Begin with Christian Theism and “water-down” each worldview. As Christian Theism gives way to Deism, and Deism gives way to Naturalism you approach the Line of Despair. In other words, once your worldview reaches naturalism the implications of this worldview naturally lead to Nihilism (which most people are unwilling to live with…because living with Nihilism is by definition not possible).

This image was created based on a similar diagram presented
by Dr. Richard Knopp of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary.

This denial of the ultimate outcome of Nihilism (suicide) leads many to “create” worldviews based more on faith than Christian Theism in order to provide meaning to their existence. As you progress from Marxism to Atheistic Existentialism to Secular Humanism each worldview becomes more socially tenable, however the bottom line is that these worldviews do not provide the best answers to the questions of life, and are based on great leaps of faith.

Short description of worldviews and criteria for assessing a worldview.
worldview.pdf
Learn more about Francis Schaeffer (originator of the Line of Despair)
Early Years, Later Years