1.5 Worldviews (word doc)

Worldviews

Definition of Worldview

  • Worldview is a term used to think and speak about a comprehensive way of thinking, feeling, and acting regarding life.

Approaches to Worldview

Cosmocentric Approach

  • Definition: A perspective where nature itself is considered an expression of a sacred realm, imbued with the spirit of a sacred source.

  • Key Features:

    • Life is seen as dependent on the patterns of nature.

    • Many native cultures understand their existence through narratives and symbols that recount the beginning of the cosmos.

    • There is a pursuit to honor nature's sacredness in lifestyles and living methods.

Theocentric Approach

  • Definition: The ‘God-centered’ approach that posits that life's meaning is derived from its relationship with an ultimate reality that transcends the cosmos, typically referred to as "God" in Catholic Christian contexts.

  • Key Features:

    • The primary purpose of life is seen as the discovery of the path leading to unity with God.

    • Emphasis on living in accordance with teachings received directly from God.

Anthropocentric Approach

  • Definition: A modern, “human-centered” perspective.

  • Key Features:

    • Focus on the intrinsic value of human individuals and communities.

    • Humanity becomes introspective, prioritizing its own story and existence.

    • Can manifest in either religious or non-religious forms (e.g., Christian humanism acknowledges the God-given dignity of the human person).

Secular Worldview

  • Definition: Derived from the Latin word "saeculum", meaning ‘time’ or ‘age’.

  • Key Features:

    • Emphasizes present values and existence, with a marked disregard for eternity.

    • Actively opposed to religion, viewing truth as only what is based on human values.

    • Science and technology are prioritized as the main sources for solving life's issues.

Major Differences Between Worldviews

  • Theocentric: Focuses on a God that is distant from the universe.

  • Cosmocentric: Views a God as present within the universe.

  • Secular: Unique for its emphasis on scientific inquiry, with some allowance for religion; however, religion plays a secondary role to scientific and rational thought, and remains separate from politics and public life.

  • Cosmocentric: Greatest concern for environmental balance and sustainability.

  • Anthropocentric: Elevates the value of humans above God, prioritizing human freedoms, choices, and history.

  • Theocentric: Regards a transcendent creator God, while the Cosmocentric view worships an ever-present God.