Comparative Worldviews Course
Comparative Worldviews
A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE 12 MAJOR WORLDVIEWS AND THE WAY THEY SHAPE OUR WORLD
14-session course that helps you discover the assumptions behind the 12 major worldviews that cause either human frustration or human flourishing across the globe. Also, learn how a Christian worldview exposes the weaknesses of the other worldviews and uniquely offers great redemptive hope centered on Jesus Christ. Preview the course syllabus. Course charge: $99/person. Please Note: Meets 9:00 am to 10:00 am Central Time on Mondays. We “meet” via Zoom. Classes begin September 12, 2022 and conclude December 12, 2022. If you cannot make every class session, each class session is video recorded and posted online within 24 hours after the class session.
Course Goals
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Understand how the concept of “worldview” relates to the search for truth
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Learn the four major functions of worldviews
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Learn a four-step method to analyze and assess worldviews
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Learn how the 12 major worldviews answer the nine major questions that most people ask
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Discover the relationship between worldviews and cultural outcomes
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Discover how to introduce the Gospel of Jesus Christ with your international & domestic neighbors
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Provide reproducible resources (including course slides) that students can use with others
The Difference This Course Will Make
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Increases competence when discussing religions and philosophies with students and others
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Develop skills in apologetics and discipleship
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Ready-made materials for international or domestic Bible studies
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Provides highly useful background knowledge for everyone, especially those involved in intercultural ministry and ministry with domestic students from widely varying backgrounds
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Complete set of course materials can be used for instructing students and others on the different philosophies and religions that shape life in the 21st century
Technical Requirements
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Mac OSX or PC with Windows Vista or Newer
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Internet Connection
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External or built-in web camera
By Taking The Course, You Will Receive:
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Set of 14 slide presentations (PowerPoint)
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Set of 14 one-page study guides
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Supplementary Notes for Comparative Worldviews Course
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Comparative Worldviews Survey tool
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Comparative Worldviews Code sheet
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Comparative Worldviews Chart
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Blanket permission to reproduce these materials with your students
Target Audience
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Campus ministers and others who want to learn how to represent Jesus Christ in a pluralistic world
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Others engaged in cross-cultural witness
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Students in colleges, universities, and seminaries who want to better understand their worldview and others’
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Home schooled students and instructors
Fee Structure
Course fee: $99
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Includes all the materials mentioned
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No required textbook
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Refunds are capped at 50% and are available through October 1, 2022.
Instructor Bio
Bob Osburn
A Senior Fellow with Wilberforce International Institute, which he founded in 2009, Robert Osburn trains international students as redemptive change agents and writes and teaches about international development, comparative worldviews, corruption, education policy, and wealth creation. For seven years he taught courses on religion and educational policy and religion and international development at the University of Minnesota. He has a PhD in comparative and international development education from the University of Minnesota, a ThM from Dallas Seminary, and a BA from the University of Michigan. He is the author of Taming the Beast: Can We Bridle the Culture of Corruption? (2016) and, most recently, Developing Redemptive Change Agents: Discipleship That Helps Nations Flourish Rather Than Flounder (2021). Bob and Susan have been married for 47 years, are the parents of four sons, and grandparents to 11. View Robert Osburn’s Curriculum Vitae or email Bob here.