What Is the Christian Worldview? (Basics of the Faith) (Basics of the Reformed Faith) by Philip Graham Ryken

Basics of the Reformed Faith

by Philip Graham Ryken

What does Christianity have to do with life? Ryken reveals the basis of a Christian worldview and describes how it affects one’s view of God, creation, the family, the arts, and other issues.

Genres: Theology, Christian

Paperback

First published December 1, 2006

About the author

Philip Graham Ryken is Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he has preached since 1995. He is Bible Teacher for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, speaking nationally on the radio program Every Last Word. Dr. Ryken was educated at Wheaton College (IL), Westminster Theological Seminary (PA) and the University of Oxford (UK), from which he received his doctorate in historical theology. He lives with his wife (Lisa) and children (Joshua, Kirsten, Jack, Kathryn, and Karoline) in Center City, Philadelphia. When he is not preaching or spending time with his family, he likes to read books, play sports, and ponder the relationship between Christian faith and American culture. He has written or edited more than twenty books, including Bible commentaries on Exodus, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Galatians.

Reviews

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In summary fashion, Ryken examines the foundational tenets of the Christian worldview as expressed and explained by the Bible. Using the subheadings of creation, fall, grace, and glory, Ryken takes a ‘big picture’ approach to the key themes and elements of Scripture. Beyond that, he efforts to show how these fundamental truths then play out in the everyday nuances of believers’ lives. The result is effective as the entry-level approach this booklet is intended to be.

[Julie Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short introduction to the basic foundation of a Christian worldview. Ryken does an excellent job explaining the meaning of creation, fall, redemption, and glory with an eye to the big picture and how a Christian worldview affects not just our individual lives but also is a part of the culture and world we live in.

[Phillip Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Ryken has done it again. A very readable booklet that sets out succinctly the distinctives of the Biblical, Christian worldview and how it explains the world and give hope and purpose to humanity.

[Thaddeus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introductory booklet to get the conversation started about forming a Christian worldview. The topic of Christian worldview is one that is vital and very much needed in today's society as we continue to face hostility and heresy against the Christian faith. It would be good for use in a small group or class as an intro material, but does not really dive into much depth (due to its short length). However for its intended purpose it is great!

The outline starts with a definition of what is meant by "Christian worldview" and the importance of the fact that God has spoken to us in both His word and creation thus forming our epistemological basis for objective truth. I can see the underlying reformed epistemology here showing - which is great! It then moves to speak of worldview in the four basic and broad gospel categories of creation, fall, grace (redemption) and glory (consummation). Ryken uses these categories to begin to flesh out their implications to forming our worldview as Christians in daily life.

I think this booklet will be a very helpful introduction for those who've never thought intentionally about the topic and for teachers or mentors wanting something brief to give a good intro to the topic leading into some deeper study. There are also some good recommendations for books for further reading on the topic at the end of the booklet. I wish there were some reflection questions at the end of each section, but I'd imagine that would be fairly easy to come up with yourself after each section since it is well-written and clearly articulated.

Well worth it! Check it out - buy a few and start talking with some other Christians about how we can form a complete and thoroughly biblical worldview!

[Rod Innis · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many excellent books on a Christian / Biblical worldview. A few that I would recommend are books by Francis Schaeffer, but especially Escape from Reason, The God Who is There, He is There and He is Not Silent. Books by Nancy Pearcey, but especially Total Truth. Books by Greg Koukl, but especially The Story of Reality.

This little book is hardly enough to give you a Biblical but it is perhaps enough to whet your appetite
to read some of the truly great books on a Christian / Biblical worldview.

Remember though, that knowing the content of a Biblical worldview is not enough, you have to live it!

[Michele Rearden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to understanding what it means to have a a Christian Worldview. I've been slowly making my way through Nancy Pearcey's "Total Truth", which is a more extensive book about how our worldview shapes our decisions. I would recommend this 'pamphlet' as a thought provoking introduction to the worldview conversation.

[BARRY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the biblical story framework for a Christian Worldview from a Reformed perspective.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, well-written introduction to the Christian worldview.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fine introduction for baby Christians. Recommended.

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to Christian worldview thinking from a reformed and evangelical perspective.