Why do we buy what we buy, vote the way we vote, eat what we eat and say what we say? Why do we have the friends we have, and work and play as we do? It's our choice? Yes, but there are forces, often unseen, that shape every decision we make and every action we take. These hidden, life-shaping values and ideas are not promoted through organized religions or rival philosophies but fostered by cultural habits, lifestyles and the institutional structures of society. Steve Wilkens and Mark Sanford shine a spotlight on the profound challenges to Christianity and faithful Christian living that come from worldviews that comprise the cultural soup we swim in. The authors show how to detect the individualism, consumerism, nationalism, moral relativism, scientific naturalism, New Age thinking, postmodern tribalism and salvation as therapy that fly under our radar. Building on the work of worldview thinkers like James Sire, this book helps those committed to the gospel story recognize those rival cultural stories that compete for our hearts and minds.
Hidden Worldviews
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Review
"Within our worldviews are heart-orienting, mind-structuring commitments that govern each person's life. Often we pay so little attention to these commitments that they lie hidden from us. Some of these commitments clash with and corrupt our ability to live a faithful life for Christ. Wilkens and Sanford identify and unmask eight of these, showing how they affect our commitment to Christ. This work will serve as an excellent complement to my own The Universe Next Door." (James W. Sire, author with Carl Peraino of Deepest Differences)
"Like undetected germs that make us sick, there are also a variety of worldview stories that are infecting the thought and lifestyles of Christians today, yet often without their awareness. It is essentially a form of 'heart' disease caused by several lived perspectives to which the Christian community is surreptitiously but effectively exposed in the contagion of the surrounding culture. Wilkens and Sanford, as if they were physicians, analyze these 'hidden' worldviews that are causing so much affliction, and offer the remedy of a robust Christian one. This book is good medicine for a serious illness that is plaguing many in the church today." (David Naugle, author of Worldview: The History of a Concept, and professor of philosophy, Dallas Baptist University)
"This is an unusual book in two regards that commend it for the beginner in worldview thinking. First, it is not about theistic apologetics in the traditional sense, nor about worldviews philosophically developed, but about worldviews as ways of experiencing life. Eight hidden worldviews have infiltrated contemporary culture, reshaping human experience and our perceptions of life's purpose. The authors uncover the tacit assumptions, and take stock of the actual proposals in the light of insights from a variety of disciplines. They conclude by inviting the reader to develop a theistic worldview that integrates every aspect of life into a consistent whole, under the guidance of the Wesleyan quadrilateral (this is the book's second unusual regard): Scripture, tradition, reason and experience." (Arthur F. Holmes, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Wheaton College)
"Like undetected germs that make us sick, there are also a variety of worldview stories that are infecting the thought and lifestyles of Christians today, yet often without their awareness. It is essentially a form of 'heart' disease caused by several lived perspectives to which the Christian community is surreptitiously but effectively exposed in the contagion of the surrounding culture. Wilkens and Sanford, as if they were physicians, analyze these 'hidden' worldviews that are causing so much affliction, and offer the remedy of a robust Christian one. This book is good medicine for a serious illness that is plaguing many in the church today." (David Naugle, author of Worldview: The History of a Concept, and professor of philosophy, Dallas Baptist University)
"This is an unusual book in two regards that commend it for the beginner in worldview thinking. First, it is not about theistic apologetics in the traditional sense, nor about worldviews philosophically developed, but about worldviews as ways of experiencing life. Eight hidden worldviews have infiltrated contemporary culture, reshaping human experience and our perceptions of life's purpose. The authors uncover the tacit assumptions, and take stock of the actual proposals in the light of insights from a variety of disciplines. They conclude by inviting the reader to develop a theistic worldview that integrates every aspect of life into a consistent whole, under the guidance of the Wesleyan quadrilateral (this is the book's second unusual regard): Scripture, tradition, reason and experience." (Arthur F. Holmes, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Wheaton College)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a book seemingly written for seminary students, but certainly applicable and understandable for any person who desires to understand the cultural world around us. The authors define and discuss 9 different cultural worldviews: Individualism, Consumerism, Nationalism, Moral Relativism, Scientific Naturalism, Postmodern Tribalism, Salvation by Therapy, and (finaly) a Christian Worldview.
What is remarkable about this book is that it is not really about defining and defeating non-Christian worldviews. Instead, it is written practically, with the understanding that many people incorporate aspects of each of these worldviews into life without realizing it. As such, the authors want to help us understand that our worldviews are not something that we choose, like choosing bacon instead of ham for breakfast. Instead, we aquire a worldview in a much more organic way as we are influenced by the stories and people all around us all the time. Their basic premise then is that even strong Christians may not have a strong Christian worldview, but may incorporate many other elements throughout life. The call then is strong and clear: we must reject those ways of thinking that are not Christian, and adopt a truly Christian worldview.
To aid in this each chapter gives not only a precise definition of each worldview, but also the positive elements and the drastic problems with each. This structure makes hard concepts easier to understand and makes it relevant to all of us.
Highly recommended.
What is remarkable about this book is that it is not really about defining and defeating non-Christian worldviews. Instead, it is written practically, with the understanding that many people incorporate aspects of each of these worldviews into life without realizing it. As such, the authors want to help us understand that our worldviews are not something that we choose, like choosing bacon instead of ham for breakfast. Instead, we aquire a worldview in a much more organic way as we are influenced by the stories and people all around us all the time. Their basic premise then is that even strong Christians may not have a strong Christian worldview, but may incorporate many other elements throughout life. The call then is strong and clear: we must reject those ways of thinking that are not Christian, and adopt a truly Christian worldview.
To aid in this each chapter gives not only a precise definition of each worldview, but also the positive elements and the drastic problems with each. This structure makes hard concepts easier to understand and makes it relevant to all of us.
Highly recommended.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Brian Sun
Format:Paperback
The authors share what's good and what's bad about things like consumerism, materialism, naturalism. And they do it fairly, academically, and through the lens of a biblical worldview.
If you're a follower of Jesus, you'll leave this book more solid in your faith with a desire for your whole worldview to be under Jesus' kingship.
If you're not a follower of Jesus, you'll be challenged to re-examine the inconsistencies of the prevailing cultural stories that shape the worldviews of the masses today.
Easily one of my favorite books that I've ever read.
If you're a follower of Jesus, you'll leave this book more solid in your faith with a desire for your whole worldview to be under Jesus' kingship.
If you're not a follower of Jesus, you'll be challenged to re-examine the inconsistencies of the prevailing cultural stories that shape the worldviews of the masses today.
Easily one of my favorite books that I've ever read.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Konstantin
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I personally did not like that much the first chapter. This is my personal judgment, and more akin being subjective than objective. I do not favor word "story" at all. If you're coming from engineering or sciences, or philosophy, I would think you would favor more precise terminology. Word "story" simply sounds first as ambiguous, and second as intrinsically something subjective and generally sounding as a piece of postmodern narrative writing. "Narratives", "meta-narratives", "stories" and similar words to me devalue the conciseness of book, and it makes it read is if it was written by an English professor, rather than philosophy professor. I don't know if other people share my feelings about that...
Anyways, other than that, the idea to write this book is not surprising. This is very relevant topic, and someone should have written about this already.
Generally speaking, selection of topics to cover could be a bit different, but I think it is relevant in light of the scope how much those "worldviews" claim, statistically speaking.
I also have to admit that each of those "worldviews" could be subject of separate volume (and I would love to see the work being expanded), with more thorough analysis of key figures, more in-depth analysis of the characteristic of a particular "worldview". Especially how it is portrayed in the media, pop culture, literature, etc.
Another thought I had, is that sometimes it is hard to classify those as worldviews. Hence my use of quotes surrounding the term.
For something to be a worldview, it should have dominance of one's view of reality. It is true, that there are some people whose views of reality can truly be categorized alongside one of the "worldviews", but for the vast majority it is more like a blend of various proportions.
Actually, it is interesting how often postmodernism and naturalism can play well together in one's mind, despite the fact that they seemingly oppose to each other. You don't have to go far to see this example. Consider famous darwinist Richard Dawkins. He is thorough naturalist, but when it comes to things like queer agenda, he doesn't have a problem to call God a 'homophobe' despite the fact that there is nothing in the objective real world that would correspond to that term, especially in the sense he uses it. This indicates how shallow and gullible he is to actually be influences by something as postmodern as queer activism. But, set this particular issue aside... The way I see naturalism often play well with postmodernism is as follows: naturalism, paired with darwinism and scientism rule the scientific establishment in the culture, and any leftovers they 'trow' to postmodernists to 'chew on'. It's a little bit rude analogy, but think about it. In the contemporary society, majority of influence is reserved for "sciences" where of course under which umbrella they cleverly masquerade naturalism, darwinism, scientism, and of course atheism... then of what is left (literature, humanities, aesthetics, and perhaps ethics) are carefuly (under supervision) are handled to postmodernism. Hence, you can see 'feminist ethics', 'queer studies', 'deconstruction of genders', etc... done by postmoderns, but they are so-to-speak on the leash. They only allowed to go so far. Sometimes they may gain some influences as say Paul Feyerabend (in philosophy of science) to take some ground from naturalists but generally such burst are controlled from naturalists.
In any case, average contemporary mind, if it were to develop according to the flow of ideologies and their influences, will quickly find itself under HEAVY influences of the "worldviews"/ideologies mentioned in this text. Unless you reflect yourself about those issues, you are likely to soak them into your character, mind, perception of reality, and hierarchy of values and goals in life. Like "gods" in the movie "Titans", those ideologies/"worldviews" are feed upon worship of those who grow and nurture them. Reduce the number of followers, and it will, if not kill, at least weaken the influence of that particular ideology on culture and society.
This book is a good companion to Sire's "Universe Next Door". I recommend you read both texts!
This book helps to identify an influences of a foreign "worldview"/ideology in one's life and confront it.
Like I said, I hope it would be more thorough, but then not everyone would have patience or interest to read any longer. Generally, I think it's worth reading, especially since ALL of us are saturated and contaminated by media, which is basically a number one accomplice to propagate those "worldviews"/ideologies.
Anyways, other than that, the idea to write this book is not surprising. This is very relevant topic, and someone should have written about this already.
Generally speaking, selection of topics to cover could be a bit different, but I think it is relevant in light of the scope how much those "worldviews" claim, statistically speaking.
I also have to admit that each of those "worldviews" could be subject of separate volume (and I would love to see the work being expanded), with more thorough analysis of key figures, more in-depth analysis of the characteristic of a particular "worldview". Especially how it is portrayed in the media, pop culture, literature, etc.
Another thought I had, is that sometimes it is hard to classify those as worldviews. Hence my use of quotes surrounding the term.
For something to be a worldview, it should have dominance of one's view of reality. It is true, that there are some people whose views of reality can truly be categorized alongside one of the "worldviews", but for the vast majority it is more like a blend of various proportions.
Actually, it is interesting how often postmodernism and naturalism can play well together in one's mind, despite the fact that they seemingly oppose to each other. You don't have to go far to see this example. Consider famous darwinist Richard Dawkins. He is thorough naturalist, but when it comes to things like queer agenda, he doesn't have a problem to call God a 'homophobe' despite the fact that there is nothing in the objective real world that would correspond to that term, especially in the sense he uses it. This indicates how shallow and gullible he is to actually be influences by something as postmodern as queer activism. But, set this particular issue aside... The way I see naturalism often play well with postmodernism is as follows: naturalism, paired with darwinism and scientism rule the scientific establishment in the culture, and any leftovers they 'trow' to postmodernists to 'chew on'. It's a little bit rude analogy, but think about it. In the contemporary society, majority of influence is reserved for "sciences" where of course under which umbrella they cleverly masquerade naturalism, darwinism, scientism, and of course atheism... then of what is left (literature, humanities, aesthetics, and perhaps ethics) are carefuly (under supervision) are handled to postmodernism. Hence, you can see 'feminist ethics', 'queer studies', 'deconstruction of genders', etc... done by postmoderns, but they are so-to-speak on the leash. They only allowed to go so far. Sometimes they may gain some influences as say Paul Feyerabend (in philosophy of science) to take some ground from naturalists but generally such burst are controlled from naturalists.
In any case, average contemporary mind, if it were to develop according to the flow of ideologies and their influences, will quickly find itself under HEAVY influences of the "worldviews"/ideologies mentioned in this text. Unless you reflect yourself about those issues, you are likely to soak them into your character, mind, perception of reality, and hierarchy of values and goals in life. Like "gods" in the movie "Titans", those ideologies/"worldviews" are feed upon worship of those who grow and nurture them. Reduce the number of followers, and it will, if not kill, at least weaken the influence of that particular ideology on culture and society.
This book is a good companion to Sire's "Universe Next Door". I recommend you read both texts!
This book helps to identify an influences of a foreign "worldview"/ideology in one's life and confront it.
Like I said, I hope it would be more thorough, but then not everyone would have patience or interest to read any longer. Generally, I think it's worth reading, especially since ALL of us are saturated and contaminated by media, which is basically a number one accomplice to propagate those "worldviews"/ideologies.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Really great!
I was taking an essential Christianity class when I got this book. It was meant to open up our eyes to world view thinking; it did just that. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Elliott
3.0 out of 5 stars
Useful descriptions, but disappointing assessments
The topic of worldviews addressed in books, journal articles, and university lectures tends to be examined from a predominantly scholastic perspective, which is to say the ideas,... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Paul & Miranda
5.0 out of 5 stars
It came in New condition, the way I ordered it.
This book came in its new condition!! I will not be taking this class for a while, so I can not comment on content yet. But the timliness of this delivery was perfect.
Published 3 months ago by caldwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book. A little redundant, but so is every other world view book...
Great book. A little redundant, but so is every other world view book that I have read. Thanks so much :)
Published 4 months ago by Richard E. Wright
1.0 out of 5 stars
Chapter on Nationalism--Appalling
The authors inform the reader that the Founding Fathers were influenced by Enlightment philisophy. My reply is sure, but not as much as Wilkens and Sanford are influence by... Read more
Published 4 months ago by T. M. Bosley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hidden Worldviews
So far this book is an interesting review of Christian worldview and how other worldviews have infiltrated the church. Highly Recommended.
Published 7 months ago by rcorbin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything is good.
I personally bought this book for my son who is in college. I assume everything is great with the purchase of this book. Read more
Published 7 months ago by L. Darby
5.0 out of 5 stars
OUTSTANDING!!!
'Hidden Worldviews' is one of the best books that I have ever read - period (on any subject). And I have read hundreds of books about science, philosophy, and religion. Read more
Published 10 months ago by The Emperor of Antarctica
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Book!
This is a well-written and concise description of several prominent views that have influenced our culture. Read more
Published 19 months ago by James A. Masters
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent read
I was happy to receive Hidden Worldviews as a gift. The book walks you through 8 worldviews that shape our behaviors, Christian or non-Christian, and discusses the positives and... Read more
Published on December 31, 2010 by J. Briscoe
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