The Case for Biblical Worldview as The Foundation of Education

Introduction to Worldviews

A worldview is a set of beliefs and opinions on how we understand and perceive the world. Everyone has a perspective of the world, an understanding of various concepts. Many factors influence one's perspective, such as religion, parenting, and education. My belief is that God is the creator. The beginning of the book of Genesis depicts a perfect example of God's creation: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Furthermore, at the end of the creation in Genesis 1:26, "And God said, let us make man in our image." Paul the Apostle stated in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."

Why Biblical Worldview Should Be The Foundation of Education

According to "Developing a Biblical Worldview," Ethan Pope states that a biblical worldview cannot be based on any human system of beliefs and values. He further explores this by saying that the best way to define a worldview is 'simply how you see the world.' Everyone has a different view of religion and God as the creator. However, before you state your view on it, you must define the word "God." God is a higher power that surpasses the level of humans. They are invincible and are the creators of life. One might ask, "If God didn't exist, who created people and the world?" From an atheistic worldview, some would argue against God being the creator because if God is so perfect, why are people born with imperfections, and why is there negativity in the world?

I personally believe there is a creator because there is no other explanation for mankind. There has to be someone who created man. Also, I believe that someone has to create everything, and the person that created everything must have some type of greater power. Thomas Aquinas argued five different ways that God exists. One of his arguments that supports my thesis is causation: "Nothing is the efficient cause of its own existence because it would have to be prior to itself, which is impossible. But it is not possible for the chain of efficient causes to continue to infinity. Thus, there must be a first uncaused cause, which is God." This explanation goes on to state that for everything to function the way it does, it is impossible for everything to have created itself.

The Role of Christian Philosophy in Education

Christian philosophy is structured by the Bible, which provides conceptual guidance to students on Christianity. In order to fully understand Christian philosophy, one should have a Christian education. First and foremost, before delving into Christian philosophy of education, one must have a clear understanding and perception of who gives knowledge. In other words, where does knowledge come from? This simply means that God himself gives us the knowledge to teach from a Christian perspective, and when we talk about him in the classroom, God reveals himself through our spoken words and living testimonies. Thus, Christian philosophy is based on the fact that God is the creator of the universe; He is the truth, and all knowledge and wisdom come directly from God. "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright."

The Importance of a Christian Foundation in Education

God should always be the foundation of education when it comes to Christian philosophy. As leaders, we are commended by God to feed his sheep. This particularly means that it is our mission to instruct these children. In the book of Matthew, chapter 28:19, Jesus commanded all the disciples to go and preach to the nations about all the commandments that were given to them. In First Corinthians, Paul lived as a teacher and was able to tell his charges, "Be ye followers of me, even as I am also Christ." Accordingly, we should be a prime example of God’s teaching as well as teaching them the word of God.

The Role of Educators in Shaping Student Behavior

I strongly believe that it is crucial for an instructor to shape a student’s behavior under her care. Children are very attentive and ready to mimic the things that they have seen. Teachers are required to be role models to students as it would have an impact on them. In the text "Philosophy of Education: An Introduction in Christian Perspective," Dr. Knight states that "Education is an important function in any society, because all youth must pass through some type of educational experience before they are ready to take over the society’s responsible positions. The future of any society is therefore determined by its current youth." This highlights the pivotal role educators play in shaping the values and beliefs of future generations.

Challenges in Teaching a Christian Curriculum

According to Brummelen, it is impossible to teach Christianly in a Christian school due to the fact that in public schools, parents enroll children of all faiths, including agnostics and atheists. The law is clear that teachers may not use their privileged position to proselytize or to promote particular beliefs. In fact, teachers in public schools face a lot of challenges where parents and friends might be skeptical about their faiths. Students today may be in doubt, despair, and give up, perhaps using drugs as a way to cope. Christian teachers could take it upon themselves to give their students hope.

Christian teachers, in both public and Christian schools, often accept common approaches to the curriculum without reviewing their worldview roots. As a result, their teaching does not fully reflect biblical views of knowledge, persons, and values. There are two common curriculum orientations from which we could learn: traditional and constructivist. Traditional education is what we often refer to as modernity. The most common alternative to a traditional approach to curriculum is constructivism. It uses pedagogical strategies that actively involve students. It also recognizes that students in the same classroom learn different things and interpret what they learn differently. Whereas traditional educational levels address the ecological, social, and spiritual problems that affect students and society. In schools, test preparation has taken precedence over preparing students for a life that contributes to mercy, compassion, integrity, and justice.

A Christian Approach to Curriculum

Brummelen goes further by stating that "a Christian approach to curriculum opens up God’s revelation in His word and His world. It upholds truth while encouraging students to apply it creatively to their personal lives and to their life in society. It helps them be and become disciples of Christ who erect signposts for the coming kingdom of God." Knowledge in the biblical sense reveals the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord as well as God’s ways of righteousness. That is why, as Samuel was teaching the Israelites "the way that is good and right," he directed them to consider the great things God had done for them. A biblical worldview is centered on God’s word. A Christian philosophy of education emphasizes the social, emotional, and cognitive needs of everybody. Therefore, every lesson should focus on God’s character. When teaching and healing, Jesus always focused on the whole person. Educators must follow His steps and make sure students are nurtured physically, spiritually, and intellectually.

For instance, as a committed servant of the Lord, my dream is to get my degree in Special Education. In order to become a successful teacher, I must have a mission. As educators, our mission is to help others, to teach, to spread the word of God. A Christian biblical worldview is first to love, obey, and have faith in God. Therefore, I ought to be a teacher like Paul, where I would teach the curriculum the same way that he did. I would let the Holy Spirit guide me in making every decision.

Conclusion

To sum up, a biblical worldview should embrace every aspect of a student’s education. From a philosophical point of view, educators should help students identify the gifts they receive from God, gifts that will be developed based on encouragement and strengths. Everybody receives gifts and talents from God. One must use these gifts and talents to help each other. The way a Christian educator approaches the curriculum makes a significant difference. It opens the way to God’s word in a student’s life. It nurtures the truth in students and encourages them to apply the truth to their everyday lives.

References

• Pope, E. (Year). Developing a Biblical Worldview. Publisher.
• Knight, G. (Year). Philosophy of Education: An Introduction in Christian Perspective. Publisher.
• Brummelen, H. V. (Year). Walking with God in the Classroom: Christian Approaches to Learning and Teaching. Publisher.