I'm Not Sure I Can Eat Six Pieces...

For whatever reason, today I have been reflecting on worldview. So much of what we do is directly affected by our worldview, but we often fail to acknowledge this simple fact, or presume that we exist outside of our worldview, which is a worldview unto itself. But first things first, what is a worldview?

The American Heritage dictionary refers to a "worldview" as " 1) The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world. 2) A collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group" (according to http://dictionary.reference.com/). If you want a more drawn out, and potentially incorrect, definition of "worldview" check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_view I can't verify the material there, and, quite frankly, don't feel like reading it myself right now. You're going to have to make the call on that one.

Basically, a worldview is a matrix by which we see all the things that we see, and do all the things that we do. It is the cognitive filter that we have unknowingly placed on our lives through a type of cultural learning that all people go through as they live life in a given culture. Whether we recognize it or not, we have a worldview. But sometimes, if we actually take the time to examine our beliefs (which many people do not), we can sometimes step outside of our worldview, if only for a little while, and that is where the fun begins.

I heard a story the other day about a guy who ordered a pizza from the local pizza place. The person behind the counter asked him if he wanted his pizza cut into four pieces or six . The man replied, "I'm not too sure that I could eat six pieces. Better cut it into four." Worldview is a matter of perspective. Six pieces of pizza sound like a lot more than four. It is a matter of perspective. You see, when we can step outside of our own personal biases and begin to see another's point of view, we can offer up a valid critique of the situation. It is only when we have reached the point of seeing beyond the black and white of our own dogmatic positions that we can really step out and grow as people, especially as people of faith.

Just some musings from a traveling pilgrim.