Personal Worldview Inventory
In the contemporary world, a personal worldview relates to a set of beliefs, which an individual depends upon when seeking tomake meaning of life, the world and its components. Moreover,it refers to a concrete description of thephilosophy of life,whichconstitutesthe physical and sociological viewpoints(Young &Koopsen, 2011). On a personal level, all human beings are God’s creations and in moral terms, they have an obligation of worshiping Him since He is the giver of life. Based on this belief, it is apparent the Christian worldview I stand for as an individual. In essence, this paper aims at describing concepts such asspirituality, pluralism, scientism and post-modernism. Additionally, it aims at addressing the seven basic worldview questions by James Sire.
Spirituality, Pluralism, Scientism and Post-modernism
Cobb, Puchalski, andRumbold, (2012) are of the opinion that spirituality is the individually held deep fears and desires about life, which informs one’s worldview.In the totality of human beings, spiritual needs are important part of their existence that one cannot ignore. As such, spirituality is of utmost significance in nursing if one is to provide holistic care to the recipient of healthcare. Besides, spiritual care yields significant positive healthcare outcomes whose underestimation is not possible. Central to the realization of these outcomes is the relief factor that spiritual care bears. Notwithstanding, spiritual-based interventions in health care in many studies have shown an improvement of patients’ coping abilities that hastenstheirattainment of pre-disease state (Cobb, Puchalski, &Rumbold, 2012).
Regardless of the benefits ofmeeting spiritual needs of a person, it is not devoid of problems such as scientism and postmodernism. In essence, these two issues hinder pluralism, aphilosophical concept of embracing the diversity of spiritual ideologies. Primarily, scientism relates to the fact thatknowledge abouta specific phenomenon is not adequate reason to validate its existence unless it has backing from science. As such, an individual’s spiritual beliefs are baseless for persons championing for scientism since in their opinion they bear no proof as opposed to scientific methods, which provide concrete explanation (Cobb, Puchalski, & Rumbold, 2012). Precisely, medicine is a befitting example of a fieldthat invalidates importance of spiritual models in the provision of quality care.
Contrary to scientism, post-modernism has no place for the term truth given that postmodernists resent it in their thinking. In their reasoning, the postmodernists have no guarantee for absolutes. Instead, the truth is replaceable with an individual’s viewpoint and social power. Notwithstanding, Cobb, Puchalski, andRumbold, (2012), denotes that postmodernism views the wide-range of lifestyles and beliefs as equally legitimate and binding. From a personal opinion, such a viewpoint is inaccurate given that it questions the essence of living or contesting for own rights in this life.
Based on the definitions of the two philosophical concepts, it is beyond doubt that they are creations of the mind that are not reliant on ethical reason, a vital component of good decision-making for human beings. As such, pluralism is the only logical alternative of them all that one can recommend and live by on a daily basis. That is for sure since it entails a comprehensive consideration of all viewpoints, belief system, and cultural backgrounds (Cobb, Puchalski, &Rumbold, 2012). Concisely, the concept of pluralism is consistent with personal Christian worldview that before God all humans are equal.
Seven Questions of Exploring Personal Worldview
Of the essence to the exploration of individual’s worldview are James Sire’s seven questions. The first and fundamental question targets at determining the meaning of prime reality (Huffman, 2011). Personally, the prime reality I hold dear to entails the notion that God is existent and I have similar image as Him because all human beings inclusive of mehave God’s image.
The second question that I must answer for the establishment of my worldview relates to the personal definition of nature (Huffman, 2011). In my opinion, nature refers to all thingsin my surroundingas well as a product of God’s creation, which is contrary to science perception that nature is not God’s creation.
According to Huffman, (2011), the next question that I must address focuses ondefining a human being. My opinion about this issue is that a human being refers to a rational being with God’simage. Contrary to this worldview is the scientists’ viewpoint that human beings owe their existence to evolution.
Furthermore, James Sire cited the need of comprehending the events surrounding death in his fourthquestion used in establishing the personal worldview (Huffman, 2011). Personally, I have a strong conviction that life after death is existent for those that led a good life while alive. On the other hand, sinful individuals will end up going to hell.
Notwithstanding, there is need for establishing reasons validating the notion that one may not knowanything at all (Huffman, 2011). Such a situation is possible in my case since I anchor my belief in God from whom all wisdom and knowledge transcend. As such, failing to rely on God may impair my rationalityand knowledge about issues
Additionally, the sixth question focuses on helping a person to distinguish between rightsand wrongs (Huffman, 2011). On a personal level, such a distinction is mainly through God’s prescription of things that are right before Him.
Finally, determinationof personal worldview also demands giving a description of human history (Huffman, 2011). In my viewpoint, determination of the meaning of human history is only possible through the realization and attainment of God’s solepurpose.
Conclusion
Precisely, from this discussion,the personal worldview I held dear to is of a Christian that values pluralism as well asbelieves that God will provide. That is for sure given my dependence on Christianity for answering the seven basic worldview questions. As such, going into the future, this exercise is vital for all persons seeking to determine their worldview.
References
Cobb, M., Puchalski, C., & Rumbold, B. (2012). Oxford textbook of spirituality in healthcare (1st ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Huffman, D. S. (2011). Christian contours: How a biblical worldview shapes the mind and heart. Grand Rapids, Mich: Kregel Publications.
Young, C. & Koopsen, C. (2011). Spirituality, health, and healing (1st ed.). Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett.
