Sire quotes from two poems that represent two diametrically opposed worldviews: Stephen Crane’s War is Kind and Other Lines and the 8th Psalm from the Book of Psalms—the former representing nihilism and the latter biblical theism. Sire argues that although many people today feel themselves unable to believe in theism, they still long for the assurance and order that it brings. Meanwhile, many who believe theism nevertheless feel the “tug” of the alternative worldview, leading to “alienation, loneliness, even despair” (3).

Sire states the thesis and purpose of the book: to provide an outline of the major worldviews, to trace their history, and to help readers to “think in terms of worldviews” so as better to “communicate with others in our pluralistic society” (3-4). The chapters will attempt to sketch the worldviews in relatively brief and simple terms, but bibliographical footnotes will be included for readers who want to go into greater depth.

In the remainder of the chapter, Sire defines worldview and establishes the book’s parameters and method. Sire defines worldview as a basic framework for thought and action. It is a “commitment” of the heart and soul, “expressed in a story or a set of presuppositions” (7), which serves as “the foundation on which we live” (8).