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We each have a way we interpret our experiences and observations. Our interpretations are our representations of reality, but they aren’t reality itself. Our interpretations aren’t even the small part of reality that we have observed or experienced. Instead, our interpretations are the thoughts we have about the small part of reality that we’ve observed or experienced. In other words, interpretation is what we have left after we use our minds to think about our observations and experiences. However, it’s not just interpretation of direct observation and experience. Consider how often we infer based on things we heard from some “trusted source” but never saw or experienced for ourselves. So we have these interpretations, and we feed them back into our worldviews as confirmation bias. We reason in a circle. In short, the worldview filters experience and observation, and then the worldview confirms itself with the filtered results, which strengthens the amazing filter that keeps you and me from seeing reality as it is.

This chart is a lot to take in and understand, so we’ll try to paint a picture of how it works:

At the top, we see a symbol labeled “Reality,” which represents what exists. Of course, reality includes microscopic organisms, animals, people, stars, planets, and fossils. And it includes heaven, hell, angels, and demons. It also includes God.

To the left of reality, we see circular reasoning. In this circular reasoning, the worldview generates assumptions and presuppositions. Those assumptions and presuppositions create a filter that filters reality. Then, the filtered impressions of reality return as confirmation bias into the worldview. It’s circular. We see assumptions and presuppositions coming out of the worldview, and as we live our lives, these assumptions and presuppositions don’t seem like made-up stuff. Instead, they seem like part of reality, and they strengthen the filter of the worldview.

Ask God to answer these questions.

1. What is an interpretation?
2. Why isn’t an interpretation the same as reality?
3. What is a worldview?
4. What does it mean to reason in a circle?
5. What is confirmation bias?

Bonus Questions:

1. How does a worldview filter what we see and experience?
2. What are assumptions and presuppositions?
3. Why do made-up ideas feel like they’re real?
4. How do we know what’s real?
5. How can we stop the filter from keeping us from seeing reality?

SEEKING GOD

audio recording for reflection:

1. Pray for the Lord to protect you and keep you in His presence and His presence only.
2. Direct your mind toward the Lord only.
3. Ask God what He want’s to talk about.
4. You can ask God any questions. In all of this, be led by the Holy Spirit. God promises that He will answer you if you ask Him.
5. Do not edit or change what God says even if you don’t understand it.
6. Reject the lies and receive the truth.
7. Take notes.
8. Transfer your notes to your journal without editing what God said to you.

Extra Credit:

Whatever conflicts with our worldviews, we dismiss and ignore. Whatever matches our worldviews, we use as confirmation bias to make our worldviews seem more real. Then, we bring assumptions out of our worldviews. We’re usually aware of our assumptions. We also bring presuppositions out of our worldviews, but we think our presuppositions are part of reality. We feed these assumptions and presuppositions into our filters along with the influences that come from the culture, our fleshly desires, and demonic forces. That reinforces our filters, so they become strongholds against truth. We’re less able to see reality as it is. We filter reality. And this circular reasoning keeps leading us from one level of darkness to a deeper level of darkness. It’s a downward spiral.