Worldview Research Paper RGLN104(4)

Latchaw 1 Worldview Research Paper Wesleyanne Latchaw Liberty University RLGN104-Christian Life and Biblical Worldview Dr. Keiser November 06-22, 2023- Dec 15, 2023

Latchaw 2 1. What is a Worldview? 3 1.1. Worldview defined 3 2. Five Biblical worldview Questions? 4 2.1. The Question of Origin 4 2.2. The Question of Identify 4 2.3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose 4 2.4. The Question of Morality 4-5 2.5. The Question of Destiny 5 3. NON-CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW 6 3.1. The Question of Origin 6 3.2. The Question of Identify 6 3.3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose 6 3.4. The Question of Morality 7 3.5. The Question of Destiny 7 4. Christian Worldview vs Islamic Worldview 8 4.1. The Question of Origin 8 4.2. The Question of Identify 8 4.3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose 8 4.4. The Question of Morality 9 4.5. The Question of Destiny 9 5. Work cited Page 10

Latchaw 4 Chapter 2 -FIVE BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW QUESTIONS The Question of Origin – (What is the origin of the universe, etc.? How did humanity come into existence?) The origin of the universe was created by God who formed the heavens and the earth. The origin of the universe could also tie to the forbidden fruit Adam and Eve found and how they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God created the spiritual and physical universe, this is how humankind came into existence. In Genesis 2:7 NIV, it states “the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” The Question of Identity – (What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than other living things?) To be human is to be like the image of God and serve his/our purpose. While a purpose of ours is deemed fruitful, filling the earth and subduing; as talked about in Genesis 1:28. Colossians 1:16-17 teaches us that our highest purpose is to know God and glorify him, as stated before humans are the image of God which is not mentioned about other living things. “Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31) The Question of Meaning/Purpose – (What is humanity’s purpose?) “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” ( 1 Corinthians 10:31) this quote shows us that our purpose on earth is to love God, and show the same love he offers us to others, so they can come to know him. The Question of Morality – (What is meant by right and wrong? How is morality determined?) Morality helps each individual by making the correct choice rather than the wrong choice. God has given all individuals a conscience that was made to guide us and help us choose from right and wrong. The bible teaches us that we should act morally because “You shall love

Latchaw 5 your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:8-10) as love is one law that should never be broken as we are all children of God. The Question of Destiny – (What happens when a person dies?) Ecclesiastes 12:7 teaches us once we reach our eternal homes, our bodies will return to dust and the spirit returns to God and this is where he will judge us accordingly. The key understanding of what happens when a person dies is that God has numbered each one of our days and when we finally fulfill every purpose he has for us he will call us home to heaven or hell. God will answer with judgment and will answer with either allowing us in heaven where he wants all of us at or in hell due to our evil doings.

Latchaw 7 afterlife. The belief in eternal life after death shapes Muslims' understanding of their purpose and the choices they make throughout their lives. (Daraiseh, Khuloud 2023) The Question of Morality – (What is meant by right and wrong? How is morality determined?) Understanding right and wrong is a basic aspect of morality in Islam. It involves comprehending and discerning ethical principles and behaviors. The Quran is considered the ultimate source for determining morality providing guidance and teachings on moral values. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad's teachings are crucial in shaping Islamic morality, key concepts such as the oneness of God, justice and fairness, excellence in conduct, and God- consciousness are emphasized. Those few concepts serve as a foundation for morality in daily life, including personal ethics and behavior, interactions with others, and fulfilling social responsibilities. The Question of Destiny – (What happens when a person dies?) Islam teaches that when a person dies, they will be held accountable for their actions in this life. The Question of destiny in Islam explores the concept of the afterlife and what happens after death. According to Islamic belief, there is a Day of Judgment when all individuals will be resurrected, and their deeds will be weighed. Depending on their actions, individuals will either be rewarded with paradise or punished in hell. This belief in an afterlife gives purpose and meaning to the actions of individuals in this life, as it is believed that these actions will have consequences in the afterlife.

Latchaw 8 Chapter 4: Christian Worldview VS. Islamic Worldview The Question of Origin – (What is the origin of the universe, etc.? How did humanity come into existence?) Christianity and Islamic are very similar in origin yet are also very different.The Quran and the Bible and the world as we know it came to exist by the work of God, or Allah. Another similarity is that both believe death is the end of your person’s earthly body but it is fortunately the beginning of all eternal life resting with our father God (Allah)- all humans have certain limits while God is limitless. (Gutierrez and Weider,2000) Lastly, The Quran almost completely replicates a phrase in verse 6:101 which states “He is the Originator of the heavens and earth.” The Question of Identity – (What does it mean to be human? Are humans more important than other living things?) The Bible verse “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28 NIV) Meaning in the Christian Faith Humans are superior over other living things while in the Islamic community this is very similar in believing we are some higher power over any animals yet in Genesis early on we learn that Humans were one of God's last commands for the earth. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – (What is humanity’s purpose?) In the Islamic community, Humankind's purpose is to worship Allah and obey His commands which is shared with a Christian Worldview also. Surat Adh-Dhāriyāt 51:56 in the Quran states “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” In the bible we see a similar quote Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only: (Luke 4:8 NIV) Which can connect both religious worldviews together as they are both here to worship Allah (God).

Latchaw 10 WORK CITED PAGE 1. Hindson, Ed, et al. Everyday Biblical Worldview: Understanding the Christian Faith . B&H Academic, 2016 2. What Is a Worldview? Key Elements of a Worldview - 2023 - MasterClass https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-worldview 3. “What Does the Bible Say About Morality?” https://www.openbible.info/topics/morality 4. “Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 NIV - Remember your Creator in the days of” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+12%3A1-8&version=NIV 5. https://www.biblegateway.com/ 6. Daraiseh, Khuloud. Interview Conducted by Wesleyanne Latchaw. Dec 04, 2023 7. “The Day of Judgment and the Resurrection (Qiyama).” Al-Islam.org , 5 Oct. 2012, www.al-islam.org/discovering-islam-sayyid-moustafa-al-qazwini/day-judgment-and- resurrection-qiyama 8. Weider, L., & Gutierrez, B. (2000). Finding Your Worldview: Thinking Christianly about the World. B&H. https://app.logos.com/books/LLS 9. “Genesis 1:28 (NIV).” Bible Gateway , www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=Genesis+1%3A28&version=NIV 10. “Luke 4:8 (NIV).” Bible Gateway , www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=luke+4%3A8&version=NIV . 11. Surat Adh-Dhariyat [51:56] - the Noble Qur’an - ميركلا نآرقلا . legacy.quran.com/51/56