This document discusses worldviews and what influences them. It explores major worldviews like religious views, individualism, and different cultural perspectives. It examines features common to religious worldviews and describes the semitic and eastern views in more detail. Recent disruptions to traditional worldviews are also outlined, like wars, technology, and global events. The document raises the question of whether religious worldviews are compatible with modern life.

1. WorldviewsStudies of ReligionMr Elliott

2. Do we all see the world the same way?What influences the way we look at our experiences?How do these influences change the way we would answer the BIG questions?This is our WORLD VIEW

3. What impacts on our Worldview?FamilyHistoryExperienceGeographyWealthCultureReligion

4. The BIGQuestionsWhy are we here on earth?Where did the order in the universe come from?Why do people (good people) suffer?How can I be happy?What happens to me when I die?What happens to odd socks that disappear in the wash?

5. Some World ViewsSemitic (Islam, Christianity, Judaism)Eastern (Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto)Individualism (or hedonism)CaptialismCommunismHumanismConsumerismScientific Rationalism

11. Paris Hilton WorldviewShopping =HappinessI am photographed:Therefore I amLooks are everything

12. Features of a Religious WorldviewAcknowledges a supernatural realityIs ordered and purposefulIs concerned for universal ‘good’Seeks wisdom and understandingPromotes discipline and ethicsBelieves rituals to be imbued with powerHolds life reverently – is life-centric

13. Semitic World ViewGod is creator – ultimate, one, omnipotentHistory is linearGod and the universe is justHumans imperfect and trying to grow perfectGod enters and moves in human history

14. Eastern WorldviewMany or no godsHumans are ignorant of the true meaning of lifeReality is cyclic, relative and illusoryDualism of the physical and non-physicalKarmaThe universe is uninterested in the experience of humanityLife is eternal (this is a bad thing!)

15. Recent disruption to World ViewsRenaissanceEnlightenment (European)Industrial RevolutionWorld Wars I and IIHiroshima1960s (dissent, individualism, the moon)Computers / InternetSeptember 11 2001

16. QuestionIs a religious worldview incompatible with contemporary culturesand a modern life?