Theism & Opposing Worldviews

We live in a world with vastly differing worldviews, yet the worldview of the believer should no doubt be from a biblical & Christian lens. At the same time, we should be familiar with opposing worldviews so that we can be careful not to align with them and know how to defend against them. Below, we will deal with Theism, which is supported by the Biblical view of God, in contrast to a few other worldviews that are opposed to Theism.

For the most part, we will use as a working definition James Sire's definition of worldview which is, "A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that cam be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions which we hold about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being" (Hidden Worldviews, Wilkens & Sanford, pg. 15).

Biblical Theism: A God Centered Worldview

Definition: Theism is the belief in a personal, transcendent, and moral God who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. In biblical theism, this God is Yahweh, the Triune God revealed in Scripture.

Key Beliefs of A Theistic Worldview

• God is Creator and sovereign over life.

• Truth and morality are grounded in God's nature.

• Human life has inherent value and purpose from God.

• History is moving toward God's redemptive purpose.

Supporting Scriptures:

• Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

• Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

• Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God...”

• Colossians 1:16–17 – “All things were created through Him and for Him.”

Naturalism: Nature Is All There Is (Anti-Theism)

Definition: Naturalism teaches that the material universe is all that exists. There is no supernatural, no soul, no afterlife—only physical processes and cause-and-effect.

Key Beliefs of A Naturalist Worldview

• Everything can be explained by science or nature.

• There is no divine design or purpose.

• Morality is subjective or evolutionary.

Biblical Refutation:

• Romans 1:20 – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities... have been clearly seen.”

• Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God.”

• Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy…”

Naturalism denies God’s role in creation and reduces human life to random chance. Scripture teaches that creation reveals a Creator with purpose.

Individualism: The Self Is Supreme (Opposed to The Biblical Worldview)

Definition: Individualism teaches that the self is the highest authority. Personal freedom, autonomy, and self-expression are the ultimate goals.

Key Beliefs of an Individualistic Worldview

• “I define my truth.”

• The individual has the right to reject moral or divine authority.

• Fulfillment comes from self-centered independence.

Biblical Refutation:

• Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

• Jeremiah 10:23 – “It is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”

• Matthew 16:24 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…”

Individualism exalts personal preference over God’s authority. The Bible calls believers to deny self and follow God’s design.

Atheism: There Is No God (Opposed to Theism and the Bible)

Definition: Atheism is the belief that there is no God, no divine authority, and no spiritual realm. Life is a product of chance.

Key Beliefs of Atheism:

• God is a human construct.

• Morality is cultural or relative.

• Life has no inherent purpose.

Biblical Refutation:

• Psalm 14:1 – “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

• Romans 1:21 – “Although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God...”

• Hebrews 11:3 – “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God...”

Atheism denies the very source of life, truth, and morality. The Bible makes clear that the denial of God leads to spiritual blindness and moral collapse.

Consumerism: Possessions Define Value

Definition: Consumerism teaches that life’s meaning comes from acquiring wealth, possessions, status, or experiences.

Key Beliefs of Consumerism:

• “You are what you own.”

• Happiness is found in material success.

• More is better.

Biblical Refutation:

• Luke 12:15 – “Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

• Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...”

• 1 Timothy 6:10 – “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”

Consumerism seeks satisfaction in what we possess rather than in who we know—God. The Bible calls for contentment, generosity, and eternal perspective.

Why We Must Stand Firm in the Biblical Worldview

Every worldview tries to answer the questions: Where did we come from? What’s our purpose? What’s right and wrong? What happens after death?

Only biblical theism—faith in the personal, sovereign God of Scripture—offers:

• True origins (God created us),

• Real purpose (to glorify and know Him),

• Moral clarity (rooted in His character),

• And eternal hope (through Jesus Christ).

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”