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Running Head: THE IMPORTANCE OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
THE IMPORTANCE OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW IN EDUCATION
DREW ALAN NOVY JR.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
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THE IMPORTANCE OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
The Importance of a Biblical Worldview in Education
A Christian subscribes to a Biblical Worldview; following all teachings of the Bible and
knowing them all to be both true and accurate. It is important for Christians do not forget that
even within their place of employment, they are called to be a reflection of God. Teachers are
particularly vital in this way because there is a significant necessity for a Christian philosophy to
be instilled while a child is building their understandings of the world. It does not take long for
children to start asking big questions such as the meaning or purpose of life. These
understandings will often align with how one sees personal values, which is why it is crucial to
develop early in one’s life. The implications of not teaching a Biblical worldview can possibly
make the difference in a child of God having a relationship with Jesus and receiving ultimate
salvation. The purpose of the educational system is to prepare the youth, guide them into success,
and the betterment of society which can only truly be accomplished by instilling a Biblical
worldview based around God.
The literal sense of the phrase “Biblical worldview” explains exactly what is meant; a
view of seeing the world as understood through the Bible. One who subscribes to this worldview
understands life as it is explained within the Christian Bible. That means everything was made of
God and can be understood through Jesus’ teachings. One example is homosexuality. One who
follows this worldview would not support same-sex relationships because the Bible says in Mark
10:6-9 (New International Version) that God made man and woman to be joined and become
one. Another example is with the idea of evolution. A Biblical Worldview would dismiss these
claims because the Bible tells us in Genesis that God created the Heavens an Earth and all within
it. Genesis 1:31 (NIV) says “God saw all that he had made, and it was very god…” This verse
explains that God created all and that any other man-made theory is false. One last example is in
the way one would respect their body, such as dressing modestly. The Bible discusses in 1
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THE IMPORTANCE OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) that causing others to stumble (or lust) is wrong. In Proverbs 7:9-12 (NIV)
the passage gives a scenario about how a woman was dressing like a prostitute by making her
body the object for lust.
In a study titled “An examination of barriers to physical education for Christian and
Muslim girls attending comprehensive secondary schools in the UK,” the researchers found that
girls raised on this Biblical worldview felt a higher level of self-consciousness and
embarrassment for PE uniforms they were forced to wear as opposed to their counterparts. The
researchers concluded that “schools should therefore consider the sensitivities surrounding PE
uniforms and ensure that they are, as far as is possible, appropriate for all ages” (Elliott & Hoyle,
2014). This demonstrates how the secular world will often stray from God’s commands for self-
respect, and the importance of standing firm to the belief’s in the Biblical worldview to make
sure Christians are not forced into these situations. By examining these examples, one can more
easily recognize a Biblical Worldview as it relates directly to the God’s word for the answers to
many major questions in life and the ultimate truth.
Just as a Biblical Worldview is centered around the knowledge in the Bible, so too is a
Christian philosophy of education. Colossians 2:8 (NIV) talks about how Christians must not
allow children to be deceived by human philosophies because Christ is the truth and the ultimate
answer. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) says “fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them
up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” The education philosophy must be centered
around God and his teachings, from which all areas of study can be explained through what God
has revealed. According to Esqueda (2015), a Biblical worldview is “the unifying factor for the
fusion of faith and learning.” Only by faith-based teaching, can one correctly answer the
metaphysical and axiological questions in life. The Bible makes mention of some answers to
metaphysics in Genesis 1:1 (NIV) as it begins by saying that “in the beginning God created the
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heavens and the earth.” There are also numerous teachings regarding purpose such as Matthew
10:38 (NIV) about picking up each’s own cross and following Jesus. Another is Mark 1:17 (NIV)
where Jesus says to follow him “and I will make you become fishers of men.” One last example
is the purpose of making disciples and baptize them in the name of Jesus (Matthew 28:19, NIV).
The Bible also explains how a Christian education should address axiology. Area’s like
money/possessions (Mark 10:23 & Acts 9:36, NIV) are explained by stating that wealth will
disappear. It should be given to help others; however, in the end it is not Godly or worth valuing.
When the Pharisees asked about paying taxes, Jesus said “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
but give to God what belongs to God (Mark 12:17, NIV).” On the topic of status/power, the
reader sees in Romans 12:18 & Luke 2:52 (NIV) that since Lamech (in Genesis 4), power has
been coveted, but God’s view on worth is different than that which people seek from others.
These metaphysical and axiological views explain the meaning and value of life and they should
be incorporated into practical application within the field of education.
Though there is some argument, teaching based around a Biblical worldview and
Christian philosophies would clearly have overwhelming positive implications when
incorporated into the overall field of education. One of the main arguments against Christianity
being taught in school is the idea that it threatens the concept of subjects like science. In the
article “I am unsure about Christianity because of science” by Luke Ivory (2017), the author
explains how students may still hold the misconception that science is against a belief in God
because of what others adults may have told them. According to Ivory, “our teaching of science
should not only equip students with answers about the content needing to be covered but enable
them to answer their own doubts and help equip them with a respect, logical, and educated way
to argue against the prevailing view of the world.” Even though this message is specific to
science, it serves as an example far beyond just one content area. This concept is essential in all
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subjects to build the child’s faith in life beyond the classrooms. Even in a more specific area such
as physical education, the inclusion of faith-based learning raises a boy or girl up to be a man or
woman who serves the Lord. Students don’t simply learn basic physical skills, but also the
affective learning as Jesus commands. Helping one another out in ways such as teamwork,
honesty or cooperation. These are all Biblical teachings that can be emphasized and help develop
young Christians. Further, incorporating Biblical learning together with their peers creates
“intense emotional elements rising from shared activities and physical closeness here-and-now
[which is] relevant to young people (Nissila, 2018).” The implications of incorporating a Bible-
based worldview into educational practice, will not only better explain the content lessons, but
also help foster young Christians to grow in God’s direction.
The ultimate goal of the education system is to form the next generation of young people
who will go forth into the world and make it a better place. This means effective subject lessons,
teachers being able to connect with their students, and most importantly, teaching them the
ultimate truth. By incorporating a Biblical worldview into the education system, teachers have
the greatest tools for teaching and building the character of young men and women. God is the
only truth and to not base learning around him, would be to set the students and society up for
failure. Only through education centered around a Biblical worldview, can the ultimate learning
and development be accomplished.
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References
Elliot, D., Hoyle, K. (2014). An examination of barriers to physical education for Christian and
Muslim girls attending comprehensive secondary schools in the UK. European Physical
Education Review, 20(3), 349;366. doi:10.1177/1356336X14534358
Esqueda, O.J. (2014). Biblical worldview: The Christian Higher Education Foundation for
Learning. Christian Higher Education, 13(2), 91-100. http://dio-
org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1080/15363759.2014.872495
Ivory, L. (2017). I am unsure about Christianity because of science. Christian Teachers
Journal, 25(3), 8-11. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from https://search-informit-com-
au.ezproxy.liberty.edu/documentSummary;dn=113020361687704;res=IELHSS.
doi:1443-735X
Nissilä, P. (2018). Young people at a revivalist summer gathering: Rituals, liminality, and
emotions. Social Compass, 65(2), 278-294. Doi:10.1177/0037768618768437
