christian worldview interview

Slide 1:

Kalina Myers Course: CT113 Christian Worldview Professor: Dr. Carl Judson Davis Interview with: Melissa A. On the Subject of: Christian Science

Slide 2:

Q: In your view, what is responsible for the existence of the universe? Everything is created spiritually. “The whole universe is interconnected.” “God has created the whole universe; the question is, ‘What is God?’” There are 7 synonyms for God. These are: Life, Truth, Love, Spirit, Soul, Substance, and Principle.

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Q: Where did the world come from? How did it come into being? The world is a part of the universe “It’s always recreating itself materially.” “Nobody really knows.” If reality is spiritual, we should be able to change it. “What is reality? is the real big question.” Melissa: “The “Adam Dream” is what we call the Genesis 2 account. It’s different from Genesis 1. It was like a drug-induced coma.” Me: “So the physical world is just our imagination?” Melissa: “Yeah, pretty much. That’s why we can change it. It’s like the Matrix.”

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Q1: What is a human being? Q2: What happens to a human being when he or she dies? A1: A human being is “just another species of energy. A different life form; a reflection of God. Everything is a reflection of God.” A2: “If we’re created by God, and we’re spiritual, I believe we just continue on. Heaven and Hell is a state of mind.” “We don’t go anywhere.” “The material body dies; it’s just a hunk of meat.” “We’re always a part of one big Consciousness, and that Consciousness is God. We have to connect with that Consciousness.”

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Q: How can we be sure that we have any true knowledge? “If God is all-knowing, all-seeing, all-loving, etc., then we have access to that knowledge.” It comes from that connection with a higher power.

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Q: How do you determine what is right and wrong? “This is why I taught my kids to play chess.” You have to think ahead; think of the consequences of an action. “If an action will have a negative repercussion, like causing physical, emotional, or mental harm to someone else — or myself — I should rethink it.” It’s also a gut-instinct. “You know when you’re doing something wrong.” It comes from the connection to the Higher Power. You have to listen to your conscience. “Those are all angel messages that are directing and guiding you.”

Slide 7:

Q1: Does history have any purpose or theme? Q2: How does life have any significance? A1: It has a purpose, because you can learn from mistakes. “It can be immediate or ancient history; people keep making the same stupid mistakes.” A2: Everything has life. Melissa believes that growth determines significance. Without physical, spiritual, or emotional growth, it loses significance. “When you stop growing, you start dying.”

Slide 8:

Q: Do you have any problems with the Christian view of reality? “There is no reality in the fact that people think we’re born into sin. Jesus didn’t see people as sinners; he saw them as perfect.” “I don’t think we’re born sinners.” “People telling us that we’re sinners is a control tactic of some kind.” Jesus came to show how to live spiritually, not to die for our sins. After all, we aren’t sinners. His resurrection was to show that we are spiritual; that people cannot harm the spiritual being.

Slide 9:

Q: What do you appreciate about the Christian view of reality? “That Christ taught that we need to see the beauty, love, and good in everybody.” “But Christ came to show us that we are a reflection of God.” We are made in his image and likeness. Jesus saw us at our full potential. Not merely as wretched sinners.

Slide 10:

Q: What are the pros and cons of your view? “It bucks traditional ideals and beliefs.” “The con would be that people would think I’m a nut” for not complying with their views of Christianity. “There’s a difference between belief and understanding.” “We have to focus on the good so we can become good.” “We’re not working our way out of sin; we’re working through growth.” Pros: Cons: