What is
Worldview?
A Worldview is an integral (holistic), multimodal, open, nonlinear, self-organizing, and dynamic system comprising knowledge (episteme), convictions, beliefs, attitudes, principles, values, and generalized conceptions about the world and one’s place in it.
It is formed under the influence of personal experience, cognitive processes (perception, thinking, memory, attention), schemas and styles, and spiritual, biosocial, cultural, and historical factors.
Through this system, a person perceives, interprets, and evaluates reality and the self, and interacts with both at the intellectual, spiritual (phenomenological, noetic, transcendental, moral-ethical), emotional, behavioral, and temporal levels.
Sometimes, in casual speech, we can call it mind, but in careful use, these two aren’t the same.
"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."
(Rm. 12,2)
A worldview is the living framework of beliefs, values, narratives, and goals through which a person interprets reality and chooses how to live.
A worldview is not just opinions; it’s the deep, mostly implicit system that filters what we notice, how we explain events, what we call “good” or “bad,” and where we believe life is headed. It includes convictions about God and creation, human nature, truth and meaning, right and wrong, suffering, time, and our personal purpose - and it guides daily choices, relationships, and habits.
Orthodoxy + Psychology
(how W.E. teach)?
Orthodox lens: Worldview involves the nous ('the eye of the heart'), shaped by Scripture, the Holy Fathers, worship, ascetic practice, virtues, and repentance. Passions distort perception; purification (κάθαρσις), illumination, and life in Christ heal our vision.
Psychology lens: Worldview includes cognitive schemas, core beliefs, identity narratives, attentional biases, and habits, forming a self-regulating system that predicts, interprets, and motivates behavior.
Beliefs (What is real? Who is God? What is a human?)
Values & Virtues (What is the good? Which character strengths do I cultivate?)
Narratives (What story am I in? How do I interpret my past and future?)
Practices (What do I actually do—prayer, ascetic discipline, service, habits?)
Community & Authority (Whom do I trust—Church, tradition, science, media?)
Telos (What is the ultimate aim—salvation/theosis, happiness, success?)
Core Components (quick map)
What does a worldview do (function)?
Perception filter: Selects and frames information.
Meaning-maker: Answers “Why?” and “What for?”
Moral compass: Guides judgments and conscience.
Action policy: Turns beliefs into routines and decisions.
Identity anchor: Tells me who I am and whose I am.
Change engine: Updates through experience, prayer, learning, and repentance.
Formed by: family, culture, Church life, mentors, suffering, media, and education.
Healed and strengthened by: prayer of the heart, Scripture with the Fathers, confession and Communion, fasting and almsgiving, service to others - alongside reflective journaling, cognitive restructuring (challenging unhelpful beliefs), virtue training (e.g., VIA strengths), and habit design.
Formation & growth (practical)
Quick Self-Check (5 questions)
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What do I believe is ultimately real and good?
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What is my life for - and how do my daily practices serve that telos (an ultimate object or aim)?
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Which virtues am I cultivating? Which passions are distorting my sight?
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Which authorities shape my judgments - and why do I trust them?
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How do I interpret suffering - in Christ’s Cross and Resurrection, or as senseless?