In this post we conclude our ChatGPT-generated survey of how prominent theologians have defined “the world,” as used in the Scripture “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
We have seen in previous posts that loving the world brings one under the influence of Satan himself and makes one an enemy of God. So, the stakes are high. We must get this right. Therefore we listen to more than one voice.
Definitions from seven contemporary theologians: D. A. Carson, Paul Washer, John Frame, Wayne Grudem, John Piper, Stephen Wellum, and Albert Mohler
D. A. Carson: The world is the collective system of human life organized in rebellion against God, expressed in sinful desires and values, opposed to God’s will, and destined to pass away.
Paul Washer: The world refers to the ideas, attitudes, and deeds of this present fallen age that contradict and oppose the nature and will of God.
John Frame: The world is the system of life that is opposed to God’s lordship. It is giving ultimate allegiance to a rival authority structure instead of to Christ. It is a system of values contrary to God’s authority.
Wayne Grudem: The world is the sinful value system and practices of unbelieving humanity. It is humanity organized apart from God. It is the moral and cultural patterns characteristic of fallen society.
John Piper: The world is the cluster of desires and values that substitute creation for God. It is rooted in disordered love. Worldliness is when one prefers created things over the Creator. The world is a God-rejecting mindset fueled by pride and self-exaltation. Loving the world is finding satisfaction in what competes with God.
Stephen Wellum: The world is the present evil age in opposition to Christ’s kingdom. It is the realm of unbelief contrasted with the new creation in Christ. Although believers belong to the age to come, they love the world when they align with the old order.
Albert Mohler: The world is the fallen moral and cultural order that normalizes sin. It is moral rebellion institutionalized in society.
All the theologians in this survey have agreed that “the world” in 1 John 2:15 is not referring to the material creation, which God created good.
For the source of these summary definitions, read the final section of this earlier post.