EDUC 315 Biblical_Worldview_Laura_Darlington_ESSAY 2022.pdf

Biblical Worldview

Laura E. A. Darlington

School of Education: Liberty University

Professor: Karen Berkenkemper

June 13th, 2022

Biblical Worldview

Introduction

This paper will express the importance of a biblical worldview. It will break down the following

areas: the basis of reality and the existence of God. The basis of truth and how values anchor our

life decisions. Other areas that will be examined will include the biblical philosophy of education

by looking into the purpose of education for a biblical perspective and educational outcomes of

students who are taught by a teacher who teaches a biblical worldview. Finally this paper will

look at the implication of educational practices such as methods that effectively address the

basic nature of a child. In as well as ways to motivate student learning in diverse populations and

ways to enhance classroom management.

Biblical Worldview

Basis for reality based on the existence of God

The basis of reality comes down to the belief of an individual. So first, you must decide how the

world came to be: is it a theory of evolution, or did God/ a higher power create the world? If you

don't believe in the evolutionary process, then it stands to reason that you don't have a conceptual

basis for your current reality or believe in the creation of all things through a higher power/god.

If you believe in god's existence, you think that this higher being created the world around us and

is above the ultimate grounds of morality, putting him above all others. People who believe in

Christianity are taught through traditions that though we can not see, hear, or touch him, he is

watching, listening, and guiding our life, being, and purpose. “For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,

even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Roman 1.20)

Basis For Truth: Absolute or Relative

Truth has many different interpretations; the Merriam-Webster dictionary has four definitions of

the word. When you examine this, you notice that Truth and God are found together. If you look,

the third definition states “a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality: a judgment,

proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true.” (Merriam Webster, 2022) So the basis of

truth is that it is true or accepted as true. So the truth is based on the judgment of the idea and

whether it is accepted by an individual to be true. So what is true for one person may not hold for

another.“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he

shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew

you things to come.” (John 16.13) Overall truth is relative to the individual while I may believe

in absolute truth it is not believed by everyone.

Biblical Worldview

Values Anchor Life Decisions

The values that should anchor life decisions are the ones you believe are essential in your way of

living. These are the values that shape our character and lifestyle choices. For some people, it is

the decision to honor, respect, and devotion to living a life worthy of God's love, which are very

black and white decisions that may be an easier way to live for some. However, for others, these

characteristics alone are not significant enough to cover all we are as people. We, as people, are

as versatile as the values we hold. Like many others, I don't limit my values. While I have

convictions and can justify my choices and beliefs, what values hold importance to me today

may not be the same ten or even twenty years from now. The current values I hold are

Compassion, Endurance, Justice, and Wisdom. Generosity, Love, Respect, Hope, Responsibility,

Self Control, Humility, Loyalty. While this is different for others, this is what I base my life

decisions on and around. “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.” (Roman 12.2.)

Biblical Philosophy of Education

Purpose Of Education From A Biblical View

The purpose of education is to provide teachable experiences that will ultimately shape who they

will eventually be as adults. I believe there are multiple truths, so having my students seek out

their truths on the world and reality is vital since everyone is different. Education fosters

knowledge and skills through developing physical and intellectual skills in addition to social and

emotional skill sets. Students should have physical, social, intellectual, and emotional

understanding. They should also have reasoning, argument, decision making, conflict resolution,

literacies, and dispositions as well as civics, moral and ethical issues experiences to have an

understanding and the skill set needed to live in the world. Teachers need to provide their

Biblical Worldview

students with current and real-world experiences. We need to challenge, inspire and share the

values required to be a well-rounded individual who is an independent thinker, well versed in the

world, and has empathy for others. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:

teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9.9)

Educational Outcomes For Students

Some educational outcomes that can be achieved in the lives of students from being taught by a

teacher who teaches from a biblical worldview. Are students who are able to think differently

from others, just by fostering a student's self esteem, and modeling the behavior. We as teachers

must weave in principles of biblical worldviews into daily lessons. As well as being a role model

of the faith. These can in turn help instill morals and wisdom into students, creating independent

and self driven students. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for

doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3.16.)

Implications for Educational Practice

Methods That Addresses The Basic Nature Of The Child

Children have a basic nature that is established at birth. This nature is based on values, meanings,

perceptions and priority. Children as young as a few months old demonstrate basic emotions that

are both functional and motivational. By using cue-producing functions infants are able to

regulate cognition. Some teaching methods that examine the basic nature of a child include

modeling behaviors, acknowledging, encouraging, demonstrating, asking questions, and

providing feedback to challenge students' thinking. “Even a child is known by his doings,

whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD

hath made even both of them.” (Proverb 20.11-12.)

Student Learning In Diverse Populations

By using methods based on the nature of a child they transcend diverse student populations. No

Biblical Worldview

matter the student or the cultural difference of values, meaning, perceptions and priority. All

humans demonstrate competency through mirroring actions if we are modeling the behaviors we

wish for them to mirror. By acknowledging, encouraging, asking questions, and providing

feedback. Educators are able to reach children despite culturally diverse students. “For by him

were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether

they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and

for him.” (Colossians 1.16.)

Classroom Management

The method and techniques addressed allow teachers to build a rapport with students by asking

questions, providing feedback, encouraging, demonstrating and modeling behaviors teachers are

able to not only use these techniques to build curiosity and knowledge but it allows them to build

relationships and trust with their students. If students feel understood and respected they are

likely to show respect in return. These techniques allow teachers to model the behaviors they

want students to mirror back. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,

he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James

1.12.)

Conclusion

As educators we need to intrine our biblical worldview into our classrooms teaching methods.

Bring up biblical scriptures when the opportunity presents itself. Showing our students our love

of God through being encouraging and demonstrating a christian outlook. Other ways include

being a role model for our students and owning our own truths we are able to inspire and guide

our students. Our faith may not be directly displayed with bible reading however that does not

limit the impact we as educators and faith has on our students despite not being able to announce

it all day everyday our principles and values demonstrate our beliefs. “But without faith it is

Biblical Worldview

impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a

rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11.6.)

Biblical Worldview

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