Worldview Formation

As Christians and as humans we form worldviews decently early on. Dr. Gary Elkins tells us that we begin to form worldviews around the age of twelve. He later tells us that we solidify them from ages eighteen to twenty-nine approximately. (Min:Sec) And then in Saving Leonardo, Pearcey states, “…The purpose of a worldview is to explain the world-to provide a mental map for navigating reality.” (152) Our worldviews are an important part of living our lives. They help us make decision, they form our beliefs, and make us who we are. Worldviews are expressed in many ways. They can be expressed in the various forms of art (dance, songs, paintings, pictures, etc.) and of verbal statements. And without worldviews we would be lost. Spiritually,

Many things can form a worldview from something as large as a major event in the world, to something as small as a television show. An example of a major event forming a worldview is 9/11. Although I was only a few months old when 9/11 took place, it definitely helped shape some of my worldviews. I basically never knew a world without terrorism. And growing up in a world of terrorism, your worldviews tend to form around that. That was a major worldview shaper for a lot of people. Other things, such as television shows or music, can also shape worldviews. T.V shows and music both express worldviews, and when you are just starting to form your worldviews, around the age of twelve, your mind is young and impressionable. Making the things you watch, read, and listen to, variables that end up helping you form multiple worldviews. A television show that expresses a female dominance in the house may help you form the worldview that women should lead the household. Small instances like that can impact your life and decisions forever. Now that we understand what a worldview is and how it can be formed, we can decide its ultimate value from a Christian perspective. The ultimate value of worldview formation from a Christian perspective is bringing others to the faith. Mathew 28:19 states, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” We are called to bring people to the Christian faith. An easier way to convert people from their

Art: “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.” (dictionary.com) Art is an expression. It expresses worldviews along with beliefs and thoughts. Art is creative. It is made by a creator. Therefore, art is the expression of the creator. In Saving Leonardo, Pearcey quotes David Gobel, he states, “In art, a worldview is made tangible.” (76) Our Creator made plenty of art. We are his art, we are his creation. Nature and animals are His art as well. His art is the most beautiful and says the most. As His art, we express Him. We were made in His image, thus, we are His expression of His worldviews. Therefore, that is the significance. By being created in His image we create art that makes expressions, these expressions are what make art unique and powerful. We express our worldviews and beliefs, and as a believer it is important what we put out there. By what we express and by what we put out into the world, that is the image non-believers get of us. When we put out beautiful and meaningful works of art, they get the right image of our Creator. And that’s why it is so important that we engage in cultural, to put the right image of our Creator out