People often act based on their values. Values are a reflection of ones beliefs. Beliefs stem from one’s religious views or worldview. The stronger the value and belief in a worldview or religion, the more the person will act in ways that reflect that worldview or religion. Some may act inconsistently because their worldview may encompass more than one religion or worldview idea. It is not uncommon today for people to hold Christian, Postmodern, and Naturalistic values simultaneously. As a result, that person may seem to be hypocritical at times.
When reading a book, students can be challenged to examine what a character does and why. Students should also be challenged to identify what worldview or religious principles seem to be influencing the character’s behavior. This may be harder as more than one worldview could influence a behavior. Once those are identified, students should evaluate whether those behaviors and worldview principles line up with their own beliefs and values and those of the Bible. Studying characters at this depth allows students to really understand why people do what they do and the ramifications of beliefs.
Discussion Starters:
- What choice did the character make?
- Why did the character make that choice?
- What worldview or religion would say that that choice is ok or a good one?
- What if most people made those kinds of choices on a regular basis?
- Does the choice match biblical principles? Why or why not?
- What would happen if the character made a different (opposite) choice?
- Would you have made that choice? Why or why not?
