We must remember to follow the example of Christ, letting Him be our primary influencer.

Joseph Kidder & Katelyn Campbell Weakley

Part 2

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col. 3:1-4, NIV).1

In the previous article, several important elements were outlined that play roles in shaping our worldview. Of course, far too many factors influence our worldview development to discuss in a mere two articles. But here we will highlight additional prominent influences and our engagement with them.

Religion

All religions have an impact upon worldview. Whether it is Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, or Christianity, each religion affects those who encounter it, and each religion will shape worldview in a different way. In fact, even subdivisions within the same faith can provide different influences. Sunni Muslims believe and practice differently than Shiite Muslims. Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christians share some characteristics but are drastically different in others: for example, they may all espouse belief in salvation through Jesus Christ, but exactly what that means is different for each religion. Unique religions come with their own unique impact on worldview.

Religion as a system in and of itself is set up to answer worldview questions. Each religion has its own answers for where we came from, what our purpose is, and where we are going. Each religion has its own understanding of morality and truth. Buddhists and New Age believers see humanity as supernatural, possessing the ability to transcend the apparent limitations of space, time, and even mortality. This perspective leads to viewing life as precious and valuable while also making self-actualization a priority even above caring about other people. Within these religions, the focus is more on self instead of others and God. Meanwhile, in Christianity we are taught to “‘seek first the kingdom of God’” (Matt. 6:33), to “‘“love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength”’” (Mark 12:30), and to “‘“love your neighbor as yourself”’” (Mark 12:31). These tenets lead to prioritizing God and others above oneself. These different focuses and priorities lead to different motivations, choices, and behaviors.

The following charts highlight some worldview differences among several prominent religions in the world. All of these religions or systems of belief offer answers to basic worldview questions, and so typically believers will claim to embrace the same answers themselves. Of course, there may be some who say they believe in the tenets of a certain religion while maintaining an entirely different worldview. One does not necessarily equal the other. However, more often than not, one’s religion will inform one’s worldview and vice versa.

Major Religion Worldview Comparisons (Part 1)

Major Religion Worldview Comparisons (Part 2)

All around the world, people adhere to different religions for the guidance that they provide and the support that they give. When we are faced with making big life decisions, when we try to determine what is right and what is wrong, and when we are met with difficult dilemmas, our religious perspective informs what we do. When existential crises hit and we want to find meaning in life, we most often turn to religion to guide us. In fact, subscribing to a religion and using religious methods to cope with stress has been shown to improve mental health.4 Simply having something to hold on to during difficult times can have tremendous positive effects.

For some, religious tenets and practices are regarded as essential or central aspects of life. For others, religion is more community oriented and the beliefs themselves are not seen as particularly significant. Even in these cases, the community is informed and guided by religious principles, and participants are still affected by the teachings and practices of the religion. No matter what one’s connection to religion—whether positive, negative, or limited—it can still shape one’s worldview.

Religion, as it turns out, can even shape entire cultures and nations. The United States was formed based out of a Christian culture that continues to impact the nation today. For example, in the United States, the value of freedom is highly prized. Americans celebrate freedom of speech and freedom of religion, and for the most part are free to do as they please as long as they do not infringe upon someone else’s freedom or safety. This, of course, is a Christian value: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

At the same time, we can see how Islam has affected countries in the Middle East. For Muslims, faith is intertwined with family, societal interactions, and even government. Specific religious beliefs, and not just the core values of Islam, serve as a basis for what is legal and what is illegal. In the Muslim faith, religion, culture, and government blend together, making the role of the government to promote a culture that follows the teachings of the Quran. Unlike the United States’ traditional stance regarding separating religion from the state, Muslim countries embrace a connection between the government and Islam, which of course shapes the culture of the land and all people in it. In each situation, what is seen as the truth is the guide for personal and corporate behavior.

A primary worldview question that religion answers is “Where can truth be found?” Different religions will give different answers, confirming truth from different sources. A conservative Christian will say that Jesus is “‘the way, the truth, and the life’” (John 14:6, italics supplied) and that the Bible serves as our only source of truth. However, in Hinduism, many different texts are seen as sources of truth. One Hindu believer may claim a particular writing is the source of truth, while another believer will point to a different writing as the source of truth. At the same time, a Buddhist may say that in order to find truth, a person must look inside himself or herself—each person is his or her own source of truth. These varying perspectives will mold how believers see themselves, the world, and their relation to those around them.

All religions are simply trying to answer the meaningful, core questions of life. Each has a different perspective and a different set of answers, resulting in informing a wide variety of different worldviews. Each has a different source and basis for belief. While other religions use different texts, Christianity is based upon God’s Word. As we have mentioned, each religion’s own text will have influence over believers’ worldviews, but since we are ultimately concerned with a biblical worldview in this article, we will take some time to emphasize the influence of Scripture.

Bible

Martin Luther once stated, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”5 The Protestant reformer knew the power of Scripture. He knew that it was and is an active and powerful force people’s lives, possessing the ability to shape thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and attitudes. “God is the artificer of the universe,” wrote John Calvin. “He has made manifest to us in Scripture that the highest proof of scripture, that God in person speaks to us.”6 The Bible is our direct access to the voice of God. Ellen G. White wrote that, “When God’s word is studied, comprehended, and obeyed, a bright light will be reflected to the world; new truths, received and acted upon, will bind us in strong bonds to Jesus.”7 We can see an example of this in the life of King Josiah and the people of Judah.

When Josiah became king of Judah, the Book of the  Law, God’s Word to humankind, was nowhere to be found. God’s law was not read or followed. It was not close to the hearts of the nation and was in fact long forgotten. However, during Josiah’s reign the Book of the Law was found. When the king listened to its words, he was greatly distressed because he saw how far his nation had strayed from keeping its covenant with God (2 Kings 22:11). Moved by the Book of the Law, Josiah “the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3). The whole nation renewed its covenant with God, agreeing to let His law govern their actions. When the Word of God is taken seriously, it can seriously change a person’s life.

If you grew up in a religious home, likely you learned a lot about your family’s religion. In a Christian home, you probably learned about Noah’s ark, Moses parting the Red Sea, and David facing Goliath. But as you learned about these stories, you also learned from these stories.8 Perhaps in closing the Bible storybook, your parents highlighted how important it was to have faith and trust in God. The lessons, morals, and assumptions people are taught within their religion inform their personal worldview perspective, generating their core values and developing their specific beliefs. The most important thing is not actually the stories themselves, but the values taught within the stories: what is right and wrong, how to behave, and where to place one’s hope.

Luther saw the Word of God as a tremendous gift to humankind. “The Scriptures, although they also were written by man were not of man nor from man but from God . . . . The word of God is greater than heaven and earth, yea, greater than death and hell, for it forms the power of God, and endures everlastingly; we should therefore, diligently study God’s word and know and assuredly believe that God himself speaks unto us.”9 Because there is so much power within Scripture, we must spend time within its pages. Doing so opens up many possibilities for us.

Through the Bible, we gain new insights on our struggles and predicaments. Through the Bible, we gain a better understanding of who God is and who we are. Through the Bible, we can view our priorities and affections through a heavenly lens. Through the Bible, we can determine what is the most heavenly course of action in each situation.

The psalmist described just how important the Scriptures are: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105). John Wesley said of the Word of God, “this is a lantern unto a Christian’s feet, and a light in all his paths. This alone he receives as his rule of right or wrong, of whatever is really good or evil.”10 This is one of the main intentions of the Bible—to serve as a guide and direct the actions that we take to be patterned after God’s own heart. The Bible speaks to our behaviors, but it also guides us in the creation of our core values and beliefs.

Paul declared that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Whether scriptural lessons are quietly and steadily learned or whether they are meticulously studied to find truth, the words of the Bible bring light from the throne of God.

Of course, any individual may read his or her own beliefs and worldview concepts into the words of the Bible. Two people from two different cultures may read the same passage of Scripture and come to understand its meaning in entirely different ways. Thus, not only does Scripture influence our worldview, but our own worldviews may influence our interpretation of Scripture. This is why we must approach the Word of God with humility, openness, and a discerning heart.

In order to be sure the Bible is influencing our worldview and not vice versa, there are a couple steps we can take. First, we must practice reading the Word of God with consistency. According to a 2025 study by the Pew Research Center, only 22 percent of Americans say that they read the Bible at least once a week.11 If we wish to truly know and understand the Word of God, we must spend time reading it. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:1, 2). By practicing ingesting Scripture, we allow God’s Word to take root in our hearts.

Second, we must commit our reading to the influence of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus spoke to His disciples, telling them of His soon departure, He assured them, “‘When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come’” (John 16:13). We have been given the Spirit of God to help us understand truth. As we approach Scripture, we should pray and ask the Spirit to speak to us so that we may not be tempted to listen to our own broken perceptions of truth. Jesus told His disciples that the Spirit of God would be available to teach His ways. “‘But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you’” (14:26). God uses the Holy Spirit to reveal His own heart (1 Cor. 2:10), and so if we truly wish to know God, we must ask of His Spirit to reveal it to us in His Word. We are told to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). This intentional surrender to God is key to making sure Scripture is influencing our worldview and not our worldview influencing our understanding of Scripture.

Once we surrender and allow God to use His Word to teach and train us, we open up our hearts and minds to allow God to mold our worldview, patterning ours after His own.

Culture

Every aspect that influences worldview can be included in the overarching concept of culture. Diana Kendall expounds on this, saying, “Whereas a society is composed of people, a culture is composed of ideas, behavior, and material possessions. Society and culture are interdependent; neither could exist without the other.”12 Living in society ultimately means living in culture. Language, cuisine, clothing, games, rules, art, status hierarchies, comedy, social roles, technology, customs—there is so much to culture! Visible and invisible, subtle and explicit, culture both expresses and influences ideas, knowledge, behavior, and attitudes.

The taboos and mores of a culture shape concepts of morals. For example, in the United States, it is considered taboo to eat a dog, with canines viewed as “man’s best friend.” However, a person from India may be appalled at how much beef is consumed in the US, as in their culture eating cow is unthinkable. Similarly, marriage customs mold ideas of relationship. If polygamy or polyamory are accepted within a cultural group, relationship values may highlight provision or inclusivity, while the relationship values from a monogamous culture will center on exclusive intimacy.

Everything that we have discussed here and more falls under the umbrella of culture with countless elements contributing to the creation of culture. Even something as simple as topography can have a significant effect upon worldview.13 For example, bays along the Mediterranean Sea provided safe places to build harbors and subsequent cities. These cities could be useful stops along water trade routes, meaning that the people there were exposed to greater wealth and goods as well as strangers from other cultures that brought new perspectives and ideas. All of these factors can have an effect upon worldview.

Then, of course, where we were born geographically will direct our nationality and subsequently our political views, both of which hold sway in our worldview development.14 A person’s nationality and surrounding political atmosphere may influence him or her to hold a core value of individual expression or responsibility to one’s neighbor. However, the worldview a person develops will affect these elements as well, perhaps causing him or her to join a particular political party or even emigrate to another country.

As you can see, culture influences worldview—but, of course, worldview also influences culture. The more people who hold particular values contrary to the overarching culture, the more likely their values will begin to shift the culture as a whole. Leisure activities, style, and even politics are altered in this way. Christianity has had this effect throughout history, coming into a culture and making changes. Abolishment of child sacrifice, slavery, and polygamy are all examples of how a Christian worldview changed culture.

We can see this type of change in politics, too, where individuals are both influenced by politics and possess the power to change them as well. Over time, political parties in the United States have become more and more polarized, with apparently few if any moderates in either the Democratic or Republican parties. Of course, this is not true—moderates do exist in both. But the loudest, most outspoken members of either side are the ones who receive the attention. These are the voices that seem to be molding what each party stands for and deems most important. No single person could change political perceptions alone, but with enough people gaining enough attention, change has been created.

When discussing worldview, conversations tend to be very philosophical, focusing on abstract and theoretical concepts. Gordon Doss, however, points out the need to examine culture when talking about worldview:

Worldview has three main intertwining dimensions: theological, philosophical, and cultural. Unfortunately, the cultural dimension is frequently omitted from discussions of worldview. Some seem to think that a biblically shaped worldview excludes culture. In reality there is no non-cultural Christian worldview because there are no non-cultural Christians. There are only American-Christian, or Indian-Christian, or Korean-Christian, etc., worldviews. Christianity always wears individual and cultural “clothing.”15

Faith influences culture, but culture also influences faith. Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven,” (Phil. 3:20), and so the culture we should first and foremost be a part of is heaven’s culture. However, we cannot ignore that as long as we walk this earth, we are affected by it. For this reason, we must pay attention to how our worldview is being shaped and actively seek to place ourselves in positions of positive, biblical worldview engagement. As always, we must seek to follow Jesus’ example.

Christ carried out in His life His own divine teachings. He manifested consistency without obstinacy, benevolence without weakness, tenderness and sympathy without sentimentalism. He was highly social, yet He possessed a reserved dignity that did not encourage undue familiarity. His temperance never led to bigotry or austerity. He was not conformed to this world, yet He was not indifferent to the wants of the least among men. He was awake to the needs of all.

Jesus maintained His heavenly culture while influencing earthly culture. This is how we are to engage with the world. John encourages us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15–17).

As heavenly citizens, we are not to attach ourselves to the world. But as Christians we are also to be known by our love for one another (John 13:35). Our worldview is to be shaped by Christ before culture.

Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, provide a good example of how to follow God within an unheavenly culture. When they were brought into the king’s palace, they were told they would be instructed in the language and literature of the Chaldeans (Dan. 1:4). But the young Jewish men determined they would not eat the rich food and wine that the king provided for them. They chose to abstain from this element of culture, and as a result, they were healthier than any of the young men who ate the king’s food (vs. 15). While in captivity, these friends also determined not to worship any other image or person, but God alone (3:16–18; 6:6–10). However, the four continued with their studies, and in fact at the end of their education, they were found to be 10 times wiser than the court magicians (1:20). This story shows us how it is possible within culture to maintain boundaries based upon one’s worldview. These men distinguished what was good and what was not within the culture of the Chaldeans: they left off that which was worldly and accepted that which was good. As a result, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom” (vs. 17).

When we work as salt and light (Matt. 5:13–16), Christ seeks to use us to transform culture, not by coercion, manipulation, or force, but allowing Christ to work within individuals to produce change, both small and great. Matt Chandler wrote, “Until Christ returns, this world will never look like it should. You can’t use politics to build the New Jerusalem, and you can’t legislate people into the kingdom of God.”16 No, this is a work of relationships and the heart. Ellen G. White wrote that “The people of every country have their own peculiar, distinctive characteristics, and it is necessary that men should be wise in order that they may know how to adapt themselves to the peculiar ideas of the people, and so introduce the truth that they may do them good.”17 Even though we may walk through a world full of influences, we have been called to influence the world for heaven and to declare God’s truth. In order to make sure culture is not molding our worldviews in ways contrary to Scripture, we must stay engaged in the Word, in prayer, and in a supportive faith community. This way instead of being changed by surrounding culture, our biblical worldview is changed through the instruction of God Himself. Then through Him we can be a positive influence upon culture.

Conclusion

Jesus knew how to influence the world. He was a revolutionary. He did not conform to the culture of His time or allow His surroundings to shape Him. Jesus knew who He was, and His worldview shone through everything He did.

Jesus lived by Scripture as a primary influence: He was well-versed in the Word of God. He was unafraid to challenge the politics of His time. He even challenged the Jewish religion’s interpretation of the Old Testament. Jesus ignored some cultural practices, as could be seen when He ate with sinners and spoke with women regarded as disreputable. But He also used the cultural norms to convey truths through parables. Jesus worked within the world, but did not allow the world to alter His true purpose, values, and beliefs.

We are called to live in the same way. In these articles, we have seen how various influencing factors serve as roles in molding our worldviews. However, we must remember to follow the example of Christ, letting Him be our primary influencer and in turn affecting heavenly change in the world around us. Ellen G. White wrote, “Christ’s followers are required to come out from the world, and be separate, and touch not the unclean, and they have the promise of being the sons and daughters of the Most High, members of the royal family.”18 Christ wants to take on the role as our primary worldview influencer. He works within us to mold our worldview to match His own. This is the work that He desires to do. Kevin Vanhoozer perhaps sums it up best: “Biblical worldview is the story of what God is doing in the world today. He is creating a holy nation.”19 May we be found as members of that nation.

S. Joseph Kidder, PhD, is Professor of Christian Ministry at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, U.S.A.

Katelyn Campbell Weakley, MDiv, MSW, is Pastor of the Mt. Tabor Seventh-day Adventist Church in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. 

NOTES AND REFERENCES             

1. Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references in this article are quoted from the New King James Version of the Bible.

2. Interview with Jony Hajaj held in May 2020. Hajaj is director of Muslim outreach at Adventist Frontier Missions. He also manages the website “Dreams of Isa.”

3. Interview with Andrew Tompkins held in May 2020. Tompkins is currently Assistant Professor of Mission and Intercultural Theology in the Department of World Mission at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University and is the coauthor of God’s Mission to the Nations: An Old Testament Study Applied in the Hindu Context (Silver Spring, Md.: General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 2015). This study represents two distinctly different sets of beliefs, however, for our purposes we have combined them due to some overlap and similarities.

4. Agorastos Agorastos, Cüneyt Demiralay, and Christian G. Huber, “Influence of Religious Aspects and Personal Beliefs on Psychological Behavior: Focus on Anxiety Disorders,” Psychology Research and Behavior Management (March 10, 2014), 7:93–101.

5. Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, ed. (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1960) 9:24.

6. John Calvin, Institute of Christian Religion, as quoted by Edgar Lee, “Elements of a Christian Worldview,” in Elements of a Christian Worldview, Michael D. Palmer, ed. (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing House, 1998), 20:88.

7. Ellen G. White, “A Missionary Appeal,” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 62:49 (December 15, 1885): 770.

8. Michael Grimmitt, Religious Education and Human Development: The Relationship Between Studying Religious and Personal, Social and Moral Education, (Great Wakering, U.K.: McGrimmon Publishing, 1987).

9. Martin Luther, “A Compend of Luther’s Theology,” Hugh Thomson Kerr, ed. (Philadelphia, Pa.: The Westminster Press, 1943), in Edgar Lee, Elements of a Christian Worldview, Michael D. Palmer, ed. (Springfield, Mo.: Gospel Publishing House, 1998), 89.

10. John Wesley, “The Witness of Our Own Spirit,” Sermons.

11. Https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/prayer-and-other-religious-practices, accessed May 30, 2025.

12. Diana Kendall, Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials (Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth, 2006), 42.

13. Eric Weiner, “How Geography Shapes Our Identity,” The Pew Charitable Trusts ­­(July 5, 2016): https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/trend/archive/summer-2016/how-geography-shapes-our-identity.

14. Stephen J. Phillips, Worldviews and Political Science: The Superiority of a Christian Worldview, (Jackson, Mich.: Belhaven College, October 2009): https://www.belhaven.edu/pdfs/worldview-papers/Stephen-Phillips.pdf; Freddy Davis, “Worldview Ad Politics,” Marketfaith Ministries: http://www.marketfaith.org/worldview-and-politics.

15. Gordon R. Doss, “Culture, Worldview, Biblical Interpretation, and Mission,” Journal of Adventist Mission Studies 12:1 (2016): 129–140.

16. Matt Chandler, “How the Church Can Respond to a Post-Christian Culture,” The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.

17. Testimonies to Ministers, 213.

18. Testimonies for the Church, 2:441.

19. Kevin J. Vanhoozer, “Being Biblical in a Pluralistic Age,” Andrews University Seminary Studies 57:2 (2020): 305–326: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3895&context=auss.