Volume 2 Number 5 March 14, 2007

MarketFaith Ministries is an equipping ministry which is focused on helping Christians become more effective
in living out their faith in the midst of the increasingly diverse worldview environment of modern society.
Introduction
Today’s article is the last of the series related to defining the various worldviews. Over the last couple of months I have
given you an overview of Naturalism, Animism, Far Eastern Thought and Theism. Today I will complete this series by
looking a Relational Revelation.

Just to be clear, Relational Revelation is actually a form of Theism. It is just that it is the worldview expression which rep-
resents the way reality is actually organized. It is important to have a firm understanding of this because it is what God
wants us to conform our lives to. It is my great desire that this explanation help you in your quest to conform your life more
fully to Christ.

Let me also take a moment to encourage you to explore the resources on the MarketFaith Ministries website. We are con-
tinuing to add more and more articles and other assets which can greatly help your understanding of worldview, and
which can give you tools to be more effective in your faith life and witness. Almost everything on the website is free. The
only things you can buy are my books. We are doing all we can to create one of the best worldview libraries anywhere.

There are also a couple of ways you can help us, and I would like to ask for your consideration at this time.
(Continued on page 2)

What is Relational Revelation?

Something is truth. That is to say, reality is organized in
some way. And whatever that way is, it is not something Relational Revelation is a term that I have coined to repre-
else. Any description that strays from the way reality is ac- sent what Christians deem to be the ultimate truth about the
tually organized is not the truth. It is totally and completely
nature of reality. Though I have chosen to create this new
illogical that it could be organized in more than one way. term, it actually represents traditional Biblical Christianity.
Relational Revelation is a form of Theism. And while it
Obviously there are disputes as to what that “one way” is. matches up with many of the basic elements of Theism in
This is why an understanding of worldview is so critical. The general, there are some specific elements which make it
different worldviews are simply attempts by human beings unique in its own right. We will look at those special ele-
to understand and describe that truth. Since every world- ments below, and once those are explained it will be possi-
view literally contradicts every other worldview, only one ble to compare them with other forms of Theism to see
can possibly be right. All of the others are necessarily where the differences lie.
wrong.
I have already mentioned that there is one understanding of
This kind of exclusive approach to understanding truth is reality that is true and that all others are necessarily wrong.
very much out of vogue in many circles. But the fact is, Relational Revelation is that one True belief system. There-
even those who don’t like the idea of exclusivity exclude
everyone who does not agree with them. (Continued on page 2)

Contact MarketFaith Ministries

312 Anton Dr. Toll Free: 888-883-0656
Tallahassee, FL 32312 info@marketfaith.org Phone: 850-383-9756
http://www.marketfaith.org Fax: 850-514-4571

1
(Introduction - Continued from page 1)

First, I would like to ask if you would please take a moment to forward this issue of Worldview Made Practical to every
Christian that you know. We would like to make as many people as possible aware of this resource. Encourage them to
sign up to receive it for themselves. As you know, this is absolutely free.

Secondly, we are looking for opportunities to share the worldview seminars with churches and other Christian organiza-
tions. Would you please share this with your pastor or leader and have that person contact us about the possibility of
bringing this great resource to your organization.

Finally, I would like to ask for your financial support. At this point our expenses are not very high, but it does take a certain
amount of money to keep the website maintained and to purchase office supplies. We are currently running slightly in the
red and would deeply appreciate it if you would consider a tax deductible contribution to MarketFaith Ministries.

Please let us hear from you concerning things you would like to know about worldview and let us know how we can serve
you better.

God bless,
Freddy

(What is Relational Revelation? - Continued from page 1)

efore, it is essential that we understand it as fully as possible and learn how we can conform our lives to it, to the broadest
extent possible.

Basic Premise and Implications of Relational Revelation

Basic Assumption: There is a personal, infinite, transcendent God who is Creator and Sustainer. He created mankind for
the purpose of relationship with himself and has specifically revealed himself and his ways. He provided the means for ac-
complishing this relationship through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Implications: Relational Revelation lends itself to an impact on culture that is both moral and positive. It does all of this in
a way that puts a priority on a personal relationship with God as the motivation for fulfilling his purposes. It is not just the
end result that matters. The means by which the outcome is brought about is also vital. The proper means for accomplish-
ing the purposes of God are conveyed by personal instruction from God himself to individual human beings.

Relational Revelation is a specialized form of Theism and is the only worldview that allows for a completely coherent and
comprehensive understanding of our perceptions of reality, and which has a basis for backing it up. This does not mean
that we have answers to every question that we would like to have the answer to. There are certainly some things that we
long to know which are beyond our human ability to understand.

The pure view of Relational Revelation, though, does cover all of the bases. There are categories for understanding the
part of reality that we interact with physically, and for understanding that part which is beyond the reach of the senses. And
it does all of this in a way that matches up with the way human beings actually experience life. As human beings, we:
experience life as personal, self-aware beings,
have a sense of transcendence,
experience life in relationships,
experience life based on spiritual qualities,
experience life based on natural laws,
are capable of knowledge,
have a sense of morality,
experience time as linear, and
experience the world as objective.
Every worldview has to deal with these issues, but only in Relational Revelation do all of these things fit neatly within the
worldview. Every other worldview must somehow “finesse” some of them.

How Relational Revelation Answers the 7 Worldview Questions

What is the nature of ultimate reality?
There is a personal, infinite, transcendent God who is Creator and Sustainer. He, himself is eternal and dwells in an eter-
nal reality, which extends beyond the physical universe. This greater part of eternal reality is divided into two parts - that
part where his presence exists (usually referred to as heaven) and the part where his presence does not exist (usually re-
ferred to as hell). Other created spiritual beings also exist, some which are aligned with God and some which are not.
(Continued on page 3)
2
(What is Relational Revelation? - Continued from page 2)
Those which are not dwell in that part of eternity which is separated from God. Beings which exist in the spiritual part of
reality are able to interact in some ways with humanity.

What is the nature of material reality?

The material universe was intentionally created by God in order to accomplish a specific purpose in his economy. It oper-
ates on the basis of natural law. Because he is the creator, God is able to interact with material reality in a way that does
not disturb the natural order – we refer to this kind of interaction as a miracle.

What is a human being?

Human beings are a special creation of God and were created for the specific purpose of interacting with him. Human be-
ings are created “in God’s image” which means that they are, in essence, spiritual persons which have the same basic
personal characteristics as God himself – characteristics such as eternalness, self-awareness, knowledge, purposeful-
ness, creativity, etc. Individuals are able to establish a relationship with God by personal faith in Jesus Christ.

What happens to a person at death?

At death, the physical body dies, but the eternal spirit continues living. At physical death, the spirit is transferred to either
heaven or hell depending on how the person responded to the overtures of God in their physical life.

Why is it possible to know anything at all?

Mankind has the capacity for knowledge because he is a creature who is created in the image of God, who himself has
that ability. Mankind is also able to know some things that reach beyond physical reality because God has revealed cer-
tain spiritual truths.

How do we know right and wrong?

Morality is based on transcendent truths which emerge out
of the very essence of God. God himself is holy and he has
established a moral law based on that holiness. Human
beings are able to know the nature of right and wrong be-
cause God has revealed this knowledge to man.
What is the meaning of human history?
Time is a linear succession of events that began with
God’s creation and is moving toward the fulfillment of his
purposes.
Subscription Information
If you would like to receive Worldview Made Practical as a
free email subscription, simply go to www.marketfaith.org
and click on the sign up link.
Past Issues of Worldview Made Practical are available
free of charge in .pdf (Acrobat) format in the archives at
http://www.marketfaith.org.

What are the Practical Implications of Relational Reve- PERMISSION TO REPRINT: If you wish to reprint this
lation? month’s article in your own print or electronic newsletter,
Life Issues - Abortion, Euthanasia, Suicide, Genocide, please include the following paragraph:
Murder, “Right to die,” Terrorism, War
The teachings of Relational Revelation reveal a high re- Reprinted from Worldview Made Practical; a free e-zine
gard for the sanctity of life. It is particularly clear that mur- produced by MarketFaith Ministries featuring practical
der is not acceptable, as the taking of innocent life. There teaching and life tools to help Christians become more ef-
are cases where the taking of life is acceptable, even if un- fective in their faith life. Discover MarketFaith Ministries at
fortunate, but none of those cases involve the taking of in- www.marketfaith.org.
nocent life. Abortion, euthanasia, suicide, genocide, “right
to die” issues, murder, and terrorism all fit into the category
of taking innocent life. War can go either way depending on
the particular circumstances of the war.
Support MarketFaith Ministries
Sexual Issues - Adultery, Bigamy, Polygamy, Exhibition-
ism, Fornication, Homosexuality, Pedophilia, Pornography,
The purpose of MarketFaith Ministries is to equip the Body
Bestiality, Prostitution, Rape
of Christ to become more effective by sharing the practical
Relational Revelation views proper sexual activity as being
applications of worldview. We are involved in developing
within the context of the sacred spiritual union of marriage
training and resource materials for that very purpose. If
– between a man and a woman. This activity was designed
you would like to partner with us in this effort, you may
to be exercised only within the bonds of marriage, and any
send your tax deductible contribution to MarketFaith Minis-
activity outside of the marriage relationship is considered
tries, 321 Anton Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32312.
wrong. Additionally, improper sexual activity also has a

(Continued on page 4)

3
(What is Relational Revelation? - Continued from page 3)

degrading effect on others by objectifying individuals. This is understood to be the wrong way to interact with other hu-
mans who are created in the image of God.

Personal Integrity Issues - Cheating, Fraud, Greed, Lying, Profanity, Revenge, Theft
The Bible teaches a standard of holiness that is based on the very character of God. Each of the activities in this catego-
ry specifically contradicts the revealed character of God and thus are wrong for individuals to practice. Rather, believers
are encouraged to strive to put these things out of one’s life.

Physical Health Issues - Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, Gluttony, Obesity, Smoking, Overwork, Lack of exercise
The teachings of Relational Revelation reveal a high view of the body. It is considered to be the “Temple of the Holy Spir-
it,” which is the dwelling place of God in this world. As such, it is considered wrong to do anything which will cause the
body to be less effective in carrying out the purposes of God.

Industriousness Issues - Gambling, Hedonism, Laziness, Begging, Mooching

The teachings of Relational Revelation consider lifestyle issues to be of utmost importance. The most important passion
is to please God, not self. The misarrangement of these priorities breaks down the fellowship a person is able to have
with God, which completely contradicts God’s purposes for mankind.

Relationship Issues - Bigotry, Child Exploitation, Domestic Violence, Hatred, Divorce, Prejudice, Slavery, Torture
The teachings of Relational Revelation assert a high view of the value of the family and the individual. As each of these
attitudes tends to denigrate humans, they are definitely not to be seen as normative.

Church-State Issues - Posting of Ten Commandments, Religious symbols on public property, Praying in school, Pray-
ing at public institutions, Government money to religious schools, Government money to religious charities, Religious or-
ganizations meeting on public property, Religious symbols included in public symbols, Religious words in the pledge of
allegiance
Within Relational Revelation, there is a variety of opinion related to this topic. In general, however, it is desirable for the
purposes of God to be expressed in every aspect of life. This does not mean that a theocratic form of government is de-
sirable. What is desirable is a situation in which individuals are free to express their faith in the public square in ways
which acknowledge God and accomplish his purposes.

Summary
Indeed, something is Truth! To the degree that we, as individuals, are able to align our lives with that truth, we are able to
live personally fulfilling lives and accomplish the purposes which God put us here to fulfill. The greatest hindrance to the
accomplishment of these important goals is our uncertainty about the objective reality of our worldview. If we can truly
understand the Truth and live our lives in the context of that Truth, our lives will have deep personal meaning and we will
accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God.

Coming in April - How the Christian faith matches up with the way human beings experience reality.

Find these books along

with other great world-
view resources at
www.marketfaith.org