Naming the Elephant Summary

Naming the Elephant was helpful to me in a number of ways. First of all, it enhanced the previous understanding I had developed from reading Universe Next Door. Though I had read it almost eight years ago, it was impactful for me and shaped how I think of worldviews. The new information on the heart will effect how I communicate and think about worldviews.

I also have been challenged to take the Bible and my personal time with the Lord more seriously. I was content to read philosophy and think that if my thought-life is in order, then my relationship with God is as well. I realized that, practically speaking, I was adopting an epistemology first and autonomous approach to my worldview and faith. As a result I have begun a serious Scripture study as part of my daily routine and also plan to more highly prioritize time sensing the Spirit in my own time with the Lord.

I was also impacted by his suggestion “Two-sides of the Paper” exercise where he suggests that we write down everything we believe about prayer on one side and then on the other side write down how much and how often you pray. This exercise is helpful and can be use with several beliefs. I found this to be similar to Moreland’s suggestion from Kingdom Triangle, which I am also taking seriously.

I plan to use this exercise both in youth group and in my philosophy class. I think it is helpful for people to think through whether or not they are living out their worldview and to realize that what they live out is actually what they believe.

I also plan to ask my philosophy class to answer the 7 worldview questions at the beginning of the semester. Worldview thinking, as a result of this book, will shape much of the way walk through Intro to Philosophy at Moraine Valley Community College this semester.