKA, P. 2007. Address delivered at the SANDF Moral Regeneration Movement Conference. http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/main.asp?include=deputy/sp/ 2007/sp01301458.htm Date of access: 16 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

NIEBUHR, H.R. 1952. Christ and culture. London: Faber & Faber.         [ Links ]

NOEBEL, D.A. 1991. Understanding the times. Manitou Springs: Summit.         [ Links ]

NOORDEGRAAF, A. 2009. Calvijn en de maatschappelijke vragen. (In De Greef, W. & Van Campen, M., eds. Calvijn na 500 jaar: een lees en gespreksboek. Zoetermeer: Boekencentrum. p. 259-277.         [ Links ])

OGEKE, F.J. 1998. 'n Christelike werksetiek in Afrika. Die Kerkblad, 101(3043):22-25.         [ Links ]

PACKER, J.I. 1985. How to recognize a Christian citizen. Christianity today, 29(7):4-8.         [ Links ]

PHILLIP, R. 2007. The deepening moral crisis in South Africa. Natal Anglican news, 17(1):1.         [ Links ]

PIENAAR, G.J. 2006. Ons geloof en die Suid-Afrikaanse regstaat. Die Kerkblad, 109(3189):18-19.         [ Links ]

PORTER, J. 2001. Virtue ethics. (In Gill, R., ed. The Cambridge companion to Christian ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 96-109.         [ Links ])

PRIMAVESI, A. 2006. Ecology. (In Sawyer, J.F.A., ed. The Blackwell companion to the Bible and culture. Malden: Blackwell. p. 432-446.         [ Links ])

PRINS, J.M.G. 2001. Intensionele morele vorming: noodsaaklik in kerklikejeugbediening. Practical theology in S.A., 16(1):105-119.         [ Links ]

RAMSAY, P. 2003. Large and small concerns: some thoughts on business and ethics. http://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/about/document/ StJMessengerMarch2003.doc Date of access: 26 Jan. 2006.         [ Links ]

RENS, J.A. 2005. Riglyne vir waarde-opvoeding in Suid-Afrikaanse skole. Potchefstroom: Noordwes-Universiteit. (Ph.D.-tesis.         [ Links ])

SCHOEMAN, P.G. 2004. Thoughts as to the location of ideology within the sphere of "belief systems". Tydskrif vir Christelike wetenskap, 40(3 & 4):171-197.         [ Links ]

SHAW, W.H. 2005. Business ethics. 5th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth.         [ Links ]

SHORTER, A. & ONYANCHA, E. 1997. Secularism in Africa: a case study. Nairobi: Paulines.         [ Links ]

SILVOSO, E. 2006. Anointed for business: how to use your influence in the marketplace to change the world. Ventura: Regal.         [ Links ]

SIRE, J.W. 1997. The universe next door: a basic worldview catalog. 3rd ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity.         [ Links ]

SMIT, D. 2002. "Christ transforming culture"? Nagedink oor die aard van die gereformeerde geloof. Acta theologica: essentialia et hodierna, Supplementum, 3:125-149.         [ Links ]

SMITH, C. 2007. Meisie vrees skool na knipmes in rug. Burger: 4, 14 Jun.         [ Links ]

SPIES, D. 2007. Drug abuse soars at high schools in bay. Herald: 1, 23 Feb.         [ Links ]

STEENKAMP, L.J.S. 1996. Kerk en kultuur in 'n postmoderne samelewing. Hervormde teologiese studies, 52(4):746-764.         [ Links ]

STEYN, R.S. 2005. Die impak van die postmodernisme op voorhuwelikse verhoudings: 'n pastorale studie. Potchefstroom: Noordwes-Universiteit. (Ph.D.-tesis.         [ Links ])

STEYN, R.S. & LOTTER, G.A. 2006. Veranderende tendense en die implikasie vir jongmens-verhoudinge. Koers, 71(2, 3, 4):535-555.         [ Links ]

STOREY, P. 2007. A different kind of justice: truth and reconciliation in South Africa. http://gbgm-umc.org/NWO/99ja/different.html Date of access: 16 Jul. 2007.         [ Links ]

STRIJBOS, S. 2006. Bezinning op wetenschap techniek en maatschappij: een nieuwere ontwikkeling in Nederland. Woord & daad, 397:5-8.         [ Links ]

TATE, A. 2006. Postmodernism. (In Sawyer, J.F.A., ed. The Blackwell companion to the Bible and culture. Malden: Blackwell. p. 515-533.         [ Links ])

TENNANT, A. 2001. The genome doctor. Christianity today, 45(12):42-46.         [ Links ]

THERON, P.M. 2004. Pastoral guidance of the "unequally yoked" marriage partners. Potchefstroom: North-West University. (M.A. dissertation.         [ Links ])

THERON, P.M. 2007. Equipping Christians living in an "unequally yoked" context: a practical theological study. Potchefstroom: North-West University. (Ph.D. thesis.         [ Links ])

THERON, P.M. & LOTTER, G.A. 2008. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers": New Testament perspectives on how Christians should live and act in a society of diverging convictions. In die Skriflig, 42(2):281-304.         [ Links ]

TURAKI, Y. 1997. Tribal gods of Africa: ethnicity, racism, tribalism and the gospel of Christ. Jos: Crossroads Media Services.         [ Links ]

TURAKI, Y. 1999. Christianity and African gods: a method in theology. Potchefstoom: Institute for Reformational Studies.         [ Links ]

VAN DER WALT, B.J. 1994. The liberating message: a Christian worldview for Africa. Potchefstoom: Institute for Reformational Studies.         [ Links ]

VAN DER WALT, B.J. 1999. Godsdiens en samelewing: Christelike betrokkenheid op die markplein. Potchefstoom: Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studie.         [ Links ]

VAN DER WALT, B.J. 2003. Morality in Africa: yesterday and today: the reasons for the contemporary crisis. In die Skriflig, 37(1):51 -71.         [ Links ]

VAN DER WALT, B.J. 2006. When African and Western cultures meet. Potchefstoom: Institute for Contemporary Christianity in Africa.         [ Links ]

VAN DER WALT, B.J. 2007. Transforming power: challenging contemporary secular society. Potchefstoom: Institute for Contemporary Christianity in Africa.         [ Links ]

VANGEMEREN, W.A. 1997. New international dictionary of Old Testament theology and exegesis. Vol. 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.         [ Links ]

VANHOOZER, K.J. 1998. Mapping evangelical theology in a postmodern world. Evangelical review of theology, 22(1 ):5-27.         [ Links ]

VERGEER, W. 1999. Die postmodernisme - 'n "gevaarlike reus"? Die Kerkblad, 101(3056):12-14.         [ Links ]

VORSTER, J.M. 1999. Die ontwikkeling van postmoderniteit. Die Kerkblad, 101(3056):10-12.         [ Links ]

VORSTER, J.M. 2007. Christian attitude in the South African liberal democracy. Potchefstroom: Potchefstroom Theological Publications.         [ Links ]

VORSTER, N. 2002. Kerk en menseregte binne 'n regstaat: die profetiese roeping van die kerk ten opsigte van die vestiging van 'n etos van menseregte in Suid-Afrika. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. (Th.D.-tesis.         [ Links ])

VOYÉ, L. 1999. Secularization in a context of advanced modernity. Sociology of religion, 60(3):275-288.         [ Links ]

WHITE, J.E. 2001. Evangelism in a postmodern world. (In Dockery, D.S., ed. The challenge of postmodernism. Grand Rapids: Baker. p.169-183.         [ Links ])

WOLTERS, A.M. 2005. Creation regained: Biblical basics for a reformational worldview. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.         [ Links ]

WRIGHT, C.J.H. 2004. Old Testament ethics for the people of God. Leicester: InterVarsity.         [ Links ]

ZWEMSTRA, J. 2006. Sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide. Die Kerkblad, 109(3192):20-21.         [ Links ]