The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog

“Worldviews are, indeed, a matter of the heart.”

Sire’s new definition of worldview represents a shift from his earlier definition of “a set of presuppositions.” Sire expanded his view of worldview on the basis of criticisms of the earlier edition. Sire came to realize that his older definition was too intellectual and abstract and neglected the unconscious and affective aspects of worldview. This new definition emphasizes that worldview is an emotional as well as intellectual commitment.

“Here you have a real live Christian’s guide to the Christian worldview and its alternatives.”

Citing C. S. Lewis on literary interpretation, Sire defends the validity of writing a survey of worldviews from a Christian perspective. Writing an account of intellectual movements that is completely free from bias is impossible, Sire contends. Sire says that it is useful, however, to have an account of the Christian and other worldviews from the point of view of a living believer and practitioner of the Christian worldview.

“The struggle to discover our own faith, our own worldview, our beliefs about reality, is what this book is all about.”

Sire states his broader purpose for the book, which is intended not just to provide a survey of historical worldviews but to encourage reflection about one’s own worldviews as well as engagement with others who may hold different worldviews. The book is meant to encourage Sire’s ideal