Engaging with worldviews

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Holding to the middle ground

This afternoon at our Equip time I had the privilege of speaking on the topic of 'Christian ghetto vs engaging with the campus.' I suggested that a worldview based approach was a fruitful manner in which to engage with the broader student community.

This approach recognises that the Christian worldview, centred around the Lordship of Christ, is characterised by the redemptive and forgiving ministry of Jesus. As such it is unique when compared to other worldviews. This position therefore leads to a challenge for those of us who hold to a Christian worldview.

In all of our interactions with worldviews we often end up taking one of three options:

Retreat and dis-engage
This is often the easiest option for us. When faced with a counter worldview to our own we invariably hold firm to our conviction to not sin, or be lead to sin and so we flee from an opposing worldview. Yet our flight is into comfort, because we flee to the security of the Christian community. If this pattern continues then we end up only ever living within the Christian ghetto and failing to engage with the world.

Capitulate and assimilate
This also is an easy option – especially on matters that we think are not highly significant. In this case we slowly become assimilated to the culture of our peers. Often it is such a minor and slow change that we don’t notice we have moved.

Stand firm and persuade
This option in many respects is the mid-point between our two previous positions. And as such it can be the hardest to hold to. Yet this position involves a standing firm in our convictions of the Christian worldview, and a proactive persuading to those we interact with that their worldview is mis-aligned, wrong, incomplete and needs to change. Like the climber on the ridge, we need to be prepared to stand firm.

So you understand why this is a difficult position to hold. It involves a commitment to the current position, a perceived arrogance that you are right , and the angst of telling others that their cultural values and worldviews are inherently flawed.

Are you prepared to count the cost of engaging? Are you prepared to hold to the middle ground and persuade those around you who do not subscribe to a Christian worldview that they need to change?

Father in Heaven,
We give you thanks that in the Lordship of Jesus you demonstrate truth. Please develop in us a humility of understanding and a boldness to share Jesus with our friends. Please strengthen us to be bold in speaking honestly about the Christian worldview. Please give us opportunities to speak with our friends. Thank you Father.
Amen.