5 out of 5 stars *****
This is an excellent book, guide, program about the differences between five popular worldviews, what makes each different from the other, and, unlike many of the apologetic literature, intentionally directs the participant in this body of work toward Christianity. In fact, Jeff Myers calls all other worldviews toxic, as a virulent disease.
Christianity teaches that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, who states, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6 (NIV) A Christlike walk in life is a righteous one, one that demands obedience to God's will. This worldview also teaches that God can be wrathful, when necessary, but wants to shower mankind with His benevolence, "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 2:7 (KJV) All other worldviews either deny God's existence or deny His loving interventions with mankind.
The author describes misleading worldviews as an Idea Virus, each idea full of despair because they separate mankind from the One, true God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Secularism teaches that there is only the material world and no life after death. Marxism (Atheists) believe that the wealthy need to be overthrown and their wealth redistributed. Post-Modernism thinks that humans are devoid of meaning and hope because only the material exists. New Spirituality believes that mankind's problems are all spiritual and all else is an illusion. Finally, Islam preaches submission to Allah with rebellion against those who are not Muslim. Islam is a Totalitarian worldview. Muslims must follow Muhammad, its prophet, and Allah as slaves. The history of Islam and Western Civilization is rich with jihad, blood, and atrocities of war.
As participants, the author wants Christians to have true hope. Their faith and trust in Jesus Christ blesses them with joy, a gracious gift from the Holy Spirit. Their hope is joyous, awaiting eternity with Jesus, one day, in Heaven. This lesson informs Christians not to hope in themselves but to involve themselves in God's work, spreading His Good News, the gospel, restoring hope in others. People become agents of life, that precious gift of God that other worldviews regard differently.
Myers knows that the way of the Christian is fraught with persecution and resistance. He brings out the resiliency of Christians because they are, once more, blessed by the Holy Spirit's fruit of longsuffering, restraint in the face of turmoil, also known as patience. Christians bring stability in volatility. Genuine faith saves Christians who receive the Holy Spirit as a great companion, counselor, and comforter.
Human beings are full of faults. Christians are, too, since they are not different from anyone else, in this regard. Other worldviews can lead followers to a life of fear and regret. These bind them to toxic ideas that enslave them. Christians must face their mistakes, overcome obstacles, and remain loyal to God, through it all, with fearlessness. They are confident in their hope and faith. If not, they are prey to counterfeit worldviews, no hope, and a contagion of despair, the Idea Virus.
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