Topic 1

Question 1

Assumption

Answer 1

An underlying belief that is presupposed or presumed in advance of careful reason and reflection

Question 2

Faith

Answer 2

Trust in and loyalty to a set of core worldview beliefs or in a person; within the Christian worldview, it is the act of trusting in Jesus Christ to define oneself, which constitutes a transformation of a person’s spirit from selfishness to selflessness.

Question 3

Reason

Answer 3

The process of evaluating and then supporting, modifying, or rejecting particular presuppositions.

Question 4

Worldview

Answer 4

A foundational set of assumptions to which one commits that serves as a framework for understanding and interpreting reality and deeply shapes one’s behavior.

Question 5

Agnosticism

Answer 5

A worldview position characterized by the conviction that it is not possible to know with certainty whether God exists or not and that the same is true of certain other religious claims

Question 6

Atheism

Answer 6

Disbelief in the existence of a god or gods and , therefore, entails and understanding of reality that makes no reference to anything or any being beyond the physical universe

Question 7

cognitive dissonance

Answer 7

A uncomfortable state in which a person holds inconsistent or contradictory ideas or beliefs, particularly in relation to morality and conduct.

Question 8

Coherence Test

Answer 8

A worldview test that examines the internal consistency and rational coherence of worldview assumptions.

Question 9

Correspondence Test

Answer 9

A worldview test that examines a worldview’s ability to provide a cogent explanation of reality.

Question 10

Ethics

Answer 10

The systematic study of moral principles that is concerned mainly with beliefs and judgments regarding right and wrong for the purpose of guiding human behavior.

Question 11

Monotheistic

Answer 11

A theistic worldview that includes only one god.

Question 12

Naturalism

Answer 12

A worldview position characterized by the conviction that nothing exists beyond the natural world, emphasis on knowledge available through analysis of the natural world, and the exclusion of supernatural explanations and religious doctrine.

Question 13

Pantheism

Answer 13

Equates god with the universe and the universe with god by conceiving of both as identical and entirely consistent with one another.

Question 14

Plausibility Structure

Answer 14

A mental framework that functions like a filter by determining what one counts as genuine knowledge and what should be disregarded.

Question 15

Polytheistic

Answer 15

A theistic worldview that includes multiple gods.

Question 16

Practical Test

Answer 16

A worldview test that examines a worldview’s workability and practical value in the most important areas of life and experience.

Question 17

Purpose

Answer 17

The underlying reason for which something was created and the ends for which it currently exists.

Question 18

Secular Humanist

Answer 18

A person who embraces a philosophy of life that excludes supernaturalism and a personal god, emphasizes reason and scientific evidence, and emphasizes personal fulfillment and social good as the basis for moral reasoning.

Question 19

Secularization

Answer 19

A societal process that involves a large-scale withdrawal of influence by religious groups from major areas of life, thought, and social activity.

Question 20

Theism

Answer 20

A worldview that entails belief in the existence of at least one personal and intelligent divine being.

Question 21

Ultimate Reality

Answer 21

The absolute, supreme, and final person, power, principle, or substance underlying the universe.