Even for those who are familiar with the concept of worldview, it’s easy to think that worldview is only relevant for some things.  You know, the “big” things.  But the reality is, your personal worldview affects every part of your life — whether you’re conscious of it or not.  

Consider with me just a few examples by way of illustration.

Global Warming

Is global warming a serious, human-induced problem?  How you answer that is influenced by your view of several other things.

How trustworthy is the scientific majority?  Your view of that is influenced, at least in part, by your view of humanity in general.  Are people generally good?  Can people be corrupted by money, power, and/or influence — and, if so, how easily?

What do you believe about the origins of the earth, the future (potential?) end of the earth, and how much influence man has over that process?

Not only is your view of global warming impacted by a variety of other ideas; it, in turn, impacts your view of other things.

Should you walk or drive?  How important are “alternative” energy sources?  Is spray paint bad?  How do you feel about eating meat?

Dietary Choices

How you feel about the idea of eating meat may be influenced by your views of global warming…and it’s also influenced by other factors.  Do you believe it’s morally acceptable to kill an animal for consumption?  Do you believe meat is beneficial for health?

Does it matter how the animal was raised?  How it was killed?

Are there differences depending on what kind of meat it is?

At the other end of the spectrum, what about vegetables?  Is it better for health to eat more vegetables or fewer vegetables?  Are grains and humans compatible?

Is eating a healthy diet a moral issue in your view, or merely a matter of preference?

Government

Your everyday political involvement (or lack of involvement) is driven by your personal worldview.  What do you believe the purpose of government is?  How much authority do you believe governments have — or should have?

Do you believe that religion should be completely separate from politics, or that it should affect your politics (or neither)?

Are there some types of government that are more fitting than others?

Your answers to questions like these determine whether you vote, protest, write to your representatives/leaders, etc., and to what end.

Every Day

Every day you’re answering questions like this.  You’re choosing what food to buy, cook, and eat.  You’re making decisions about what events to respond to.  You’re determining which companies to buy from, what information sources are valid, and which priorities are most important.  All of these rely on your own personal worldview.

Wouldn’t you rather make these choices with intention, rather than falling into your belief system by accident or default?