Book Review: The Universe Next Door by James W. Sire

Sire explained the basics of worldviews in concise, easy to understand language. This fourth edition, published in 2004 by InterVarsity Press, refines the definition of worldview itself, incorporating Sire's thinking and teaching over the past three decades. It demonstrates his continued growth and the increasing demand for this vital information.

The Universe Next Door has been translated into several languages and has been used as a text at over one hundred colleges and universities in courses ranging from apologetics and world religions to history and English literature. The Universe Next Door was not written for everyone. It was written for a self-selected audience, an audience that has chosen the Biblical Christian worldview. These worldviews are then contrasted against the backdrop of a Biblical worldview. Sire works hard at not revealing his biases however they do come through in his handling of the material. He defines competing worldviews and their implications.

If individuals are not familiar with the works of James W. Sire, it is vital that reader take time to read the preface of this fourth edition. Sire discusses his background, limitation, and biases. I appreciate that he acknowledges the religion of Islam as a worldview. He also recognizes his limitations to address this worldview adequately.

The structure of the book is made of ten chapters with 250 pages. Perhaps two parts to the book would have provided the reader a smoother transition. This would have provided Sire the opportunity to change his established rhythm and give him freedom to explore fully the New Age thinking and Postmodernism. New Age worldview and Postmodernism are broad and eclectic, I did not appreciate how Sire transitioned and approached these lofty subjects. His established rhythm seemed disrupted. To be fair, Sire does acknowledge his limitations for adequately dealing with the postmodernism.