Running head: BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
1
Biblical Worldview
Stacy R. Taylor
Liberty University
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
2
Introduction
A biblical worldview affects the manner in which an individual interacts with the world;
it also includes one’s purpose of existence. For the Christian, it is the origination of creation, and
the resolute relationship with the Creator (Tackett, 2016.) The Christian educator must learn and
follow the instructions left in the Bible. A pattern to follow in found in Micah 6:8, act with
justice, develop relationships with genuine Godly love and model the precepts of Christ (ESV).
Education is the perfect sphere of influence to demonstrate the work and love of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the flawless example of social activist and teacher; as well as; the planned embodiment
of how to relate with the heavenly Father.
Biblical Worldview
Christ followers are commanded to live within a higher ethical code. “But as he who
called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for
I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15-16, English Standard Version). A biblical worldview encompasses
three foundational truths: the establishment of creation and its purpose, the impact of the fall, and
the redemption process (Graham, 2009, p. 21). God spoke all the universe into being; designed
with a purpose. The relationships of the elements were established to bring divine glory to Him.
(Graham, 2009, p.21, 22). As result of “human munity”, creation is now “polluted”; the elements
are distorted from its original design. Too often, humanity is seeking a God-like figure instead of
the Creator Himself (Graham, 2009, p.26, 29). The solution is God’s redemptive plan through
Jesus who is the Christ. The Word of God and His Spirit enables reconciliation to the rightful
purpose of creation (Graham, 2009, p. 30). Once a person learns how the Creator designed a
redemptive plan for relationship, he is compelled to respond. The developing relationship will
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
3
evolve into worship. The outcome of worship is the opportunity of ministry. Here is where the
disciple of Christ will find his purpose and ministry.
Christian Philosophy of Education
Christian philosophy of education must parallel the Christian philosophy of living. The
way of thinking must encompass three aspects – reflecting God’s character, worshipping God,
and relating to God (Graham, 2009). Viewing education through lenses of those aspect, a teacher
must embody the same. The duty of a Christian educator is to model a Christ-like example.
Through education, one should have a better understand of God, His purposes, and His plans
(Swezey, 2016). It is not that teachers are evangelizing and indoctrinating students. Teachers are
to instruction in such a way that students see glimpses of God’s character while learning. New
knowledge would then direct students to ponder the source, the Creator. In doing so, a spirit of
worship would develop. Lastly, students in the quest to comprehend would seek relationship with
God. Christian philosophy of education is to instruct students in such a way that students long to
know and understand God; ultimately resolving into a personal relationship with God. Educators
have a two-fold ministry. First, teachers are to surrender their all God and His purposes.
Secondly, educators are contracted to instruct students as the state and local governess direct. In
doing so, teachers will become spirit-led social activist who educates.
Implications of Educational Practice
“Relationship is at the heart of our existence. We are meant to live in fellowship with God
and others, sharing meaningful experiences” (Graham, 2009, p. 90). Educators, who align
themselves with Christ, are commanded to be holy and model educational practices that will lead
students to a deeper understand of God’s love. Education is a relational force that will compel
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
4
students to shift their way of thinking, behaving, and eventually learning. Dr. Black, in The Role
of the Teacher, compared the way Jesus walked and talked with the disciples to teachers who
invest in students’ extracurricular activities (Black, 2012). Relationship building begins at the
first open house and continues through the conclusion of the course. Teachers have the
commission of developing relationships with students that have the potential to shape them for a
lifetime. Connecting with parents with positive calls, providing feedback on a completed
assignment, and challenging students to mastery are all examples of intentional communication.
This communication must be authentic and relevant to need of the students. Modeling healthy
relationships with intentional communication is foundational step of a Christian educator.
Social sciences consist of the survey of multiple disciplines: history, anthropology,
economics, philosophy, sociology, etc. The Bible is the source all these subjects and more. As a
history teacher, the Bible is the primary source that has threads throughout all of history. Ancient
civilizations always reflect the original source. Hammurabi’s Code was the Israel’s Ten
Commandments embedded within it. The Great Flood is a marker among several ancient nations.
When teaching the colonization era, most teachers begin with the three Gs: God, Gold, and
Glory. The Great Commission is the foundation of kingdoms seeking more resources.
The establishment of United States begin with landing on Plymouth rock. Puritans and
Separatists is taught in all levels of schooling. Students are taught of the religious persecution of
the pilgrim; and their subsequent pilgrimage to the New World. Modern U.S. History icons
utilizes excerpts from the Bible in their speechless. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. built the Civil
Rights Movement from the center of the African American church. His speeches delivered from
pulpits were laced with scriptures to reinforce the rationale of the Civil Rights movement. Dr.
King’s sermon’s Love Your Enemies, he expounds on a basic principle of Christ while
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
5
synthesizing into activism and social justice (King, 1957). Dr. King is an excellent example how
Biblical truths effect current events. Students can outline the Civil Rights process throughout
U.S. History highlighting how the American churches influenced its outcome.
A biblical worldview has definite implications on education. Modeling relationship
building, and practical use of Bible text should be common in lesson development. Educators
must be purposeful in all aspects of instruction. Intentional instruction will include scriptural
texts as it relates to the content. Christ-led teachers must follow the illustration of the compassion
Christ embodied.
Conclusion
The Creator commissions a Christian educator to develop disciples as he travels the
journey designed for him. Motivated by justice and structure relationships with agape love while
modeling the precepts of Christ are guidelines teachers who have a biblical worldview must
respect (Micah 6:8, ESV). This begins with recognizing the need for a Savior. Experiencing the
redemptive love of God will compel one to form a relationship. A spirit of worship will develop;
the reflection of Christ in society will be the rationale. The relationship will reveal the need for
Christ’s love and compassion in the world; ministry for the “least of these” will be groomed.
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW
6
References
Black, E. (2012). The role of the teacher [Video file]. Retrieved November 1, 2017, from
https://download.liberty.edu/courses/clzbu.mp4
Graham, D. (2009) Teaching redemptively (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design
Publications.
King, M. L., Jr. (1957, November 17). Love Your Enemies. Retrieved November 5, 2017, from
http://kingencyclopedia.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_loving_your_ene
mies.1.html
Tackett, D. (2006). What's a Christian Worldview?. Retrieved November 1, 2017, from
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian-worldview/whats-a-christian-
worldview/whats-a-worldview-anyway
The Holy Bible ESV: English Standard Version: containing the Old and New Testaments. (2007).
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
Swezey, J. (2016) Christianity and Education. [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://download.liberty.edu/courses/vqzm9.mp4
