Worldview Studies

Worldview studies consider different starting points that structure and limit how a person thinks they can know, what it is they think they can know, and what if any obligations they have for that knowledge. I have listed the books that have most influenced my epistemology, ontology, and ethics. From there I move on to issues that influence our world this day such as postmodernism.

Introduction to Metaphysics - Avery Dulles et al

ISBN: Out of Print Use http://www.abebooks.com/ to buy. Type in author: Avery Dulles and keyword: metaphysics.

An out of print text that explicates Thomistic-Aristotlelian ways of understanding what exists and how to describe it. It is a basic and clear ontology that has greatly influenced my way of looking at 'being.'

The Destiny of Man - Nicolas Berdyaev

ISBN: None to old Use http://www.abebooks.com/ to find and buy.

The text comes from the Eastern Orthodox believer Nicolas Berdyaev. Chapter two 'The Origin of Good and Evil' is worth buying the book and is fundamental to my understanding of the paradigm of the tree of life AND my understanding of the paradigm of the knowledge of good and evil. It is basic to my worldview.

Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends - K. VanHoozer, C. Anderson, and M. Sleasman (eds)

This
work teaches a very clear and understandable way to interpret the
happenings in our culture (be it presidential elections, music, movies
etc) biblically, so that we might understand what's going on underneath
the physical surface and how we as Christians ought to engage or
respond. One of the best books on understanding the 'signs of the
times' out there.

ISBN: 0801031672 Use http://www.abebooks.com to find.

A Primer on Postmodernism - Stanley J. Grenz

The late Grenz presents a lucid introduction to the 21st century western worldview. It is accessible yet challenging. It is a must read for the Christian trying to understand why those cyring for "change" can spin their words, mean different things at different times, and still "believe in" them. The point, there is little mooring if any to an 'objective' truth.

ISBN: 0802808646 Use http://www.abebooks.com to find.

Does the Center Hold - Donald Palmer (4th Edition)

By far the most accessible and humorous introduction to western philosophy, that is worldview, out there. It is in comic book format but don't let that deceive you. His accounts of epistemology, metaphyscis, and ethics are exacting and usually without the vitriol that comes with some non-Christian philosophers. A brilliant read albeit from a decidedly non-Christian approach. A good overview of how and why people think the way they do and may not even know it.