Running head: BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW 1
Biblical Worldview
Hollie Partridge
L28001422
EDUC 741 - 391
Dr. Claxton
Biblical Worldview
A Biblical worldview is a lens through which to view the world through scripture. As a
Christian, the educational system exists as a single component within a complex system of
influences in a student’s academic career. As a teacher, our classroom is the only opportunity we
have to influence the life of a student positively. The ultimate goal of any Christian education is
to lead a student to Christ.
Biblical Worldview
Some attributes of God described in the Bible include all-powerful (Matthew 19:26,
Ephesians 3:20), all-knowing (Isaiah 46:9-10), self-sufficient (John 5:26), and infinite
(Colossians 1:17, Psalm 147:5). The Bible is clear in the creation of the world, stating that God
created the world in six full days (Genesis 2:2). Within those six days, God created livestock,
birds, beasts, and Adam. God saw the need for Adam to have a helper, thus creating Eve (Genesis
2:21). Satan, taking the form of a serpent, deceived Adam and Eve, causing them to sin against
God, thus the fall of man (Genesis 3).
Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, there existed a separation between them and
God that could not be corrected by their actions. Their disobedience provides Christians with the
first example of God’s provision of free will. God does not force obedience but instead wants
people to follow Him by choice (Luke 6:43-45). Through God’s redemptive love, He sacrificed
His Son, Jesus to pay the ultimate price for our sin so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16).
Jesus, born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-25), grew and developed into a man, and ministered to
people, teaching them the ways of God.
Jesus’ ministry provided the ultimate example of mercy and love toward all people. He
used his short time on earth to display his magnificent power by calming the storm, healing the
sick, causing the blind to see, raising the dead to life, casting out demons, and feeding multitudes
of people. Jesus characterized Himself as the obedient follower, being obedient even into death.
As a leader, Jesus encouraged His followers and continually building lasting relationships with
them.
Christian Philosophy of Education
According to Schultz (1998), the Bible explained that God granted Adam the ability to
learn and reason (Genesis 2:19-20). Within the Garden of Eden, Adam consulted God for
additional knowledge. The effects of Adam’s sin resulted in the need for people to be taught right
from wrong. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he
is old he will not depart from it.” Children must be taught in all areas, especially the involving
behavior and social interaction among various groups of people. Within educating the whole
child, regarding Christian principles, it is necessary to define the roles of the Bible, the teacher,
and the student.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training
in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Education alone does not make a child a better, moral person.
Education does, however, provide an opportunity to make connections and view the real-world
experiences of students through a Biblical lens. Education through the lens of a Biblical
perspective points to God as the source of ultimate, intellectual truth. The results of a God-
centered education consist of all children knowing Christ as their Lord and Savior. Children are
taught how to serve Christ in their daily walk (Schultz, 1998).
According to Romans 12:6-7, teaching is considered a gift. James warned teachers that
they would be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1). Teachers are to use their gift wisely in a
manner that is pleasing to the Lord. Initially, teachers influence others in the way they behave,
dress, and speak. With the ability to impact children either negatively or positively, Christian
teachers have the responsibility to point students to Christ. Students have the responsibility to
listen and be obedient to instruction to gain both worldly and Biblical wisdom. Once a Christian,
students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is pleasing to God as well as be an
acceptable representative of Christ, continually spreading the Gospel.
Implications for Educational Practice
Genesis 1:26-27 explains that man is made in the image of God. Therefore, each person
has a purpose and should be valued as God’s creation. Each student deserves to be taught by a
teacher that demonstrates spiritual leadership skills such as encouraging, praying, serving, and
working hard (Blackaby and Blackaby, 2011). Students also have the right to be taught
exceptional academic skills from highly trained instructors that demonstrate proficiency in
teaching a rigorous content using student-centered strategies in which students have the
opportunity to experience success.
As an Instructional Coach, my initial goal includes viewing each teacher through a
Biblical mindset, valuing each teacher as God’s creation. Next, I must utilize my role to ensure
that each teacher is supported within their classroom with sound instructional strategies that
increase student academic success. Through our growth mindset mentality (Dweck, 2008), each
teacher will be able to improve in confidence and transform into a greater leader of her
classroom. One of my most significant roles is to listen for opportunities to initiate change
attitudes, beliefs, and mindsets. Listening without judgment provides the necessary time for
verbalized reflection. Lastly, as a Christian, I am able to lift my teachers up in prayer continually.
Participating in powerful coaching conversations has the potential to transform attitudes and
teaching practices (Cheliotes and Reilly, 2010). Although in the public-school setting, I am able
to share Christ through my actions of continual encouragement and through efforts of a servant
leader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, students deserve the opportunity to be taught in an environment that points
toward Christ either through the words and actions of a teacher or administrator or through the
clearly communicated curriculum. Just as a teacher must have a growth mindset when teaching
students, I must have an open-mindset when working with adult learners. Ultimately, my most
important role is to demonstrate the love of Christ in all of my interactions.
References
Blackaby, H. T., & Blackaby, R. (2011). Spiritual leadership: Moving people on to God's
agenda. B&H Publishing Group.
Cheliotes, L. G., & Reilly, M. F. (2010). Coaching conversations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin
Press.
Dweck, C. S. (2008). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House Digital, Inc.
Schultz, G. (1998). Kingdom education: God's plan for educating future generations. LifeWay
Press.
