Lecture: Introduction to Biblical Worldview - Emmanuel Entee

The topic by Emmanuel Entee introduces the concept of a biblical worldview by focusing on the foundational themes of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration. Drawing from Genesis 1-3, the lecture explains the narrative of how the world was created, how humanity fell into sin, and God’s plan for redemption. The lecture emphasizes the Imago Dei (the belief that humans are made in the image of God), the purpose of human life in God’s creation, and the ultimate restoration of all things in God's plan. These themes serve as the foundation of a biblical worldview and shape how individuals understand their relationship to God, community, and the world.

What stood out to me the most was the art piece by Sergiy Shkanov. At first glance, the painting seemed simple and mundane. However, as the lecture progressed, I found myself paying more attention to it each day and started to see deeper meaning in both the linear and cyclical nature of creation and the order and complexity of God’s universe. The piece became a refreshing and insightful tool in the presentation, helping to illustrate key points Emmanuel Entee was making about creation and the broader biblical narrative.

Additionally, I was very appreciative of Emmanuel’s willingness to sacrifice some of his prepared lecture time to dwell on deep and difficult topics that emerged during class discussions. As someone who enjoys pondering these topics, his flexibility in addressing our questions and concerns in real-time was incredibly valuable. Being a verbal processor, this approach helped me engage with the material in a more meaningful way.

The use of Genesis 1-3 as an anchor for understanding the biblical worldview had a significant impact on me. The emphasis on humanity’s role in both relationship and responsibility, as laid out in the creation narrative, provided a framework for seeing how our faith should influence our actions in everyday life. This perspective reshaped my understanding of stewardship, community, and identity, and challenged me to think more deeply about how my beliefs guide my actions.

One part of the lecture that felt somewhat unsatisfactory to me personally was one particular class exercise, which involved filling out content under three categories—meaning, implications, and distortions—across five points: truth, identity, organization, resources, and continuum. The exercise was structured in a way that lent itself to more categorical and orderly answers, which was good,  it's just that I didn’t fully grasp the expectations or guidelines for what each category required, which made it challenging. I don’t think this was the speaker’s fault, but I believe we could have spent more time defining the expectations together beforehand. Although the exercise still was very thought provoking!

This lecture prompts one to view the Bible not just as a religious text, but as a lens through which to see and understand the world. The distinction between biblical concepts of freedom and responsibility, contrasted with modern individualism, was thought-provoking and helped me reassess how I approach these themes in my own life. I also appreciated how the lecture allowed time to engage with deeper, more difficult questions, fostering a richer understanding of the material. The experience has made me reflect on how a biblical worldview can shape my daily actions and relationships, encouraging me to live in alignment with my faith in a more conscious and intentional way.