Every person has a worldview, or a set of foundational beliefs, through which they make sense of the world.¹ These beliefs answer important questions such as where the world came from, what is right and wrong, why I am here, and what happens to people when they die. How one answers these becomes a framework through which they interpret reality and develop additional beliefs. A person who believes God created the world will interpret the world much differently than someone who believes it sprung into existence through cosmic and chemical evolution. Consequently, differing beliefs, values, and habits will ensue.

Since worldviews are the framework propelling everyday beliefs, values, and actions, it will be helpful to dialogue with people at their worldview level. Dialoging at the worldview level opens a new kind of conversation where at least three important realities may be illuminated. First, it reveals the source of their beliefs, values, and actions. Most people probably do not realize that their deepest beliefs are standing upon a deeper foundational set of beliefs. Worldview conversations are eye opening. People might think, “Wow, I never thought about what foundational beliefs uphold the rest of my beliefs.” Second, it tests the source of their beliefs, values, and actions. Now that a worldview has been recognized, does it hold up to scrutiny? Does it make sense of all the available evidence humanity has discovered? And if it doesn’t, then the beliefs it upholds have nothing solid to stand on. How terrible it would be to build a high building (your life) upon a faulty foundation (incorrect beliefs)! Third, it fosters opportunity to share the Christian worldview and the Gospel of Jesus. Having one’s eyes opened to their worldview and its major faults, allows opportunity to hear the true worldview and its author—our Lord Jesus Christ.

Consider the trans community. Transgenderism is gaining momentum in American culture pushing beliefs such as: (1) gender is an individual choice completely distinct from biological sex; and (2) whatever gender you choose gives you the rights and privileges of that gender. The transgender community now advocates for their choice of bathrooms, gender conforming surgeries, sports competitions, federal laws, and national acceptance of their beliefs and lifestyle. These beliefs, however, are the product of a worldview. The more important questions concerning transgenderism begin at their worldview level. Let’s dialogue.

First, what worldview(s) does transgenderism stand upon? The answers will likely vary, but the worldviews that makes the most sense are the atheistic/evolutionary or agnostic worldviews. Some may claim a theistic worldview (such as theism, deism, or polytheism), but transgender beliefs are hard pressed to find support in these, especially Christianity. Second, does this atheistic or agnostic worldview which produces transgender beliefs hold up to scrutiny? This worldview lacks moral authority and the right to bind my conscience. This worldview allows people to believe what they want and advocate for it, but it has no authoritative right to compel me or anyone else to follow it, let alone accept it. Furthermore, an atheistic or agnostic worldview most likely rests upon a cosmic, chemical, and evolutionary understanding of the world. These theories contain major holes, great leaps of faith, and struggle to make sense of the finer realities of life, such as morality. Thus, transgenderism stands upon a worldview which lacks moral authority and scientific authority. Third, what now? Demonstrate the worldview that one can know, be assured of, and give one’s life to. The Christian worldview reveals where we came from, why we have value, what our biggest problem is, how God has fixed it, what God requires, our purpose for living, and where we go upon death. Whew! So much good knowledge to share! Simply, the Christian worldview offers a trusted revelation which gives us the true moral authority, scientific support, the love of a Father, and a future hope.

As you venture into the broken world, remember the goal of worldview conversations: to help people take a step back and see the faulty foundation upon which they are standing, and encourage them to stand upon Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24–27). Take a moment and read Matthew 7:24–27.