Competing Worldviews: Why they matter

The term, “worldview” is used frequently today but what do we actually mean when we use this term and what does it matter? A worldview is ultimately one’s explanation of reality: “Where do we come from?” “What has gone wrong with the world?” In other words, what accounts for the problem of evil and suffering? And, “What are the answers to these questions?” In the end everyone has a worldview whether they realize it or not. There is a way in which they understand the nature of humanity and the world.

There is a struggle underway in American culture and it is ultimately a battle between two competing worldviews or explanations of reality. These two perspectives are the secular humanist explanation versus the biblical explanation of reality. The former is man-centered while the latter is God-centered.

The conflict between these two worldviews is made most apparent in their respective views of sex and sexual morality. The secular humanist argues that sexual morality is an artificially constructed concept that is unfairly foisted upon society by religious institutions primarily and other “unenlightened” moralists. The Humanist Manifest II, drafted in 1973 condemned, “intolerant attitudes, often cultivated by orthodox religions and puritanical cultures that unduly repress sexual conduct.” The Manifesto went on to say that “individuals should be permitted to express their sexual proclivities and pursue their lifestyles as they desire.” This position appears most often under the label “liberal” but it is ultimately the secular humanistic worldview.

Of course, the assumption of secular humanists, which was inherited from the Enlightenment, is that human nature is basically good and that it is society that distorts the individual’s innate innocence.

Conversely, the biblical view of reality regards sex as something more significant than merely an animalistic urge or a morally-neutral proclivity. Christians believe that sex is the consummation of a deeper relationship that binds men and women together for life in a relationship of mutual respect and satisfaction – a relationship that ultimately serves as the foundation for the whole of society: family.

The Bible regards sexual intimacy as a complex and multi-faceted experience that integrates a man and women psychologically, emotionally, spiritually and biologically – meaning procreative. The Christian view does not discount or diminish the pleasures of sex but instead ennobles the sexual passion. Finally, Christians view human nature as possessing noble virtues, being made in the image of God but with a natural inclination to selfishness and sin.

It is for these reasons that the Bible calls for restraining sexual desires to the exclusive relationship of monogamous marriage - this unique relationship that offers emotional, psychological and physical security in which true sexual freedom can be experienced.