This video, Nobody Stands Nowhere, gives attention to what it is that makes us hold the view of the world around us that we do. This blog has several posts that question the filters or blinkers that affect the mind's eye. The focus here has often been on the rigorist materialism of scientists in particular, preventing them from appreciating the richness of reality, but any individual can have an imprisoned mindset when they do not take control of the manner in which society is influencing their thoughts, words and actions, and so relationships with others and ultimately with God.
The Germans have contributed two useful terms relating to the nature of what affects a person's or society's worldview. The first is Zeitgeist, which is referring to the "spirit of the age". Whatever period of history we live in, people have a way of thinking that is partly inherited but which also evolves according to the cultural forces of the time, for example, prosperity and a wish for pleasure-seeking might deaden the concept of self-discipline.
The second term is Weltanschauung, which is "world view". Philosophers have had a lot of fun with the term but the central notion is that we are historically conditioned and have to be very wary about what we hold to be true.
For those with a serious approach to their belief in God and the Church, these concepts are well-recognised. Paul, writing in 2 Corinthians 3:15, states: "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God".
Further, the Church has seen the need to strenuously teach about the need for proper formation of one's conscience, accepting what is noble as fundamental rather than the crudity that is often thrown at us in the name of culture. Paul says in Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This is the way Christians, and all people of goodwill, are urged to develop a spiritual view, which helps them to understand the world around them in a God-inspired way:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things (Paul to the Philippians 4:8); and:
Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace (James 3:13-18).
To develop an accurate worldview, which becomes the North Star in our life, first we must deliberately attend to our own experience as to the reality of the world and the nature of our existence in human society; second, we prudently accept rules of life that are biblical but are also universal such as "Do to others as you would have them do to you"; third, we take advice from those who show a wisdom that may pit them against the rest of society, as well as learning from the best of world literature and through other proven cultural activity; finally, and importantly, we give ourselves a chance to listen to God's guidance.
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