Now that we have reviewed the main concepts of the course, how about some application? The ultimate goal of this course has been to provide you with a way to examine various worldview perspectives by first identifying the underlying core assumptions. In this next section, we have designed several case studies to help you strengthen your core assumption skills.

These will be thought provoking questions to help you work through the practical application of the concepts you’ve learned. Perhaps it will also help you see ways to improve the interactions you have with others in your everyday life.

So, let’s practice and assess by playing a little game called “Spot the Assumption.” We’ll start with the topic of marriage. We will examine different common worldviews on marriage and see how to explain each view through its underlying core assumptions. First, we have the assumption that marriage is just a creation of two individuals who consider it to be merely an abstract concept. This self-made marriage assumption sees marriage as just a term people use for convenience to define a specific relationship two people have who live and experience life together for mutual benefit. Second, we will look at those who believe marriage is an institution that is made by society with legal guidelines and a moral imperative for procreation, fidelity, and permanent mutual affection. Third, we will discuss those who believe that while marriage exists in the physical world, marriage is made by God as a representation of the reality of the relationship Christ has with his Church as defined in the Bible.

Let’s try the first question together by using these 3 assumptions as your answer choices.

An Example:
Here’s a common worldview of marriage:
“Marriage is ultimately what two people agree on for themselves.”

Now looking at the three possible assumptions of marriage we just described, which one would best fit with this quote?

Self-made assumption: Marriage is just a term people use for convenience to define a specific relationship two people have who live and experience life together for mutual benefit.

Society-made assumption: Marriage is an institution established by society with legal guidelines and a moral imperative for procreation, fidelity, and permanent mutual affection.

God-made assumption: Marriage represents the reality of the relationship Christ has with his Church as defined in the Bible.

So, the best fit for this worldview of marriage would be the Self-made assumption, right? Because it is an agreement as defined by the two people involved for their own personal benefit, whereas the Society-made assumption is defined by the laws for the benefit of the society, and the God-made assumption takes its definition from the Bible and is for the benefit of glorifying Christ’s relationship with His church.

So, let’s go ahead and give you a chance to try a few on your own!