Rethinking Worldview: Learning to Think, Live, and Speak in This World

by J. Mark Bertrand

Book Overview

Everyone has a worldview. How did we get it? How is it formed? Is it possible by persuasion and logic to change one's worldview?

In Rethinking Worldview, writer and worldview teacher J. Mark Bertrand has a threefold aim. First, he seeks to capture a more complex, nuanced appreciation of what worldviews really are. Then he situates worldviews in the larger context of a lived faith. Finally, he explores the organic connections between worldview...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581349343
• ISBN13: 9781581349344
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Crossway
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Open your mind

I must confess at first I felt intimidated by the subject matter of this book, but once I began reading I was hooked. Mr. Bertrand presents the material in such a way as to promote deep thought. Follow the author's recommendation and read this book in tandem with scripture; you will get much more out of both. This is an excellent book for the committed Christian living in our increasingly secular world. Read it, you will be reinvigorated in our Christian call to evangelize. Matt 28:19-20

Lifting Our Hearts Toward Heaven

"As a Biblical Counselor, I spend much of my time working with discouraged people. In the past two weeks, I have read Mark's last chapter to most of my adult clients. Without exception, their hearts have been lifted by being exposed to the scene in heaven (Revelation 4 and 5) that caused them to once again be awe-struck with their Savior. Mark puts the information together so beautifully. The connection to "on earth as it is in heaven" has literally given hope to many over these weeks."

What A Wonderful Worldview Book

In Rethinking Worldview, J. Mark Bertrand has written an expansive book...a witty book. He has written a literary book, and a provoking book. An erudite book and a fascinating book. I think my brain hurts. If you didn't catch it, the first lines of this review are a hat tip to the first lines of Peter Leithart's book Against Christianity, which in turn plays off the first lines of Fyodor Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground. While I hate to be a wet blanket, it might behoove the potential reader of Rethinking Worldview to brush up on literature before taking on this book. Bertrand is not simply comfortable in the literary realm; he inhabits it, as any true writer does. By his own admission, Bertrand is first and foremost a writer of fiction. I am convinced that his vocation as fiction writer is in large part what made reading this non-fiction book so enjoyable. I am also convinced I cannot do justice to this book in a mere review. Had we but world enough and time, as well as web space, I might be inclined to take a prismatic look at the book: firstly as a Christian non-fiction book of the `Christian Life/General' variety (a catch-all publishing-marketing category I deny Bertrand's book fits neatly into), secondly as an introduction to general philosophy, thirdly as a topical commentary on certain biblical narratives, and lastly but not least, a call to a new view of worldview studies. Bertrand has even sprinkled a generous dash of autobiography into the mix. If I have given the impression that this book is only for the literati, it's not. And it's certainly not restricted to those who have pre-thought about worldview and are therefore now permitted to re-think it. Truth be told, my personal exposure to worldview, as well as apologetics (both of which figure quite heavily into the book), have been very limited. So while I picked up this book with trepidation, its sweeping sub-titular promise of `learning to think, live, and speak in this world' was ample attraction to crack its spine (I jest) and devour its contents. Bertrand opens the book claiming an artistic sensibility rather than an academic one, declaring a lack of expertise in any one area. He hopes the book "will open up unexpected vistas" and encourages the reader to ingest the Scriptures alongside Rethinking Worldview, thereby rooting the book squarely in biblical territory. We can therefore be fairly certain that the `unexpected vistas' Bertrand anticipates will not stray from the pages of the Bible. Rethinking Worldview definitely isn't short on doctrine, but it's not the hit-you-over-the-head kind. Bertrand freely admits where his theological and intellectual allegiances lie - be warned, he's not afraid of labels. But there's never an inkling of superiority in the text, which is as it should be, since Bertrand is trying to usher the reader towards a humbler, holistic - and dare I say, humane - approach to worldview. His nudging is always in concert with, and never opposed to, the f

Rethinking Worldview

This book is a great analysis of worldview from a fresh perspective, challenging those of us who are weary of ten-point presentations on how to think and act in the world. Mr. Bertrand's observations prompt the reader to carefully consider their worldview, and think independently from the status quo. With its sound theological foundation and classic critical thinking methods, this book would be a good resource for classes or seminars as well as for interested independent readers looking for a modern, unique perspective built on a traditional base. Highly recommended.

Super helpful, with a fresh voice

Providing a refreshing and non-stuffy take on worldview, Bertrand does a great job of infusing fresh, even snarky humor into the conversation about worldview's ramifications. Among his main points is the value of story, and he uses "story" to articulate and fine tune his points. The third section of the book is by far the best, and I hope it will find its way into the hands of young writers, artists, and other creative persons. A super helpful addition to the ever-expanding catalog of worldview literature.