Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the concept of worldview in the writings of John Paul Newport for philosophical and biblical adequacy. By interacting with the history of thought concerning the notion of worldview in the general philosophic and Christian tradition, the particulars of Newport's worldview system are analyzed in relationship to epistemological cousin, postmodernism. Newport exerts an impressive influence upon Southern Baptist life, and in view of the significance he places upon his own spiritual and intellectual pilgrimage as a factor in his thought, the introduction surveys his growth and fruitful ministry among Southern Baptists. ;The first chapter traces the philological and conceptual history of the term "worldview." Newport's use of the term is examined in light of worldview typologies relating philosophy and worldview. His application of the worldview notion is justified both by the way it coheres with established ideational history, and, ironically, by the conceptual flexibility surrounding the use of the term itself. ;The second chapter explores the way in which the worldview idea is appropriated by various Christian thinkers. Newport's traditional and distinctive ways of employing the concept in Christian philosophy are compared with other Christian models. Though certain weaknesses in his system are addressed, Newport's system is found to be biblically faithful. ;Chapter three probes the problem of relativism inherent in all perspectival epistemologies, including worldview philosophy. Newport's supernatural realism, however, is compared and shown to be incompatible with radical postmodernism. Conclusions from truth theory augmented by insights from the epistemology of Thomas Reid are offered as constructive and compatible supports for Newport's rejection of relativism. ;The fourth chapter concludes the study with judgments concerning the prospects of Christian worldview projects such as Newport's. After examining the Christian imperative for sharing a biblical worldview in an unfriendly atmosphere, a proposal is offered which suggests ways the notion might be aptly exploited in the future