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Indeed, these are the same basic elements that every world-view must have: Creation—Where did we come from? Fall—What's wrong with the world? Why is there evil and suffering? Redemption—What's the solution, and how can we build a better world? By comparing world-views on each point, we can show that only Christianity offers a consistent, ration al answer—one that fits the real world.

This is the key to reviving our witness in today's culture. Many Christians are discouraged by a sense that we are losing the "culture war," and they talk about withdrawing. But one reason we have not been more effective is that we have a truncated view of Christianity—like the pastor with his five principles. We must understand that we are engaged in a great conflict of world-views, and we cannot contend with anything less than a comprehensive biblical world-view.

Paradoxically, the note of despair is being sounded just as the new millennium is offering us the greatest opportunity in generations. A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll uncovered a startling turn-around in attitudes: 84 percent of self-described conservatives and 33 percent of liberals say that what's "important for society" today is to "promote respect for traditional values." People are realizing that the prevailing world-views fail to provide a basis for a safe and stable public order.

Surely this is no time to withdraw. Instead, we must seize the opportunity to demonstrate that Christianity gives the only rational, coherent framework for public and private life and, indeed, for all reality—because it begins with the God who is the sovereign Creator of all.

This is a message our fragmented world yearns to hear.

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October 4 1999, Vol. 43, No. 11