DWYL Chapter 1
My Search for a Single Passion to Live By- What is the difference being highlighted between the “Nowhere Man” lyrics and the “Blowin’ in the Wind” lyrics (pp.15-17)?
- Why does Piper include his experience with these songs and other events in his early life?
- What is the question that Piper formed early on about life? How would you ask this question in your own words?
- What is the main point of the quote from C.S. Lewis on p.20? How does this relate to the questions Piper asks on the middle of p. 13?
- From John Lennon to C.S. Lewis, what is Piper arguing to be an essential and foundational step in not wasting your life? And how does this understanding affect your seeking after a life well lived?
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Notes from John Piper's Materials
Lesson 1 – Worldviews
Based on the material from Chapter 1: My Search for a Single Passion to Live By
What is life all about? What is it for? Why do we exist? John Piper has shown that answering these questions is the key to a life not wasted. In our best moments, none of us wants to waste life. Deep down we want to learn how to live life well, so it is important to seek answers these questions. However, we all have assumptions of truth, value, and purpose. If we do not want to waste our lives, and if we want to help others not waste their lives, it is important to recognize and evaluate our assumptions so that we may discover the answers to the deepest questions of life.
1. Everyone seeks happiness
1.1. Blaise Pascal wrote:
“All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to way, and of others avoiding it, it is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.”
1.1.1. Probe this statement. Explain how it can be true that every action we take is for our happiness
1.1.2. Clarify the kind of “happiness” that Pascal says all men pursue.
1.1.3. Do most people succeed in attaining this kind of enduring happiness/satisfaction? Why or why not? What things might indicate whether or not we are satisfied in our lives?
1.2. The “different views” that people have concerning what makes them happy and how best to pursue that happiness are connected to one’s worldview. How?
2. Everyone has a worldview
2.1. According to James Sire, “A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being.”
2.2. There are three things to note in this definition:
2.2.1. A worldview is a framework conception of all reality, how the world is and what the world ought to be. Therefore one’s worldview affects how they think, act, and relate with the world around them.
2.2.2. A worldview is most fundamentally a heart-level commitment. As such worldview is not foundationally based on reason, though it must and does use reason to support itself.
2.2.3. The presuppositions of any worldview may be true or untrue
2.3. Read about Existentialism on pages 14-15 in Don’t Waste Your Life
2.3.1. Existentialism is a worldview
2.3.2. It is a way of understanding and ordering all of the world
2.4. Everyone views the world through the lens of their worldview
2.4.1. Some people have thought deeply about and have articulated precisely their worldview
2.4.2. Many simply assume their framework for reality without ever really thinking through the pieces
2.5. Relating to the first section, one’s worldview (their understanding of how the world is and how the world ought to be) both shapes and is shaped by how they pursue their happiness
2.5.1. This can be seen in that one’s worldview is fundamentally a heart-level commitment – It is based on a mindset of ultimate value
3. Everyone should examine their worldview
3.1. Read the quote from C.S. Lewis on page 20 in DWYL – Why would Lewis say that truth is important?
3.2. From what has been said thus far what should be the two most important factors in evaluating a worldview?
3.2.1. Its offer of lasting happiness
3.2.1.1. If all men pursue their happiness, then we should examine the happiness that is offered by any worldview
3.2.1.2. We should look for what offers the deepest, most enduring happiness
3.2.2. Its truthfulness
3.2.2.1. A worldview may be true or untrue
3.2.2.2. Since it is a heart-level commitment its claims can go unexamined
3.2.2.3. The basic presuppositions should be evaluated for reliability and reasonability
3.2.2.4. Happiness can only come from what is true – For promise of happiness that is untrue or self-contradictory offers no happiness at all
3.3. Have you ever examined your own worldview? What are the basic premises of your worldview that need to be evaluated for truthfulness and ability to bring the deepest happiness?
3.4. Why is it valuable and important to examine other possible worldviews
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