Introduction
Everyone has a worldview, a way in which people view the world and all of their experiences and how they “see” the world. One’s own philosophy on life determines how one views the world. A person’s worldview can include their values; how they handle things ethically; their emotions; and their overall point of view of life. A person’s point of view of life helps shapes their opinions and decisions. A person’s worldview shows how they think about and view the world. This view can be changed or altered and people continue throughout their life’s journey. A worldview is the assumed model of reality through which society understands and interprets the world. One’s worldview is a reflection of their life’s experiences, challenges, triumphs, religious or spiritual background, and access to information. Christians are known to have what is called a Biblical worldview. In the Biblical worldview, people feel the purpose of their existence is to serve God by bringing his light and love into this world.
Biblical Worldview
Every worldview, including the Biblical worldview, is expressed through a foundational story, a set of symbols, practices, and beliefs. A Biblical worldview offers a great explanation of the world and a comprehensive vision of life by reminding us of what God has done in the world. We can ask ourselves the following questions, when we have trials and challenges. What God is doing? What God will do? It also helps us to locate the joys and struggles of our personal story within the greater Christian community, therefore, giving it a meaning and purpose in terms of Christ and his mission. (McCormack, 2008) According to Ethan Pope, the author of the article Developing A Biblical Worldview, “A Biblical worldview cannot be based upon any human system of beliefs and values”(Pope, 2000).
The basis of a biblical worldview is God, while the basis of an atheistic worldview is nature and man. Those who have a biblical worldview acknowledge God, believes that God created the universe, believes that God created man. Those with a Biblical worldview also believe that God has given us a moral code of ethics and that sin is man’s greatest problem. Furthermore, those with a Biblical worldview believe man’s greatest problems can be solved through spiritually. While those who do not have a Biblical worldview believe in nature, science, and that naturalistic causes brought our world into existence. Those who do not have a Biblical worldview also believe that man came into existence through millions of years of evolution and that men are to establish their own code of ethics. They also believe that we are all born good but due to negative influences, people have become bad. Lastly, they feel that man’s problems are solved through government intervention, more education, technological developments or a variety of other ways. (Pope, 2000).
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Christian Philosophy of Education
The Christian philosophy of education encompasses every aspect of a student’s experience, from kindergarten through postgraduate degree programs. Learning and understanding through the lens of the Bible at a Christian school gives students of all ages the opportunity to stay true to their spiritual values while receiving a high-quality education in preparation for the future. However, all students may not have access to a Christian school for a variety of reasons, including location, tuition affordability, or lack of information. To another point, not all Christian educators will work in Christian schools. It then becomes the responsibility of the Christian educators in Public school arenas to bring a Biblical worldview and Christian education philosophy to their classroom. The focus is quite different in training a Christian School versus in a Public School setting. (Knight, 2006). The training of a public school teacher emphasizes pedagogy rather than subject knowledge. Christian education is teaching about God’s creation and His word. God has given man the ability to gain knowledge through empirical observation, critical reason, intuitive insight, and scientific observation. When these truths, however they are gained, are brought into the light of God’s special revelation, the Bible, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to see that all truth points to and brings glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. This may not be an easy feat while working in the public education arena, with the separation of church and state, but it is still up to Christian educator to ensure they God’s light shines through all they do. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” Matthew 5:16, New International Version (NIV).
References
Knight, G.R. (2006). Philosophy & education: An introduction in Christian perspective. Barrien
Springs, MI: Andrew University Press.
McCormack, E. (2008). The Power and Meaning of the Christian Worldview. New Theology
Review,39-47. Retrieved April 23, 2019, from http://newtheologyreview.org/index.php/ntr/article/view/551/733
Pope, E. (n.d.). Developing a biblical worldview. Foundations For Living. Retrieved April 23,
2019, from http://www.foundationsforliving.org/articles/foundation/worldview1.html
