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NONRELIGIOUS Worldview No recognition is given to any metaphysical forces or god-like beings. There is the natural world only—no divine power. [Without scientific or substantial evidence of “something else” (supernatural) existing, the natural is taken as “all that is.” Human pronouncements are discounted as valid sources of truth, and it is only human statements/writings—which do not cohere—that exist as verification for claims of divine entities.] BUDDHIST Worldview Generally recognizes the existence of “supernatural” or god-like beings, but adherents do not believe in an omnipotent creator God. All Buddhists recognize a transcendent truth and some conceive this in terms of a “Buddha Nature” which infuses everything. CHRISTIAN Worldview One God, creator of all things, is considered to be three “persons” (the Trinity): God the Father / the Son (Jesus Christ) / the Holy Spirit. These three aspects of God co-exist within a single Godhead. HINDU Worldview There is one Godhead or Divine Power, with innumerable forms. Three major forms are: Brahma, creator of each universe; Vishnu, sustainer and defender; and Shiva, destroyer and re-creator. (Vishnu has ten main forms or avatars, which come to the help of the universe. These include Krishna and Rama.) MUSLIM Worldview There is but one God, Allah (Arabic term). Allah is indivisible, has no equals, is the creator of all and has spoken to humanity through many prophets, of whom Muhammad is the last. Allah is the supreme lawgiver, and his laws are for the whole of creation, not just for human beings. JEWISH Worldview One God (whose name must not be pronounced) has created all things and, through his special covenant with the Jews, has guided human life and destiny. SIKH Worldview There is One God, who is the true Guru (teacher). Unbound by time or space and beyond human definition, he makes himself known to those who are ready. TAO Worldview There are universal forces of nature – yin and yang. Through creative tension with each other they keep the world spinning and moving. (Popular Taoism has thousands of gods, but no single supreme deity.) DEIST Worldview (of historical interest) A “Creator” has apparently formed our universe (the mechanistic universe of Descartes and Newton) and set it in motion by mathematical laws that include rational principles of conduct. Divine control is consistent and rational. After establishing these laws, the Creator has retired from the scene, leaving the Creation to pursue its rational course. Having shaped the universe as a perfectly rational machine, this deity is aloof (not a God of miracles and revelation).
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Instructional Systems, 163418 Fort Sutter Station, Sacramento, CA 95816 Email: OABITAR@aol.com Last updated 8/18/2006 OABITAR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. All materials developed by Instructional Systems are copyright © 2002,3,4,5,6. Please contact I.S. to arrange for free duplication privileges. |
