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Presuppositions
and World Views

by Rev. LeRoy Davis

We all have basic presuppositions from which we develop our philosophy and actions of life. Ideas control society. Ideological and philosophical beliefs guide both men and nations in certain directions. In the words of J. Ramsay Mac Donald "I am going to appeal to you to systematize your ideas. LIFE DEPENDS UPON IDEAS"(emphasis mine).  A country's development economically, politically and socially will be set in accordance with the thinking of its people.

"Not surprisingly, the acceptance of the theory of evolution quickly produced world-wide totalitarian movements." Dr. Rushdoony

Political and economic theories influence each other and both are rooted in theology. Tom Rose was correct when he said; "Each sphere, the economic and the political, influences and is influenced by the other. In fact, the relationship goes much deeper than just economics and politics. Eventually the relationship can be traced to theology."

Presuppositions And World Views - A Free Email Course.

The presuppositions one holds determines how one looks at the facts. No one is totally unbiased when looking at history, theology, politics, economics or any other subject. Modern newscasters are not being truthful when they claim neutrality. Our presuppositions effect how we look at things. Gary North is correct, "There is no neutrality. One's presuppositions about the nature of God, man, law, and time shape one's interpretation of all facts."

Thought and action are inseparably linked. How a person acts is important and it is based on how he thinks. Therefore, how one thinks is crucial. Thoughts or ideas are the motivations for our belief system and our ethics. We may claim to believe one thing but if our actions are different then our thinking is not what we claim it to be. Actions reveal the presuppositions and thought systems of an individual. Jesus clearly reminds us of the connection between thought and actions.

Luke 6:45,46 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Christians are faced with a monumental task of evangelization. The many groups and organizations which target evangelism only meet with moderate success. The problem is in the underlying presuppositions. Much of modern Christianity is antinomian and consequently has no standard common to all Christians to present to the world. The purpose of the law is to bring us to Christ (Gal.2:24). It points to Christ in its forms and ceremonies. It also points to Christ in its standard. Human beings fall short of the standard of the law and look to Christ who paid the penalty of the broken law and provided pardon for the lawbreaker. The law now is to serve as the standard of holiness for those who follow Christ. Many Christians have totally rejected the law of God in favour of a faulty view of grace. Therefore the world has no convicting standard to point them to Christ. When God's people conform to His requirements they will demonstrate His character in the world. The Holy Spirit will use this as an agency of conviction upon the ungodly.

The problem arises when Christians reject God's standard. They seek to set their own standard and deteriorate into legalism. The world sees the fanatical legalistic actions of Christians and rejects them and their message. Other Christians move to the extreme in grace and reject rules of conduct but depend on grace to cover it all. In either case the underlying presupposition undermines the goal of world evangelism. Ideas or underlying philosophies do make the difference. It is as true for the Christian as it is for the ungodly.

Click the lesson below to download the PDF lesson.  There are twelve lessons in all.  In order to access the other lessons, you will need to register and receive a password.  There is no cost for registration.   You will be added to our monthly Water Of The Word newsletter, but you may unsubscribe at the bottom of any email.  The reason for the registration is simply so we can have an idea how many people are taking the course.  Suggested donation for this course is $10.

Presuppositions And World View Lessons

Lesson One

After you have registered, you will receive one email which will give you the password to access the rest of the course.  When you have your password, click here to access the rest of the lessons.

Note: If you are printing out this course, some illustrations will require lots of black ink. Check the pages before printing if ink is an issue.

God Bless
Glenn Davis

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Please note: We no longer have the commenting feature [maybe again in the future].  Joshua Institute students who have questions or comments on their courses can use the contact button and mention the course name and lesson number in the email.  Thank you.  Glenn

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