Professional Dissertations DMin

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Doctor of Ministry DMin

First Advisor

Bruce L. Bauer

Abstract

Problem. The Adventist emphasis on cognitive knowledge and behavioral change instead of deep changes of worldview assumptions and allegiance is the main concern of the present work. It is easier to emphasize cognitive beliefs and behavior than to do the difficult task of working to change the underlying worldview premises that drive behavior. The emphases on cognitive beliefs and behavior have frequently generated syncretism, created loyalty based on surface advantage instead of deeper allegiance, and hindered the Seventh-day Adventist Christian message from being adapted to different cultures.

Method. An interdisciplinary library research is conducted to establish the foundational knowledge of worldview concepts providing the material for discussion and development of worldview analysis and transformation. Based on these tools, a process of worldview analysis and transformation is applied producing a small sample result.

Results. Worldview concepts are analyzed and described based on its historical developments. Furthermore, stages human beings move through in worldview formation are suggested recommending a Biblically shaped worldview process for worldview transformation and, finally, implications of worldview studies for mission and ministry are shown.

Conclusions. This study has demonstrated the role of worldview in enabling a person to see reality and, at the same time, blinding a person from seeing reality fully leading to the following conclusions; first, it is essential for missions that missionaries and ministers undertake a personal worldview analysis that will enable them to perceive how their worldview assumptions influence their beliefs, values, judgment, and behavior. This evaluation will also help missionaries to detect areas of life in need of spiritual renovation leading to a personal re-encounter with God. Second, it is essential to conduct a thorough worldview analysis of people in context. Careful worldview analysis determines the best strategies for missions. The final goal of Adventist missions is worldview transformation leading to a biblically shaped worldview. This will only be possible by understanding a people’s worldview and analyzing it under the light of Scripture that will indicate the necessary changes to produce shifts in allegiance without compromising the cultural essence.

Subject Area

Missions, Ideology--Religious aspects, Christian sociology, Worldview

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.32597/dmin/95/

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