britinusa

We atheists are often obliged to remind our xian friends that there is no such thing as an "atheist worldview." Lack of belief in god(s), Santa Claus or homosexual Marxist Martians does not constitute a worldview
But what exactly is the "Christian worldview"? And what is meant by "christian values"? The United States, we are told, is a nation built on xian morals, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Really?
What does Jesus have to say about democracy, education and freedom of speech? What does he tell us about female equality, slavery, homosexuality and the right to bear arms? What are his views on family values?
The United States is the land of opportunity, where a poor boy like Bill Clinton can become the most powerful person on earth. The U.S. is the most capitalistic nation in history. Anyone, with a little gumption and know-how, can make his/her fortune. How is this reflected in the words of the lord?
On December 7th 1941 and September 11th 2001 this nation did not "turn the other cheek." She fought back. Most Americans wouldn't dream of giving up all their worldly possessions to follow the Messiah.
So help me out. What is meant by "Christian worldview"? Explain to us how this nation (or Britain, Canada, Australia, France etc.) is built on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

elwoodblues

Well, some of the most fundamental principles apply, certainly, like tolerance (though it's kind of tough to find tolerance in the Bible). Mostly, though, you're right. Go through the Ten Commandments some time, and see how many are Constitutional. Last time I counted, I think 2 were, and they were already enacted in law, essentially. Every other one is either unenforcable or unconstitutional in the extreme.

echidna

I think you’ll find that theists and atheists agree in theory that compassion is usually a virtue, and it’s generally in practice where disagreement occurs. Amongst other things, compassion and brotherhood is not an uncommon theme in the NT.

And arguably much of our legal systems is based on equality and egalitarianism. This is not something we should quickly take for granted and is still not the case in many Islamic legal systems for instance. Nor is state-controlled welfare an automatic part of all countries’ governments.

Paradisedreams2

I haven't the slightest clue to what is the "christian world view". I'm a christian but I don't even know what the heck kind of view that is or how its defined.

excreationist

It means the storyline for the world and where you fit in. In a materialistic world-view, there was a big bang and after a while, humans appeared by chance. And we're just an insignificant speck compared to the rest of the universe.

In say, a creationist world-view, the world was created 6000 years ago and humans were much smarter and better looking than they are now. Then they were tempted by a fallen angel called Satan, who made a snake talk and then God gave Moses some laws that define what sin means. And then God sent his son to earth to be a human and he died and rose for our sins, and then today, we can have a personal relationship with the creator. And in our world there is a spiritual war going on, over the souls of people - Jesus wants to save our souls, and Satan and his demonic friends want to make us go on the dark side. And after our short lives of several decades our belief in Jesus determines if we go to paradise or are tortured for an eternity.

So it's the big plot about the universe and its history, and where we fit into it.

Gurdur

And that is the crux of the matter.

Just as there is no atheist worldview overall, there is no real Christian worldview in any practical political way overall, although there are many elements in common to most Christian worldviews.

Think globally.

ju'iblex

Sorry to nitpick, but, false. that is a viewpoint i find all to often coming from americans. Sure, you have Henry "fascist" Ford as a good example but on the whole, that statement isnt true.

true.

and thats my 2 cents worth.

sidewinder

The Christian worldview, like most other things in Christianity, varies depending on the denomination. The bit about following the teachings of Jesus is BS because to do so in our present age, one would have to basically drop out of society, and I don't see many Christians doing that. I've never understood how the OT fits into the Christian worldview. Some think it's applicable, others don't. They use it when they need to and disregard it when it doesn't agree with their Christian worldview. One point about the current war on terrorism. The Bible states (in the NT, I think) that a follower of Jesus should not seek vengeance because the Lord will get vengeance on Judgement Day. Yet, for the last 2000 years, Christians have fought in wars left and right. If Bush was a true follower of Jesus, he would not have responded to 9/11 with attacks on the Taliban and Al-Qaida. He would've told the American people that he would leave retalitation to the Lord on Judgement Day.

britinusa

During the 19th century, the xian church had the audacity to attempt to take the moral high ground, and incredibly they largely succeeded, at least in the eyes of the vast majority of people in "Christendom".
Nowadays there are far too many people who hold an unshakeable belief that morality and xianity go hand in hand, one cannot exist without the other. Xianity holds the copyrights on love, compassion and kindness, they think.
Of course, rational people know this is nonsense. Love, compassion and kindness have existed long before the alleged life and times of Jesus Christ, and exists amongst the 70% of the current world population that isn't xian. In fact, even other species are sometimes capable of displaying these noble "human" traits.
So what is left of the fabled xian worldview? Simply the belief that just over 2,000 years ago, the Jewish warrior-deity (the "one true god") inpregnated a young virgin girl called Mary. Later, Mary gave birth to the "son of god" who approximately 30 years later died on the cross for our sins, resurrected himself, and ascended to heaven. It is our duty to believe this if we want to book our ticket to heaven.
Stripped of all the pretense, this is what is left of the Christian worldview, if one can call it that now.

sighhswolf

Ahhh, then you join the millions who share your
cluelessness............
But at least you are thinking !!
Wolf