WRIT201_B03_ Discussion Thread: Christian Worldview and Writer's Block

Discussion Thread: Christian Worldview and Writer's Block

The material both Ronk and Conner provide us with could I believe could not be any more parallel to that of my own understanding concerning similar, if not the very same, subject matter for a Christian worldview. Ronk highlights the words of theologian and minister, Philip Ryken, as he briefly, yet decorously describes the biblical worldview by stating,

“necessary beliefs that consist(s) of what we assume to be fact before looking at the subject.” (Ryken qtd. in Ronk and Conner)

This form of thought where we subject the view or assumptions prior to critically observing the matter may give the recipient of a message the inclination that your worldview may be none other than opinion or “feelings over facts.” This is why we need not to only express our own thoughts toward a biblical subject, especially on providing literature or reputable communication when it is illustrating the divinity of God, but substantial support (evidence) of some form behind the claim we are making to solidify our stance. Thus, we can also have confidence in doing so. I quite enjoy this quote of Ryker’s as he mentions,

“whenever we bump into the world, our worldview has a way of spilling out. It comes out in what we think and love, say and do, praise and choose.” (Ryken qtd. in Ronk and Conner)

This has me recollecting on certain subjects like this topic I have discovered by my own personal studies and writing about the very spiritual essence in the utilization of literature itself. It demonstrates the core dynamic of intercourse between that of God’s deliverance shown forth by His inheritance— genius and soul.

When we become passionate about something it can be perceived to some as silly, informal, or more commonly known in speech as colloquial. This communication can even display itself as “eccentric” if left in an unrestrained manner. It is not enough to just merely “express” one’s own desired notions, but to some degree, be framed by authoritative testimony or definition for evidence to which they are expressing. Ronk mentions how we should

“filter our understandings, our actions, and reactions, and our decisions through the truths we know from Scripture.” (Ronk and Conner)

This well compliments upon what I was attempting to delineate in the previous paragraph. If we want to muster the courage for a well-illustrated argument, this is a habit that must be devised when we interact with literature, the people we engage with, and practically the world around us if we are to be “Champions for Christ” here at Liberty University. Ronk is nothing but correct. She speaks in and of the Truth. We need to provide a substantial truth, the Truth, a source higher than ourselves to give an account for and to act as our leading witness to the words we utter when placed on trial by the adversary of this world.

My primary emphasis for much of what I write is so adeptly focused on that of Divine Nature and the Natural Order ordained by the Almighty Himself. It is inspiration that needs to be rooted in Faith, backed by Scripture, and evidence we can observe. How absurd it is for humanity itself to rely on its own understanding because the things we (should) know are much greater than ourselves? How little are we to try and rewrite the Natural Divine Order rooted in sanctification and so evidently planted into reality? Then we deny He of all things that were made? We claim that all the glory is the discovery of our own work— our own doing. Without Him we are lost. Humanism is the secular worldview upon the coming fate of humanity. It is man’s greatest disguise— the employment of self. It is the infiltration of True love and Divine example— it is self-damnation and spiritual suicide. In Psalms 139: 7-10, does it lyrically exemplify the omnipotence in His omnipresence:

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. — Psalms 139: 7-10 (King James Version)

This illustrates that God’s presence pervades all space— there is nowhere to flee from Him.

I had the pleasure of meditating on the spirit of beloved nineteenth century essayist, Hamilton Wright Mabie, who authored the memorable work Short Studies in Literature. Mabie impresses upon the reader his constant reference to the “essence of Nature” throughout the book. In it, he briefly captures the folly of man and the authenticity of God’s living design by simply stating,

“Man changes the landscape, Nature changes man.” (Mabie)

A Christian worldview is accepting we are limited beings. Life in this reality is temporary. Some of which may even call a “simulation.” The reality in which we live cannot ultimately be understood, not really. Without a greater cause, a greater purpose, a higher intelligence, and without this all-powerful God, we would not be the beings we are— or simply “be.”

Writer’s block is absolutely a recurring obstacle in my literary experience. However, what I can observe from myself— the motive(s) behind the writing seems to take a considerable amount of credibility for this. These are the who, what, where, when, how, and whys that can enable or disable this psychological barrier. Now, I may not have the time to go through all these separately, but I believe the reader will come to understand the overall idea of the matter.

Who am I writing for? Is it for me? Is it for someone else? Or laughably, do I just love writing so much that I can write for anyone or none at all? Well, what I do know is that I have had some life changes, spiritual life changes where I now do not just seek to write for the sheer pleasure of it and for my own sake. You may stumble across many Christians that follow a common theme to their lifestyle that equally state, “God first and service before self,” or maybe I am mistaking some of that with my time the military. Anyhow, that is how I would like to moreover conduct my writing in that manner— with God at the helm of who it is I am writing for and, in some way, perhaps, it can be beneficial to someone else.

I love writing especially when it can come almost naturally— freely flowing even. It is nearly as if something spiritual takes place when both passion and principle run deep to assert one’s intuitive expression and can create an acceptable piece of literary ingenuity. So, this can simply be what am writing about like the subject that is being presented. It can be how I am approaching my writing style and the way I do it. For example, is what I am writing about something I can more openly express and to what extent? And alternatively, is what I am writing about predicated on the notion that I have been given specific parameters to follow— what lines can I or can I not cross? In addition, if what I am writing about has enough of my interest it may be easier to start writing, and then, well, it may just be as hard to stop.  

The environment or setting that I am conducting the writing can also affect this writer’s block. I know personally, I cannot write very well, if at all, in an open crowd or amongst others in public. So, I am very thankful for this online education we now have, and I hope to use it to my advantage for who and what I am writing for. Not that I just do not wish to write in public, but because by some strange default my mind becomes way over-stimulated and I need separate space to collect my thoughts. Therefore, I believe I can demonstrate the best of my ability for writing when I am alone tucked away in my own space with God. I can perform loveable writing habits and creative thoughtful encounters that I have personally dubbed as “literary communion.” Oh, and too much white light is a no-no for me. Keep the area dim-lit.

When is it that I am conducting my writing? Is it daytime, midday, or at night. For what reason this is I am still trying to figure out, but motivation seems to be at an all-time high at the peak of night to somewhere in the early morning. I know— sounds backwards and insane. However, this has been much of the norm for me, and I am more relaxed around the dead of night. What also sounds ridiculous is I am a bit uneasy when it comes to time. I am not very fond of numbers in the first place. Therefore, the concept of time or the record of timekeeping seems to be a bit “abrasive” for me. A military brat who doesn’t like time management— yeah, go figure.

And then there is “why?” Why am I writing in the first place? Is it because I am told to do so? Or is it of my free will where I am given more allowance for time and flexibility in the way I conduct my writing? This may be the overall pervading factor regarding writer’s block or writing in general— why do we even do it in the first place? Well, we are all here to attend Liberty University Online, so I guess we can rule out that what we are doing is in love and reverence for our Creator. So, I suppose overall I aspire to write for Him. And if it can be of some use to someone somewhere— this would be the following reason. And if you asked me apart from all that why I write, well, I suppose it gives me purpose. God gives me purpose.

Works Cited

The Holy Bible. King James Version, Psalms 139:7-10

Mabie, Hamilton Wright. Short Studies in Literature. Dodd, Mead and Company, 1899.

Ronk, Ruth, and Jamaica Johnson Conner. Creative Writing – Liberty University. Available

from: Liberty University Online Bookshelf, Macmillan Higher Education, 2026.

Ryken, Philip Graham. Quoted in Ronk, Ruth, and Jamaica Johnson Conner. Creative

Writing– Liberty University. Available from: Liberty University Online Bookshelf,

Macmillan Higher Education, 2026.