Walking With God: Episode 3

Episode 3: Meet the Worldviews – Four Ways People See Everything

Section 1: When Your GPS Sends You Into a Horse Field

Let me tell you a story.

Years ago, my wife and I were visiting Lexington, Kentucky. My wife loves horses—and since we met in college at Morehead State, Kentucky still feels a bit like home.

This was early in the days of GPS systems. We had no idea how to get where we were going, but hey—we had a map.

Well, technically… we had Google Maps on an iPhone.

A little blue dot. A glowing blue line. And a soothing robotic voice telling us to “Continue straight.”

So we did.

And before I know it, we are driving through a horse field.

Not past it. Through it.

We’re bouncing along some vague grassy path, dodging fences, staring at horses who clearly think we’re lost.

Then—no joke—we’re heading straight toward a set of railroad tracks.

Tracks that are elevated. Tracks that are above our heads.

And right behind those tracks? A mountain.

So there we were: surrounded by horses, heading into a wall of earth, while the GPS confidently encouraged us, “In 200 feet, arrive at your destination.”

That, my friends, is how you end up in a worldview crisis.

Welcome to Walking with God. I’m your host, Chris Reighley—and today we’re going to talk about what happens when your internal GPS is wrong.

Because here’s the deal: your worldview is like a navigation system. It’s how you make sense of life. It’s how you chart a course, avoid disaster, and figure out what really matters.

But if the data’s off—if the coordinates are outdated—then it doesn’t matter how sincere you are.

You’re going to end up confused, stuck, or crashing into a mountain through someone’s horse pasture.

Most people today don’t choose a worldview. They assemble one like a playlist.

A little “God is love” from grandma.

A TED Talk about authenticity.

A Buddhist quote with a floral background.

A Marvel villain’s monologue.

And something from Instagram that says, “You are enough.”

But the problem is—reality doesn’t care about your playlist.

Some worldviews sound beautiful—but collapse under pressure.

Some claim to free you—but quietly take you captive.

And only one is anchored in truth, beauty, and the God who made us.

Today, we’re going to meet four major worldviews that shape how people think:

1. Naturalism – The belief that only the physical world exists. There’s no soul, no God, just matter and math.
2. Postmodernism – The belief that truth is personal, reality is a construct, and you define your own meaning.
3. Pantheism – The belief that everything is divine—including you. Evil is an illusion, and salvation is self-discovery.
4. Biblical Theism – The belief that God created all things, truth is objective, and Jesus Christ is the center of the story.

Each one answers life’s biggest questions:

• Where did we come from?
• Why are we here?
• What’s right and wrong?
• Where are we going?

But only one leads you home.

So today we’ll explore the differences, expose the false promises, and rediscover why worldview isn’t optional—it’s unavoidable.

Let’s meet the worldviews.

Section 2: Taken Captive or Standing Firm?

Let’s open the Word of God—our true compass in a culture full of confusion. Colossians 2:8 (LSB)

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Paul’s warning here is urgent, vivid, and sadly, still relevant.

He’s not telling us to avoid thinking. He’s telling us to think wisely—because the battlefield isn’t just cultural. It’s philosophical. It’s ideological. It’s a war for how you see reality.

“See to it that no one takes you captive…”

This is a military metaphor. The Greek word sylagōgeō means to be carried off like plunder.

Paul is saying: Watch out—there are ideas that will steal your freedom, chain your thinking, and march your soul away from truth.

This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s pastoral clarity.

Ideas have consequences—and bad ideas?

They don’t just stay on paper.

They show up in your newsfeed. Your classroom. Your living room. Your relationships.

“Philosophy and empty deception…”

Let’s be honest. Not all philosophy is bad. Paul himself engaged with Stoics and Epicureans in Acts 17. The danger isn’t thinking deeply—it’s thinking wrongly.

What Paul’s warning about is hollow thinking—philosophies that sound smart but collapse under pressure.

They come dressed in sophistication, but they’re spiritually bankrupt.

Like a $6 latte with oat milk and no espresso—smooth branding, no substance.

These philosophies might sound like:

• “Follow your truth.”
• “God helps those who help themselves.”
• “You do you.”
• “All religions basically say the same thing.”

But under the surface? They are full of tradition without transformation.

Human ideas dressed up as spiritual wisdom.

“According to the tradition of men…”

Here’s the key: Paul draws a clear contrast.

These worldview philosophies don’t come from God.

They come from culture, history, human consensus. In short: groupthink with a halo.

And when man makes himself the source of truth, guess what he eliminates?

Accountability.

Holiness.

Grace.

Christ.

Which brings us to Paul’s final blow:

“…and not according to Christ.”

This is the true litmus test for any worldview.

Does it center on Christ? Or sideline Him?

Because if your worldview doesn’t lead to the cross,

If it doesn’t define truth through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus,

If it doesn’t align with what He says about God, man, sin, and eternity—

Then it’s not just wrong.

It’s deceptive.

It’s dangerous.

It’s a counterfeit.

Big Idea:  The world is full of ideas that sound good but lead to captivity. Comparing worldviews helps us spot deception and anchor in truth.

Let me say that again: Ideas that sound good can still be false.

“Ideas have consequences. Bad ideas have victims.”

That’s why we don’t just accept ideas because they’re trending.

We test them by the truth.

And Colossians 2:8 gives us the lens to do just that.

So today, as we begin comparing worldviews, here’s your grid:

• Does it come from God—or man?
• Does it align with Scripture—or oppose it?
• Does it elevate Christ—or erase Him?

Because the world will offer you a thousand philosophies.

But only one gospel.

Only one Christ.

Only one truth that sets you free.

And if you’re not testing the voices…

You’re already being discipled by them.

Section 3: The Framework Beneath the Fog

So what exactly is a worldview?

Let’s go with the classic definition from James Sire:

“A worldview is a set of presuppositions which we hold (consciously or unconsciously) about the basic makeup of our world.”

In plain English?

It’s the lens through which you see everything.

It’s not just what you think—it’s how you think. It’s the internal GPS that helps you interpret life, suffering, love, justice, meaning, death, and destiny.

Most people don’t walk around quoting philosophers or drawing worldview diagrams on napkins. But everyone—everyone—is living out answers to four big questions:

1. Origin – Where did we come from?
2. Meaning – Why are we here?
3. Morality – What’s right and wrong?
4. Destiny – Where are we going?

Those questions shape how you live, how you lead, and how you love.

And today, we’re going to compare four major worldviews that claim to answer them.

1. Naturalism

Think: Atheism, Secular Humanism, Scientific Materialism

This worldview says:

• Origin – You’re a cosmic accident. Just time + matter + chance.
• Meaning – Make your own. There’s no ultimate purpose.
• Morality – It evolved. Survival of the fittest. Just be “nice.”
• Destiny – Nothing. When you die, you rot.

On the bright side, no one’s judging you.

On the dark side… no one’s saving you either.

This is the default setting of public education, media, and pop science. God is absent. The soul is fiction. And truth? Just what your neurons fire up.

But here’s the kicker: if you’re just stardust… why do you crave justice? Why do you love beauty? Why do you grieve death?

Naturalism can explain the chemistry of the brain—but not the ache of the heart.

2. Postmodernism

Think: Relativism, Deconstructionism, your freshman philosophy professor

This worldview says:

• Origin – Who knows? Just social context and power structures.
• Meaning – You decide. Truth is a construct.
• Morality – Depends on the group. All ethics are “situational.”
• Destiny – 🤷‍♂️ Not really sure. Why does it matter?

In postmodernism, truth is personal, not universal. Everyone has “their truth,” and if you question it, you’re oppressive.

This worldview sounds tolerant… until it’s not.

It tolerates everything except objective truth, especially biblical truth.

The irony? Postmodernism says “there is no truth”… as if that statement is true.

Try to live consistently with that, and you’ll need a therapist and a logic tutor.

3. Pantheism

Think: Eastern Mysticism, New Age Spirituality, yoga with a side of cosmic energy

This worldview says:

• Origin – You’re part of the divine. All is one.
• Meaning – Transcend your ego. Escape illusion.
• Morality – Karma, balance, vibes. Be in tune.
• Destiny – Recycle into the divine. Be absorbed.

It’s spirituality without repentance. God without holiness. Self without sin.

Pantheism is popular because it feels spiritual and positive—like you’re in control of your soul’s journey.

But it also says evil is an illusion. That’s hard to swallow in a world of war, abuse, injustice, and death.

Try telling a grieving mother that her child’s suffering is just a spiritual illusion and see how “peaceful” that sounds.

4. Biblical Theism

Think: Christianity rooted in Scripture

This worldview says:

• Origin – You were created by a personal, holy God in His image.
• Meaning – You exist to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
• Morality – Right and wrong flow from God’s character and Word.
• Destiny – Eternity in heaven or hell, based on your response to Christ.

Biblical theism doesn’t flinch at suffering—it explains it.

It doesn’t deny evil—it defines it.

And it doesn’t offer you self-improvement—it offers you resurrection.

This is the worldview that sees the cross not as myth, but as history.

It sees Jesus not as one option among many, but as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Bottom Line:

“Every worldview is a story. But not every story is true.”  — Nancy Pearcey

So what story are you living in?

What answers are you building your life on?

Your worldview isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a foundation.

And as we’re about to see, only one of these foundations will hold when the pressure comes.

Section 4: One Story Holds. The Rest Collapse.

Let’s lay it out plainly.

Four worldviews.

Four stories about reality.

Four sets of answers to life’s biggest questions.

And only one of them is rooted in truth.

We’re going to put these worldviews side by side and ask the same four questions:

1. Where did we come from? (Origin)
2. Why are we here? (Meaning)
3. What’s right and wrong? (Morality)
4. Where are we going? (Destiny)

Here’s what we get:  Let’s break it down—and pull no punches.

Naturalism

• Origin: You’re a cosmic accident.
• Meaning: You’re free to create your own, but don’t expect it to mean anything when you’re dead.
• Morality: It’s whatever helps your tribe survive—until it doesn’t.
• Destiny: The lights go out, and your atoms become someone else’s salad.

Naturalism explains everything in terms of molecules, but nothing in terms of meaning.

You can explain the brain but not the soul.

You can measure a heartbeat, but not why it breaks.

Postmodernism

• Origin: You’re a product of power structures.
• Meaning: Make it up. Just don’t let anyone challenge it.
• Morality: It’s relative, unless you offend me. Then it’s absolute.
• Destiny: Not sure. But don’t judge me.

Postmodernism deconstructs everything… until there’s nothing left to live on.

It shouts, “There’s no truth!”—as if that’s true.

It critiques power—but just shifts the power to someone else.

It’s a worldview where everyone is their own god, and the only sin is certainty.

Pantheism

• Origin: You’ve always existed—sort of. You’re part of the divine.
• Meaning: Escape the illusion of the self. Or at least post about your energy healing journey.
• Morality: Karma, vibes, balance. Do good to receive good… eventually.
• Destiny: Melt back into the cosmic soup.

Pantheism offers you spirituality without sin. Energy without ethics.

But if everything is divine, then nothing is holy.

If evil is just illusion, try telling that to someone in a cancer ward or a war zone.

Pantheism gives you mystery—but not meaning. Experience—but not truth.

Biblical Theism

• Origin: You were created by a holy, personal God.
• Meaning: You were made to know Him and make Him known.
• Morality: God’s character defines what’s good, not your preferences.
• Destiny: Eternity—either with Christ or separated from Him.

Biblical theism tells a story that is historically grounded, theologically rich, and personally transformative.

It explains why you cry for justice, long for purpose, and ache for home.

It dares to call evil evil, and grace amazing.

It doesn’t flatter the ego—it crucifies it and offers resurrection instead.

Final Word:

“Every worldview is a story. But not every story is true.” —Nancy Pearcey

So here’s the question:

Which story fits the world as it is—and offers hope for what it could be?

The story that starts in Eden…

Climaxes at the cross…

And ends in a city where death is no more?

That’s the story worth living.

That’s the worldview worth building your life on.

Section 5: Why Jesus Is the Key to Reality

We’ve just surveyed four competing worldviews—and let’s be honest, three of them can barely stand under their own weight.

They offer fragments of truth without a foundation.

They offer spirituality without substance.

Morality without a standard.

Purpose without a person.

But the biblical worldview is different. It’s not just another system of thought.

It’s a story—a true story. And it centers on a real person: Jesus Christ.

Let’s open the Word and ground this:

John 1:1–3 (LSB): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”

The Greek word for Word here is Logos—meaning reason, logic, order, meaning.

Jesus isn’t just the Savior.

He’s the rational core of creation.

You want coherence?

You want clarity in the fog?

You want the worldview that explains everything from atoms to ethics?

Start with Christ.

Hebrews 1:1–3 says: “God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days spoke to us in His Son… who is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature…”

In Christ, we don’t just get good ideas—we get the truth embodied.

Other worldviews offer guesses.

Jesus offers revelation.

Other worldviews say, “find your truth.”

Jesus says, “I am the truth.”

Fallen Condition Focus: We Invent Stories to Avoid Surrender

The problem with the human heart isn’t that we’re too curious.

It’s that we’re too proud.

Romans 1 tells us we “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”

We don’t reject truth because it’s unreasonable.

We reject it because it’s inconvenient.

We don’t want a King—we want autonomy.

We don’t want rescue—we want control.

So we invent worldviews that let us be God while pretending to be wise.

But they leave us empty, anxious, and ultimately enslaved.

Redemptive Solution: The World Made New in Christ

The biblical worldview tells a better story:

• Creation – Christ made everything, including you. You have value and purpose.
• Fall – Sin broke the world, and your heart, too. You need rescue.
• Redemption – Jesus entered history to redeem, renew, and reconcile you to God.
• Restoration – He’s coming again. And He’s making all things new.

In Christ, suffering gains purpose.

In Christ, morality is grounded in God’s character.

In Christ, truth isn’t an argument—it’s a person.

In Christ, death doesn’t get the last word—resurrection does.

Why Christ Is the Coherence We Crave

You know why these other worldviews collapse?

Because they try to explain the world without Jesus.

They leave out the Logos.

They silence the voice of the Creator.

They promise peace but never deliver.

Jesus doesn’t just give us a better answer—He is the answer.

• To the confused: He says, “I am the way.”
• To the cynical: He says, “I am the truth.”
• To the weary: He says, “I am the life.”

So here’s the reality:

You’re going to live by a story.

The only question is… is it true?

And if it doesn’t start with Christ, center on Christ, and lead to Christ…

it’s a false story.

But if it does—if Jesus is the lens—you’ll begin to see everything clearly.

And that’s the kind of worldview that doesn’t just explain life.

It transforms it.

Section 6: Living with Clarity in a Blended World

Let’s get real for a moment.

You’ve probably heard the stats by now—but they’re worth repeating:

According to the Cultural Research Center:

• 88% of Americans are syncretists—they mix and match contradictory beliefs.
• Even among professing Christians, most affirm ideas rooted in naturalism, pantheism, or postmodernism—without even knowing it.

That means if you ask the average Christian what they believe, you might hear:

• “I believe in Jesus… but also in karma.”
• “I trust the Bible… but I think truth is kind of personal.”
• “I believe in heaven… but all good people go there, right?”

It’s like theological smoothie-making: a little Jesus, a dash of yoga, some crystals, a sprinkle of TED Talk, and a Bible verse on the lid.

It might taste spiritual—but it’s not sound.

It’s not biblical.

And it’s definitely not sustainable.

The Cultural Playbook: How False Worldviews Show Up

Let’s name some common cultural narratives—each one tied to a faulty worldview:

Self-Help & Positivity Culture → Pantheism

Your social feed tells you:

• “You are the answer.”
• “The universe has your back.”
• “Manifest your future.”

That’s not just corny. That’s pantheism wrapped in pastel colors. It’s the idea that you’re divine, and the world is your energy field.

Education & Academia → Postmodernism

In the classroom, truth is deconstructed. Language is power. Morality is a social contract.

Students aren’t taught to love truth—they’re taught to doubt it.

You leave knowing how to critique, but not how to live. How to tear down stories, but not how to build your life on one that’s true.

Media & Entertainment → Naturalism

From Netflix to the news, the message is clear:

• Science is king.
• Faith is for the weak.
• Miracles are myths.
• Morality is flexible.

You’re just an animal with a conscience. Nothing more. Nothing eternal.

How Syncretism Shows Up in the Church

This isn’t just out there in “the world.” It’s in the pews.

We baptize karma and call it “sowing and reaping.”

We turn Jesus into a life coach.

We quote Jeremiah 29:11 on Instagram while living like truth is optional.

Here’s what happens when syncretism goes unchecked:

• In parenting: We teach kids to be “true to themselves” instead of anchored in truth.
• In discipleship: We emphasize habits without addressing core assumptions.
• In politics: We act like the kingdom of God rises or falls on who’s in office.
• In suffering: We’re surprised when pain hits—because our worldview told us life was about comfort.

This is why worldview discipleship matters.

Because when your beliefs are fragmented, your life will be too.

The Colson Fellows Insight: Discipleship = Worldview Formation

“You can’t out-discipline a distorted worldview.”

That’s a core conviction in the Colson Fellows program—and it’s absolutely true.

We can’t just teach prayer, Bible reading, and church attendance.

We must also disciple people to think biblically about the big questions of life.

Because if someone believes:

• God is a vague force,
• Morality is subjective,
• Truth is fluid,
• And eternity is optional…

…it won’t matter how many small groups they attend.

Their life will drift—and their witness will weaken.

Real Life Integration: Worldview at Work

Here’s how biblical worldview shows up in the real world:

In Parenting:

You don’t just teach your kids to obey—you teach them why God’s Word is trustworthy.

You don’t say “because I said so.” You say, “Because God is holy, and His Word is true.”

In the Workplace:

You view your job as a calling—not just a paycheck.

You live with integrity because your ultimate Boss isn’t your manager—it’s your Master in heaven.

In Conversations:

You don’t just argue. You ask questions that uncover assumptions:

• “How do you define truth?”
• “What do you believe about human dignity?”
• “Where do right and wrong come from?”

These aren’t just apologetic strategies. They’re worldview probes.

The Goal: Seeing Clearly. Living Boldly.

A biblical worldview is more than a list of doctrines.

It’s a lens.

It changes how you see—and therefore how you live.

It gives you clarity when the world shouts confusion.

It gives you courage when the culture demands compromise.

It gives you comfort when life brings pain.

Because in a world full of playlists, spiritual branding, and foggy maps—truth matters.

And Jesus doesn’t just give us truth. He is the truth.

Section 7: The Lens You Live

Let’s take a deep breath.

We’ve covered a lot today—four worldviews, a flood of philosophies, and a lot of fake GPS systems trying to take you through horse fields and into mountains.

But let’s bring it home.

Because the goal isn’t just to win an argument.

It’s to walk in truth.

Truth to Remember:

Not every worldview leads to truth—but every person is living by one.

Whether you’ve thought about it or not, your life is shaped by how you answer the big questions:

• Where did I come from?
• Why am I here?
• What’s right and wrong?
• Where am I going?

And only one worldview answers them with clarity, coherence, and Christ.

Lies to Reject:

1. “All worldviews are basically the same.”
   No—they’re not. They contradict each other. And only one aligns with reality.
2. “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.”
   You can be sincerely wrong. Just ask anyone who’s followed their GPS into a lake.

3 Action Steps This Week:

1. Evaluate your worldview.
   Ask yourself honestly: How do I answer those four big questions?
   Do your assumptions come from Scripture or from TikTok, tradition, and pop psychology?
2. Compare what you believe with what the Bible says.
   Use Genesis to Revelation. See how God answers these questions. Write them down.
3. Pray: “Lord, align my lens with Your truth.”
   Don’t just study worldview—invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.

Verse to Meditate On:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —Psalm 119:105

When the world is dark, and your GPS is glitching, this is the light you need.

Journal Prompt:

Write out how each worldview would respond to suffering, injustice, and death.

Then write out what the gospel says.

Feel the difference. That’s where truth lives.

Final Word:

Ideas matter. But more than that, truth matters.

And if Jesus isn’t the center of your worldview, you’ll spend your life wandering, recalculating, and wondering why nothing satisfies.

So check your lens. Sharpen your convictions. And don’t just believe the truth—walk it out.

Because your worldview isn’t just something you think about.

It’s something you live.

Until next time, I’m Chris Reighley.

Thanks for joining us on Walking with God.

Let’s keep walking—one step at a time.