PERSONAL WORLDVIEW INVENTORY 1

Personal Worldview Inventory

Jacqueline Greer

PHI-413V

09/16/2018
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A worldview is the fundamental power of reality, shared among cultures, that offer the

lens through which people observe and experience the universe (Shelly & Miller, 2006).

Worldviews are unique to each individual with some similarities among families, cultures, and

communities. Spirituality, or holism, is the sense of being connected to the universe which

indirectly influences an individual’s worldviews. The philosophical models of postmodernism

and scientism have blocked current views on spirituality in healthcare. Worldviews can be

influenced by science and by an individual’s faith which can develop pluralistic beliefs and

relationships.

Spirituality

In the Greek language spirituality is derived from the stem word pneuma which means

spirit, mind, soul, and breathing (Tzounis, 2017). Spirituality is an individual’s unique perception

of the world around them while experiencing a connectedness to the universe. The concept of

spirituality is not religious, it is found in all cultures and societies (Puchalski, 2004). Spirituality

has many forms, it is continuous, it has no boundaries, and is constantly reshaping an

individual’s life (Tzounis, 2007). Puchalski stressed the importance spirituality has on a patient’s

ability to recover and heal. Oddly, for many years healthcare did not address patients’ spiritual

needs.

Scientism

One reason that spirituality was excluded from healthcare could be the philosophical

model of scientism. Scientism views are blinded to the reality of a spiritual world (Shelly &

Miller, 2006). The worldview Scientism projects is that everything known to man can be proved

false or verified through the scientific method, what cannot be explained through science is
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recognized a belief, fantasy, or opinion (Belden, 2007). However, scientism is just a philosophy

about the limits science pose in gaining knowledge (Grand Canyon University, 2018).

Postmodernism

Postmodernism philosophical views reject all declarations of total knowledge (Grand

Canyon University, 2018). The philosophical views of the postmodernist view traditional

authority as false. Postmodernist look at ethics as something contrived from religion (Shelly &

Miller, 2006). The belief is that each individual has their own personal moral code that is

different from traditional values (Shelly & Miller, 2006). Postmodern and scientism models have

taken away from religion and beliefs that define culture and society which has taken away from

pluralism. Pluralism is necessary in healthcare to give holistic care to patients, by treating the

whole patient.

Prime Reality

James Sire’s first question asks, what is prime reality? Prime reality is asking what is

relative and real in the world that surrounds our being. What is real is the faith I have in God, my

Father. The reality is I do not have to see God to believe he exists. I have faith. The second

question asks what is the nature of the world around you? The nature of the world around me is

perfect and organized through God’s creation. God has created this environment and all things

are provided to me as part of God’s design.

Definition of a Human Person

The third question asks what is being a human being? Man was created by God’s design

to be in his image. Human nature is to be compassionate, kind, loving, and considerate toward

one another. Humanity is part of society today but seems to shine or stand out during a crisis or

natural disaster. All humans are capable of good or evil. I believe most individuals are good. It
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comes down to what experiences and moral values were part of the individual’s upbringing that

equips this individual with a moral code to live by.

What Happens at Death

The fourth question asked is, what happens to us at death? Being brought up Catholic I

believe I will be reunited with my Father in heaven. The body turns to dust but my spirit will go

on to live and eternal life. The veil will be lifted and all the answers to the unknown will be

revealed. There is no pain in heaven, but joy. If a person was ill or suffered, they will be whole

again.

How is it Possible to Know Anything?

The fifth question why is it possible to know anything at all? This is based of logic and

knowing which is collectively called, epistemology (Landauer & Rowlands, 2001). I believe God

has revealed to the World what we should know at this time. Just like in death when the veil is

removed, God has the power to reveal truths to human beings.

Right and Wrong

The sixth question asks how do people know what is right and wrong? What is right and

wrong is part of each individual’s moral code which helps navigate life decisions. Each person

has their own view of what is ethically right , or wrong depending on the environment they were

exposed to as a child. It is through God’s grace and love that human beings can overcome

turmoil and find the way back to God. If a person does not have such insight, the journey to

navigate and choose the right path may be much harder.

Meaning of Human History

The seventh question asks what is the meaning of human history? Human history has a

purpose to each person as it adds value and meaning to the course of each human being. Through
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human history there are life lessons to be learned, knowledge to be gained, and personal

reflection. The Bible gives an account of Jesus’ life struggles and personal sacrifices. Having an

understanding of the scripture and what it holds for each person on earth is a life of eternity with

Christ. Knowing that this a part of my journey is a comfort and joy. Navigating my life in God’s

eyes, gives me great purpose.

Conclusion

Worldviews are the fundamental power of reality, shared among cultures, that offer the

lens through which people observe and experience the universe (Shelly & Miller 2006).

Philosophical models such as scientism and postmodernism are leaving individuals empty and

searching for life meaning. Pluralism and spirituality need to be cultivated and restored in

healthcare today to enhance patient centered care. Spirituality can provide holistic care.
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References

Belden, D. (2007). One reality two kinds of knowledge. How can they work together to save the

world? Science and Spirit, 22(6). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1215/08879982-

2007-6012

Grand Canyon University. (2018). Worldview foundation of spirituality and ethics. PHI-413V

Lecture 1

Landauer, J., & Rowlands, J. (2001). Epistemology. Retrieved from

http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Epistemology_Main.html

Puchalski, C. (2004). Spirituality in health: the role of spirituality in critical care. Critical Care

Clinics, 20(3), 487-504. doi:10.1016/j.ccc.2004.03.007

Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to care: A Christian worldview for

nursing(2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

Tzounis, E. (2017). Constructing and Deconstructing the Terminology of Spirituality: A Journey

Back to the Greek Roots. Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical

Naturopathy, 06(04). doi:10.4172/2573-4555.1000248