Defining our worldview?

I came across this post on one of my educational message boards and thought it was very interesting. As the boys get older and their questions start to become more abstract, I find myself thinking about how I can mentor them without "GIVING" them my own attitudes, thoughts and ideas. It is human nature to think that "my way is the only way" but I do not want to impose that on my children. I want them to know why they think, believe or feel a certain way... not just because "mom and dad" think this way or that....

· Everything you read and watch (even that which you are bombarded with against your will) comes from a worldview. You will understand everything better if you can identify the worldview it comes from. Do you know what worldview is predominant in modern academia? Did you know that Star Wars is teaching a specific worldview?

· Words express ideas. Ideas have consequences. The words that are used to describe, promote, or defend ideas actually matter because they have consequences. There are definitely societal trends and ideas that are being promoted which determine our prevalent, or even acceptable, language. As a liber person, you will have a greater ability to see and understand both the impact as well as the basis for those ideas if you can identify the source of the words. Putting it another way, by gaining that insight you will be free from undue influence and be better able to create the changes to societal forms.

· Having impact outside of people who share your own worldview requires the ability to speak universally, or in some cases to speak specifically to someone’s worldview. If you know their language you can teach principles in a way which will allow them to be embraced. Remaining in our own worldview’s language severely limits our ability to fulfill our missions. You probably know many principles which would benefit the lives of others, which could in fact change their lives infinitely for the better, if you could convey them and being able to see things from another point of view will allow you to effectively share them.

· And perhaps most importantly, you will understand your own worldview. That seems like a crazy thing to say but it has been my experience that this course of study is amazingly powerful in helping you define and defend your worldview. I love how James W. Stires, author of The Universe Next Door, puts it: “Few people have anything approaching an articulate philosophy—at least as epitomized by the great philosophers. Even fewer, I suspect, have a carefully constructed theology. But everyone has a worldview. Whenever any of us thinks about anything—from a casual thought (Where did I put my watch?) to a profound question (Who am I?)—we are operating within such a framework. In fact, it is only the assumption of a worldview—however basic or simple—that allows us to think at all.”

IF our worldview is what allows us TO THINK, perhaps we should know it a little better!!!