James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door: A Basic
Worldview Catalogue (Third Edition)
Pages:
237
ISBN:
0830818995Within the past few years the idea of worldview has got more attention for discussion inside the Evangelical Christian circle. Worldview, in one statement is ‘one’s view of the world’ or in other words ‘one’s outlook about world’, a framework of ideas and attitudes about the world. It’s a comprehensive system of beliefs and with answers for a wide range of questions. However, at this point humans are in the wide plethora of reencountering worldview. In this context immediate concern is the clash between two major worldview the biblical worldview and the nonbiblical worldview. How can one be sure of either of their veracity or validity?
In short,
James W. Sire, in his first two editions explained the basics of theism, deism,
naturalism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern monism, Marxism, secular humanism,
New Age philosophy. And in the third edition he furthered in dating, including
a well revised chapter on New Age philosophy and, perhaps most importantly, a
new chapter on postmodernism.
In the main features of this book, Sire provides the reader seven meaningful and consistent questions to evaluate each worldview. These seven questions are: What is reality? What is the nature of the external world around us? What is a human being? What happens to a person at death? Why is it possible to know anything at all? How do we know what is right and wrong? What is the meaning of human history? Author does good experiment as he portrays how these ten contrasting worldviews struggle to address life's real questions and be internally consistent. He then goes on to test assumptions response of each view. In his probe he finds them internally inconsistent. Despite their rational end line, which is a relative construct, is meaningless; some other turns out to be absurd by living in a self-made bubble, everybody decides his or her own goal and essence of life. He says “existentialists are nihilists with tears; postmodernists are nihilists with a smile.”
In the main features of this book, Sire provides the reader seven meaningful and consistent questions to evaluate each worldview. These seven questions are: What is reality? What is the nature of the external world around us? What is a human being? What happens to a person at death? Why is it possible to know anything at all? How do we know what is right and wrong? What is the meaning of human history? Author does good experiment as he portrays how these ten contrasting worldviews struggle to address life's real questions and be internally consistent. He then goes on to test assumptions response of each view. In his probe he finds them internally inconsistent. Despite their rational end line, which is a relative construct, is meaningless; some other turns out to be absurd by living in a self-made bubble, everybody decides his or her own goal and essence of life. He says “existentialists are nihilists with tears; postmodernists are nihilists with a smile.”
Ultimately,
Sire so challengingly demonstrates that Christian Worldview as far the most consistent
in answering the deep rooted questions of life and most acceptable to human
beings.
At first
look it is purely western in outlook so might not be so appealing to an Indian
mind. For an easterner reader it would be just lore, Sire lacks in this area.
However, very interesting use of language, no jargons. He also provides enough
depth that one can enter into intelligent conversation about the subject
matter. Sire's thorough use of footnotes aids in further
authenticity to research. Well organized
and well-grounded work. I strongly recommended it for anyone who is committed
to investigate the worldviews, especially how these worldviews chronologically
developed in history. For general
awareness, The Universe Next Door is
an excellent read.
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