The Universe Next Door, Sixth Edition

A Basic Worldview Catalog

By: James W Sire, Jim Hoover - foreword

Narrated by: David Cochran Heath

For more than 40 years, The Universe Next Door has set the standard for a clear, concise introduction to worldviews. Using his widely influential model of eight basic worldview questions, James Sire examines prominent worldviews that have shaped the Western world: theism, deism, naturalism, Marxism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern monism, New Age philosophy, postmodernism, and Islam.

Intertwined with this analysis, Sire presents an overview of intellectual history giving insight into the current state of Western thought and culture. Critiquing each worldview within its own frame of reference and in comparison to others, Sire encourages listeners to wrestle with life's biggest questions and examine the core beliefs and commitments on which they are building their lives.

The sixth edition, updated by Sire's longtime editor Jim Hoover, features a chapter on challenges to a Christian worldview in the 21st century. New discussion questions will help listeners reflect more deeply on the ideas in each chapter. In a world of ever-increasing diversity, The Universe Next Door offers a unique resource for understanding the variety of worldviews that claim the allegiance of mind and heart.

©2020 The Estate of James W. Sire (sixth edition); copyright 2009 by James W. Sire (fifth edition); copyright 2004 by James W. Sire (fourth edition); copyright 1997 by James W. Sire (third edition); copyright 1988 by James W. Sire (second edition); copyright 1976 by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the United States of America (first edition) (P)2021 eChristian

Good analysis of other world views from a Christian Perspective

This book provides a good analysis of other world views but is very obviously of a Christian perspective.

Solid worldview primer from Christian perspective

Worth the read. Author frequently editorializes, but acknowledges doing so. Found the chapters on postmodernism and towards the end most compelling.

Wholistic approach

The author did a great job of explaining the various worldviews. Especially noteworthy is his treatment of nihilism through postmodernism.

ONE HELL OF A GOOD BOOK

Trying to explain and TRACE the nihilism of our time is terribly difficult and subtle.. Fr. seraphim rose work "nihilism " is highly recommended, but it's a bit all over the place..This work is a brilliant basic treatment of specific world views and how they relate to each other... Its a perfect companion to roses work..
The narrator is simply wonderful as well.

An amazing book on Worldviews

Sire nails this one. Squarely. Well thought out well written well organized writing on Man and his worldviews. The Strengths and weaknesses of each. Also tied into how each worldview arose some as spinoffs of earlier work. We all have a worldview. Where are we on the spectrum? What we belief and how and why are super important questions we should seek to answer as everyone seeks fulfillment

Refashion your Faith Humbly and in the Truth of Gods Word

I was shown this book my sophomore year of high school in a private Christian school by my Bible teacher which taught worldviews in class through this book. I was immediately drawn to this book and it’s vivid detail of worldviews people have. From then on I have been on a journey of self discovery as a believer of the Christian theistic faith. After high school, the hardships of life had come into my life and furthered my faith to the degree that was known to me through biblical readings/understanding, psychology, philosophy, and to understand key differences in points of the different denominations as well as other religious beliefs. The church in my opinion lacks the discipline of intellectualizing the common people in the Christian faith. To a degree, I think it necessary in Christian theism of the Protestant Church line; that we need to teach in ways that are in accordance to the True Word of God and specific scientific facts of reality to help the common people understand the timelessness and depth of the Christian faith. Much of the world has forgotten or are blind to the true light of God in Christ Jesus. If we are to be “fishers of men”, then shouldn’t we be able to express the simple and fundamental truth in light of scripture and our prime reality. If you believe this to be true then dive into this book to gain the understanding necessary for this day and age. This was my first step sophomore year, and later broadened through psychology, theology, and religious understanding of my own faith as well as others. If you want to understand the depth of people’s perception as a believer in this age, do not assume you know all about other beliefs and evangelize in the faith. Brush up on your studies and stay strong in the faith. Humbly ask for wisdom and discernment from the Lord to not be conformed by other worldviews. Use them as to understand the brother or sister not in the faith and maybe you can guide them with Gods grace, back to his loving arms. The time is drawing near to take a stand against the deceit of the Adversary in the world. God is Sovereign and we are to carry out his mission in loving service to the world. Revisitation of this text has only confirmed what I have come to know after high school; not by my own intellect but by God in Christ Jesus’ understanding. God Bless you all who have formed this book and the ones who read it. Make it a tool to transform your world and others around you, and let the Word of God be a light for your path. In love, a brother of the Faith.

Excellent Resource

It is my experience that most people are overwhelmed with the idea of worldview, let alone engaging the ideas involved to iron out one for oneself. Of course, we all can’t start with pre-Socratic philosophers and work our way up to present day philosophers analyzing each one for guidance in determining a worldview for ourselves. But most of us are capable with reading secondary sources for an overall understanding and delving a little deeper into some of the primary sources which piqued our interest.

But however deeply one desires to delve in the mysteries and intricacies of philosophical and worldview thinking, The Universe Next Door is a great place to start.

Highly recommended.

Great top level survey of world views

Great top level survey of world views from theism to existentialism to nihilism to Christianity and Islamic fundamentalism. Good overview could’ve used an updated and expanded description of sexual politics.

Very good

Hard to get through but worth it Push through and grow in your depth about God man and tought.

Should be titled a Christians Worldview of other Worldviews

I was hoping to learn other worldviews to increase my compassion toward others and become a peacemaker. This book basically describes other worldviews from Christianity as strawmen for the author to tear down.