Theological Worldview: Warfare vs. Blueprint
Russ and Mary Doty are based in Denver, where they serve on the eldership of Redemption City Church as well as the Ephesians 4 Team of New Covenant Ministries International.
The Warfare Worldview, which predominated the first 1500 years of the church's history is this: God gave authority for ruling this planet to man when He created Adam and Eve. That authority was usurped by Satan, when man sinned. So, Satan is now the 'ruler' of this world. 1Jn5.19 says, "The whole world lies under the sway (influence) of the wicked one." Therefore, the world is getting worse, not better. Sin, sickness, selfishness, war, deterioration are all characteristics of a world run by the evil one. Into this darkness comes the light. The Kingdom of God is now advancing in the face of opposition and evil. (Matt. 11.12). It's with this conflict in mind, that Jesus gave us kingdom authority. "Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." This theological worldview saw the kingdoms in conflict, with the Kingdom of God advancing against darkness, sin and evil that permeates the world. This also explains why we need the power of the Holy Spirit as we battle the ruler of this world.
But, from about 1500 that began to shift. In response to the philosophers of the Renaissance, a Blueprint Theological Worldview began to emerge. Calvin, who was trained as a lawyer, began to stress the "sovereignty of God" over everything. He writes in his 'Institutes' about Divine Providence. His argument goes like this: God created everything, therefore He owns everything, and He governs everything He owns. This might be a good philosophical argument that seems logical, but its not necessarily what the Bible says. (We will deal with the "Sovereignty of God" in a later chapter).
This Blueprint Worldview ends up trying to explain and defend evil and catastrophies as "God's plan". The 1900s, often referred to as the 'Century of War' saw 500,000,000 people killed in war and ethnic cleansing. From that to the killing of 26 (20 children) in Newtown, CT, we are hard pressed to defend what everyone know is terrible and evil as the plan of God.
This shift, influenced by philosophy, also represented a shift toward a knowledge based, doctrinal approach to Christianity. One is trained for 'ministry' by studying and comprehending doctrines, rather than being transformed by contact with the Master. One can now be a "theologian" and not be saved, or even believe the Bible is God's word. These things ought not to be.
I would like you to see this in light of the bigger picture. That picture is the "Battle for Truth". We saw the importance of truth in scriptures like Jn. 18.37, 1Tim. 3.15, and Zech. 8.3 that let us know that part of why Jesus came was to bear witness to the truth, and that the church He established in the pillar and ground of truth in the world today. But, there are also a number of other scriptures that warn us to watch out for deception. 2Cor. 11.13-15 says, "For such are false apostle, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostle of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness..." We can understand then, the admonition in Eph. 6.11-12. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies."
There is a spiritual battle going on between God's truth and the deception of the enemy, and it has been through out history.
In Daniel 10.10-21 we see two principalities actually named. They stand against the purpose of God and His Kingdom. They are called the Prince of Persia and the Prince of Greece. I don't think this refers to human beings, as they fought against and hindered the messenger of God, and are opposed to His Kingdom plans. I think these represent two principalities that are part of the 'rulers of the darkness'. What are they? I think the Prince of Persia represent Religion and the Prince of Greece represents Philosophy. I will explain why I think this. When Daniel was written Israel was captive in Babylon. This was for a period of 70 years, which scholars tell us, was from about 600 - 530 B.C. In this time frame every major religion, except one, was established or written down. While God's people were held captive, something was happening in the heavenlies. Both Buddism and Confucianism we established at this time. Hinduism and Shitoism, which were older, were codified in this time frame. Islam is the one that came later, around 600 A.D., but is from a visit by an 'angel' in Persia. Religion is a counterfeit that fights against the truth of the Kingdom, and is something that Jesus hated. In Jn. 8.44 Jesus, speaking to the religious pharisees, says, " You are of your father, the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
The Prince of Greece, which was to come after this period, represents Philosophy. We have seen that the Renaissance was a return to pre-christian greek philosophy. Col. 2.4,8 says, "Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words... Beware lest anyone cheat you (take you captive) through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." This greek philosophy became the foundation to much of western culture. Our scientific worldview goes back to Aristotle. The belief that man is master of his own destiny and is basically good, flies in the face of Biblical truth. This emphasis of philosophy eventually led to the philosophy of evolution, that removes God from the picture altogether. I think that there is a demonic principality behind both Religion and Philosophy and are set against the truth of the Kingdom of God.
The conclusion is this; Religion led to a external, rules oriented "Christianity" that says man can better himself through self-effort, and Philosophy led to a knowledge based "Christianity" rather than the heart transformation that comes from a relationship based Christianity.
A friend of mine was raised in a church, where you got 'saved' by going through a class of doctrines and beliefs, and, if you passed, you could then join the church, and you were 'saved'. Theology has become more about doctrine and knowledge, that can be tested at Seminary, than about relationship with the King, and submission to His Lordship. I hope you are getting a revelation of why we must fight for the truth and authority of the Word of God. Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." There is an enemy that doesn't want people to be free, and whose weapons are deception, distortion, and counterfeit. Jesus in the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one comes to the Father but by Him.
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