Positive and Negative on Worldviews

Write a paragraph describing the positive and negative forces that have contributed to your worldview. How was Central involved in your worldview development?

Two major forces which contributed to my worldview include the family environment which I was raised in and the impact of being exposed to foreign missions at a very young age. Growing up in Christian home and a charismatic church congregation shaped my thought construct initially in a positive way. My passion and zeal for God were encouraged and I was provided with many opportunities for expression in the church environment which enveloped me. A negative force resulting from this was a perception of other Christians of different denominations as “less Christian.” It was a blessing that God had simultaneously planted a strong seed of missions work inside of me because it helped to counteract my tendency toward exclusivity. This desire to engage cultures different than my own with the Gospel first spurred my true interaction with a different denominational concept of Christianity. After my initial exposure to the Restoration Movement, I had my worldview further stretched by joining a interdenominational missions organization. Finally Central has played a key role in developing my worldview especially regarding how to exegete the Scriptures. It has also helped me to solidify my own faith and understand the essential need for balance in my Christian walk in order to stand for the truth and walk in love.

2. Describe how you have been uniquely prepared for your ministry role through cultural forces. What culture (s) are you most effective in as a leader?

God has taken me through experiencing a diversity of cultures (rural, urban, western, eastern, conservativ...

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...nt is an ethical paradox because in other places in Scripture, child sacrifice is forbidden (Lev. 18:21, 20:1-5, Deut. 12:31, 18:10). The reason Abraham is commended for his faith in this normally wicked action is it reveals a transformation of his priorities. God's test accomplished His purpose and Abraham proved his loyalty to God before all others, even the his only promised son. Hebrews 11:17-19 gives insight that Abraham's faith had grown to such that he trusted God to bring Isaac back from the dead. Lessons I learn from Abraham's ethical examples include not allowing fear or accepted cultural practices to dictate my moral integrity and the importance of having faith in God before all else, especially when He requires me to do difficult things. Abraham also shows me how I must be willing to embrace whatever tests God will use in my spiritual transformation.