No, that is not a foreign swear word or a kind of pastry.  It is the German word for “worldview.”  It refers to the set of presuppositions we have about the basic make-up of the world.  Everyone has a worldview whether they know it or not.  Our worldview is the lens we look through to view the world.  Dr. Mike Wittmer wrote, “This lens is more like contact lenses than eyeglasses, for like the former, we so take it for granted that we often aren’t consciously aware that we are wearing it.”  Our initial worldview is formed by our environment, education and experiences.  Eventually, we begin to think for ourselves and start asking questions about the commonly held beliefs of our sphere of relationships.  This is a frightening time for us and those around us.  To question the worldview of our established culture can mean the loss of friends and in some cultures even abandonment by family.  Our worldview affects our decision making and our lifestyle.  Sometimes our desires alter our worldview.  For example, if someone really wants to live in sexual sin they may say that they no longer believe the credibility of the Bible.  They are being honest in that if they accept the Bible as truthful and authoritative they have to either obey it or disobey.  Denying its credibility gives them permission to act as they want without the affliction of their conscience.  The believers in the early church had a worldview that shaped their life.  They believed they lived in a supernatural universe.  They believed Jesus Christ was the way, the truth and the life.  They believed His teachings led to a better way of life and a better destination.  They believed God was present, active and personal.  These beliefs led to a certain way of life and the overall effect was awe, joy and the favor of even those who did not believe.  It is very important to think about these things.  What does the way we live say about what we believe?  Is it consistent?  What is the logical conclusion of our worldview?  What if our current worldview was embraced by others?  This is the stuff of revolution my friends and even more important…our worldview shapes our eternal destiny…we better get it right.