What is a "worldview"?
Basically a worldview is how a person's world wide perception, which includes the framework of ideas and beliefs, is used by an individual to view the world. It includes religion, philosophy, psychology, biology, etc. It really encompasses everything about how a person views how the world works.
I am still in the process of studying this book and I have an older version that does not include the Islamic worldview, which I would be very interested in studying as well. In all, I highly recommend this book! I have realized there are so many things around us that teach us and our children about other worldviews and we don't even know it!
New Age or Cosmic Humanist Worldview Examples:
- Avatar: The Last Air-bender - Teaches Reincarnation
- Phenomenon movie with John Travolta - Becoming "one" with the universe and that using more of your brain is the end purpose of life in order to become a God.
- A lot of American Indian faiths
- Johnathan Livingston Seagull book
Secular Humanist Worldview Examples:
- Dinosaur books, movies, and cartoons - Teaches evolution and Atheism.
I believe there are many others, but I can't think of them off the top of my head. It has made me readdress some of the cartoons, movies, and books my children have read/seen over the years to teach them what they are really viewing. I believe that as Christians we need to be very aware of what is being taught in the entertainment that enters our lives. I'm not necessarily saying it all needs to go, but I am saying that being aware helps to teach ourselves and our children not to be deceived. I know that not understanding this concept is part of the reason why Satan is so successful at leading people away from God.
I am not finished with this book yet, so I will post a full review when I'm done. I do hope to get the newer version too. I believe this is such an important issue to discuss with our children that I had a great discussion with my two oldest about this subject in one of those prime teaching moments on Saturday. Priceless!
I am not finished with this book yet, so I will post a full review when I'm done. I do hope to get the newer version too. I believe this is such an important issue to discuss with our children that I had a great discussion with my two oldest about this subject in one of those prime teaching moments on Saturday. Priceless!
P.S. I would not buy the full curriculum set as it has some anti-Mormon DVD segments.
Studying different world views is an aspect, a chief one, of anthropology. The thing to remember when studying these world views is that they should be looked at not on our own terms but through their own, something called cultural relativism. Every society that has ever existed, no matter how small has thought that they were "the best" or "most civilized" a condition known as ethnocentrism. The key is to remember that each world view has merit and that the savior died for all, not just our own culture or families. The more I study cultures the more I realize that while they may manifest differently, many of their practices and beliefs are similar.
ReplyDeleteMy kids really enjoyed the Airbender series-- and I thought it was fun, too. But the reincarnation things really bugged me. I think it would be a great thing to discuss with-- and explain to-- my kids before the movie comes out.
ReplyDeleteI have the full version of the book, and a condensed version, too, but I have yet to read either. *blush* That's one that's been on my list for quite a while...
Thanks for the review, Celeste! :-)
Thank you for sharing this info! I am excited to read the book.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to get a hold of this book but have been unable to find it. It sounds like something I would love exploring. I will have to buckle down and buy it.
ReplyDeleteYour examples are perfect. There is so much falsehood out there that we don't recognize. It is a hard battle to always be seperating untruth out of things and recognizing what things to avoid. I am grateful we have the Holy Ghost!
Wow! The more I learn, the more I learn that I have A LOT more to learn! LOL :) I am reminded of something my husband and I discuss from time to time..." Truth is eternal!" What was true thousands of years ago (we're speaking in Heavenly Father's terms, of course) is still true today! I agree that the most important things to think about, are which world views contain that truth, and which don't. The wonderful thing, in my mind, about the gospel of Jesus Christ, is that when we realize the importance of the gospel in our life, then despite cultural differences, we can share in the culture of being part of The Plan of Happiness! :D)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to buy this book too. I do not collect all the classics I want, too costly right now, but this is a must own I think. My husband says that when everyone leaves home I can have a room for my library (and my junk he adds) and he gets one for a study (code word for a lounge chair and his sports stuff).
ReplyDeleteWe also like Avatar: The Last Air-bender and just watched a marathon of it last week on Netflix Instant Play. I do not think those things need to be completely cut out, but I'm going to do the same as Rachel and make sure that I am doing some teaching along with it.