Biblical Worldview Paper

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Clinging to Christ: Operation and Impact of a Biblical Worldview in Education Holly Chow EDLC 504: Educational Philosophies and Theories of Learning Dr. Joan Cox February 11, 2024

A worldview, at its core, defines how a person sees the world that surrounds them. Every person has a worldview, whether they hold to it subconsciously or consciously. These beliefs and opinions help define the way a person lives their life, and how they respond to every situation, including politics, social concerns, economic changes, philosophy, and education. Having a solid understanding and support of where your worldview comes from is also key long-term, as it will help in defining who a person is and how they will impact others. When considering past, present and future civilizations, it is particularly important to note when a Biblical worldview has been utilized in situations and the differences that are apparent when a Christ-centric focus is lacking. The Biblical Worldview A Biblical worldview indicates acceptance in the belief that all was created by God and is maintained by Him. (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:17). Additionally, Jesus Christ represented the fulfilment of the Godhead on earth and provided a path to salvation outside of Old Testament guidelines (Acts 4:10-12). These beliefs are absolute, and the truths presented in the Bible are also so. A Biblical viewpoint requires that the Bible is held to be infallible. The only way that truth can be fully understood is to submit to the Lordship of Christ and to believe in him and live according to the example He provided (John 14:6). It is also important to note that having this viewpoint defines the purpose and meaning of humanity as well as how values and morals are determined. Humanity was created as a reflection of God, our Creator. That makes people both spiritual and physical beings. It requires that humanity learn from the ultimate truths that God has put into place. Thomas Aquinas of the 13 th century demonstrated these beliefs in his philosophies, asserting “that the universe and life within it had been created by God, a supreme being, who, in creating human life, endowed it with an immaterial and deathless spiritual soul, which is the basis of human self-awareness and freedom” (Gutek, 57). This belief in a Bible-based viewpoint also means that morals and values are determined by what God finds to be necessary, instead of any

relativistic views or opinions. As God is unchanging so are the expectations in how a person is to proceed in their life choices. Having a Biblical worldview is not just in belief; it is in thought, speech, and deed. Romans 12:2 states “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”. This means making choices that don’t necessarily meet the cultural norm or that are popularly accepted. This also indicates that a person cannot shift their morals based on changing cultural circumstances. What is determined to be wrong Biblically in past circumstances would still hold true in today’s world. This should directly impact a person who claims Christianity is their guide, in how they handle their relationships, professional life, and political stances. If a person does not show their beliefs in their actions, they will be seen as hypocritical. Additionally, it could be stated that their beliefs are not strong enough to stand face to the challenges that occur in life. Failing to have a consistent approach to life’s challenges is an insult to the promise given in Hebrews 13, which states that God will never leave or forsake those that belong to him. It is essential when practicing a Biblical worldview to ensure that consistency in these beliefs is present. Christian Philosophy on Education This consistency can never be more challenging or more important to achieve than in the educational setting. While the number of adults in the United States who claim to be Christian has reduced In the past few decades, “about two-thirds of adults are Christians” (Pew Research Center). This should indicate a general support of a Biblical worldview to be used in schools, but this is not always the case. Instead, it is suggested that “the world (is) a two-story structure-the upper story (consists) of the realm of spirituality and the lower story…of the physical realities of the day. This dichotomy has led to Christians hiding the light of Christianity” (Bartlett). In shielding the light that is to be shared in

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Christianity, it has allowed deviance and depravity to run rampant in our schools and into culture overall. It has cultivated a sense of hopelessness in young people that should not exist, because children are no longer seen as beings created to fulfill a design and purpose. Truth without a Biblical worldview is subject to the whims of popular opinion and lacks a strong foundation. A Christian is required to cling to the belief that truth and reality are found only in God-given revelation and His creation. In consistently practicing and presenting a Biblical worldview, it is also essential that ethical and Christ- like behavior is demonstrated. These behaviors should serve as a catalyst in drawing others toward Christ. It should also reaffirm the belief that people are created in the image of God and with the ability to be good as called by God at the time of creation. Allowing every other thing to be judged by the Word of God will determine it to be ethical and right or derogatory to those involved. In knowing that each person is made with immeasurable value in God’s eyes it will also impact how a person is to treat others, because they should be able to see all as God’s creation made with purpose and design. Having a Biblical worldview in education insists on striving for excellence and “the totality of knowledge, culture and life” (Schaeffer, 1982). To be Christian requires one should seek out the total truth that God has provided to his creation. It allows a student to become well-versed in identifying that which is veritable from false statements and suggestions. A Biblical worldview should produce rational thinkers who are capable of viewing the world from a spiritual perspective, in a multi-faceted process that was designed by God. Implications for Educational Practice In creating an environment conducive to learning and growth, an educator must understand what drives their students. Every single person is an individual and has abilities and skills that vary. Each person also has areas that may require more effort or focus than another, and it is always a challenge to address these in a way that meets the needs of the full class. In utilizing a Biblical worldview, it allows a teacher

to help each student strive to reach their divinely given potential, because it allows for the realization that every person was created with these unique abilities. If a teacher decides that the designated curriculum is more important than encouraging maximum growth and fulfilling the needs of their students, it will prove negative in that learner’s journey. It has been said that kids do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. In allowing a teacher the opportunity to celebrate God-given strengths while helping cultivate areas that may require additional encouragement it shoes the student that they matter as a person, not simply as a set of test scores and metrics. Choosing as an educator to focus on building healthy relationships is following a Christ-created example as seen in Jesus’ request in Mark 10, that the children be allowed to come to him and interact with him. Of course, there must be core requirements in education. A true education based in Biblical teaching will still allow for dealing with the full scope of human knowledge. This knowledge always needs to be viewed through a Biblical lens, but in no way should be limited as God gave the ability to achieve scientific discoveries, chart new courses in world exploration, and find the pathways to develop engineering and architectural marvels. Even when reviewing darker parts of humanity’s history, lessons can be learned in seeing these negative decisions and their implications throughout time (Schaeffer, 1982). Conclusion Working in a public system may seem to discourage displaying Christian traits and beliefs for educators. It is imperative that educators realize the importance of demonstrating these beliefs not through grandiose speeches and posters hanging on the walls, but in their manner, conversation, and relationship that they build with their students. Holding to a Biblical worldview in the classroom and in life provides the guidance and hope that every teacher needs to be the best example for their students. It allows

every student to have the opportunity to grow into the person that they were designed to become. In no way does a Christ-centered educational approach negate academic standings or great intelligence; it encourages it as humanity should be able to learn about all things that God has created and allowed.

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References Bartlett, John C. (2007) "A Christian Philosophy of Education of a Public School Educator," Christian Perspectives in Education , 1(1). Available at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cpe/vol1/iss1/7 Bible English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. Gutek, G. L. (2014). Philosophical, ideological and theoretical perspectives on Education (Second). Pearson. Pew Research Center. (2022, September 13). 1. how U.S. religious composition has changed in recent decades . Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/09/13/how-u-s-religious-composition-has-changed-in- recent-decades/ Schaeffer, F. (1982). On Education . Great Books Education . Retrieved February 10, 2024, from https://gbt.org/text/f.html.

Biblical Worldview Paper

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