The Christian Worldview vs Secularism

All of us have a worldview.

We all see the world around us in a specific way.

And this worldview impacts every facet of our lives. From the work we do to the way we speak to the families we lead, our worldview touches on every area of our lives.

In his book, Heaven is a Place on Earth, Michael E. Wittmer writes:

A worldview is a framework of fundamental concepts of beliefs about the world. In short, a worldview comprises the lens through which we see the world.

A worldview at its core is a way of seeing.

It’s a way of looking out at the world around us.

And our worldview doesn’t only provide us with a lens to see the world. It provides us with answers to life’s deepest questions.

And one of the prevailing worldviews that exists today is secularism.

What is Secularism?

Oxford Languages defines secularism as “the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions.”

Secularism is the intentional, purposeful separation from any one set of religious values. And when it comes to a nation, it’s a way to govern within a pluralist society.

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins states secularism is:

…categorically not saying that the religious may not speak out publicly or have a say in public life. It is about saying that religion alone should not confer a privileged say in public life, or greater influence on it.

Within the secularist worldview, there is no one “privileged” religion that provides the foundation for life’s deepest questions. There is no specific faith that presides over another. No spirituality that supersedes science or biology.

Secularism attempts to provide space for all worldviews, belief systems, and frameworks.

It’s pluralist by nature, not wanting any specific worldview to override another.

And within the secularist worldview, there are three major assumptions:

Rejection of the Supernatural

Secularism assumes that the material world is all there is. The existence of a transcendent, supernatural reality, such as God, is often rejected in favor of more natural explanations for life and the universe.

Moral Relativism

Secularism tends to assume that moral values and ethical principles are subjective and culturally constructed, denying any universal or objective moral truths that apply to all people at all times.

Autonomy of Human Reason

Secularism places human reason and rationality at the center, assuming that individuals are capable of understanding the world and determining meaning or purpose through reason alone, without the need for divine revelation or religious authority.

The secularist worldview is a predominant framework, specifically within the West. And, while secularism is not necessarily hostile towards Christianity, it does stand at odds with the Christian worldview.

How does the Christian Worldview Differ from Secularism?

David S. Dockery writes in his article Shaping a Christian Worldview for Union University:

A Christian worldview is a coherent way of seeing life, of seeing the world distinct from deism, naturalism and materialism (whether in its Darwinistic, humanistic, or Marxist forms), existentialism, polytheism, pantheism, mysticism, or deconstructionist postmodernism.  Such a theistic perspective provides bearings and direction when confronted with new age spirituality or secularistic and pluralistic approaches to truth and morality.  Fear about the future, suffering, disease and poverty are informed by a Christian worldview grounded in the redemptive work of Christ and the grandeur of God.

The Christian worldview is something completely separate from other worldviews. Yet, it remains inclusive and holistic, as it addresses the many pain points and issues of the human experience.

The Christian worldview doesn’t overlook any aspect of the human condition.

It provides context and answers to life’s deepest questions.

It grounds the human experience in hope, rather than despair.

It gives space for doubts and questions, yet provides a path to journey on.

In contrast to secularism, three major assumptions of the Christian worldview are:

Belief in the Supernatural

Unlike secularism, the Christian worldview affirms the existence of a transcendent, supernatural reality.

As Christians, we believe in a personal God who created and sustains the universe, and that spiritual beings, such as angels and demons, are part of that reality.

The Christian faith sees both the natural and supernatural realms as integral to understanding the world and human existence.

Objective Moral Truth

The Christian worldview asserts that moral values are grounded in the character of God, meaning that right and wrong are not subjective or culturally relative, but universal and rooted in God’s nature.

We believe that God’s Word, revealed in Scripture, provides objective moral truths that apply to all people across all cultures.

Dependence on Divine Revelation

Christianity acknowledges the importance of human reason but emphasizes that true wisdom and understanding come from God’s revelation.

While reason is a gift from God, as Christians, we believe that ultimate meaning, purpose, and truth are revealed through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ, not through human reason alone.

Answering the Deepest Questions

At the core of every human lies deep questions about life, purpose, and fulfillment.

And we all search for the answers in various ways and through different frameworks.

Three of the core questions at the heart of humanity can be summed up like this:

Why do we exist?

What is the ‘good life’?

Do other people matter, or just me?

The Secularist Response

Let’s look at how a secularist worldview answers each of these questions.

Why do we exist?

In a secularist framework, existence is typically seen as the result of random, natural processes, such as evolution and natural selection.

Human life is a product of biology and chance, with no inherent or transcendent purpose. In secularism, individuals must create their own meaning and purpose in life, often through personal achievements, relationships, or contributions to society.

What is the ‘good life’?

Secularism generally defines the “good life” in terms of personal happiness, and fulfillment.

This often involves pursuing pleasure, personal freedom, self-expression, and success according to one’s own preferences. And since there are no absolute moral standards in secularism, the “good life” can vary from person to person, depending on what each individual values.

Do other people matter, or just me?

With the secularist worldview, other people matter primarily because of social or ethical constructs, such as the mutual benefit of cooperation and empathy.

While there is often an emphasis on human rights and equality, these values are generally derived from human reason, social contracts, or evolutionary benefits rather than any higher moral law.

The importance of others is often tied to how relationships contribute to individual well-being or society, rather than a transcendent or spiritual mandate.

The Christian Worldview Response

In contrast, here is how the Christian worldview answers these three core questions:

Why do we exist?

Within the Christian worldview, God created humanity, in love, for communion with Him and others.

Our existence is not random or without purpose.

We exist as integral parts of God’s plan, bearing His image and participating in His redemptive work in the world.

What is the ‘good life’?

As followers of Jesus, the good life is laid out for us in the life and teachings of Jesus.

It is not centered on personal success or happiness or achievement.

Rather, it is rooted in loving God, loving others, and walking in the way of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and other passages from the New Testament consistently emphasize the importance of God’s Kingdom and living as citizens of that Kingdom.

Do other people matter, or just me?

In the Christian worldview, every person matters because every person was formed and fashioned in the imago Dei. Every person has inherent worth and value because they were created in God’s image.

Regardless of socioeconomic status or job title or background, every person is valuable and worthy of honor and dignity.

And the Scriptures command followers of Jesus to love our neighbors as ourselves and to live our lives in service of others.

Which Worldview Will You Choose?

At first glance, secularism seems to provide space for everyone, regardless of their worldview.

Yet, as you dig deeper into the secularist worldview, it’s a framework built on shifting sands.

It’s claims that life is random evolution, that personal happiness is the ultimate pursuit, and that other people matter only so far as to keep the peace and achieve personal success leave us, in the end, hopeless and full of despair.

With no meaning and no inherent purpose, we eventually end up asking ourselves: does anything really matter?

And, if you take secularism to its logical end, the answer would be: no.

While the secularist worldview is pluralistic in nature, it still lacks the ability to answer the deepest questions each human has.

In his book, The Weight of Glory, atheist turned devout Christian C.S. Lewis wrote:

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

The Christian worldview provides the light with which to see into the darkest parts of the human experience.

It provides context for our deepest questions.

It provides meaning and purpose for every person, regardless of stature or status.

It is, as C.S. Lewis described, “the Sun by which we see everything else.”

The Christian worldview provides a strong and sure foundation for anyone to stand and ask questions, to doubt, to search, and ultimately, to find the reason for our existence and the future to which we are heading.

What seems to many as a narrow, close-minded way to view the world is actually the framework that provides the answers to life’s deepest questions.

And, while secularism is a predominant worldview today, we all have a choice as to which worldview we ascribe to. We all have a decision to make, whether we will see life as random or purposeful. We all get to choose whether we see the ‘good life’ as personal preference or God-ordained.

The choice is ours.

And it’s a choice that has to be made each day.

The Christian Worldview Course

At AWKNG, we believe in providing you with an informed, biblical worldview.

In our new online course, Christian Worldview, Dr. Andrew Hollingsworth introduces you to the major contours of the Christian worldview. The lectures and reading cover introductory issues pertaining to worldviews and the Christian worldview in particular, the major components of the overarching biblical story that informs and unites a Christian worldview, and the major Christian doctrines distilled from the biblical story.

The lectures and readings also cover issues pertaining to Christian praxis, particularly those concerning ethics and worship. And the course concludes with lectures and readings that inform students how to defend the Christian worldview and how to make a plausible case for the Christian worldview.

If you’re interested in taking this free, online course, click here.

Become a Monthly Vision Partner

Our team at AWKNG is committed to bridging the gap between the everyday Christian and deep theological understanding.

To accomplish our mission, we’ve created a library of free, online courses and resources to help you deepen your understanding of the Bible. Each course and resource is designed to help you learn, grow, and walk more confidently in the truths of God’s Word.

And all of our resources are 100% free, thanks to the generosity of our monthly Vision Partners.

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