Benchmark - EDUC504: Educational Philosophies and Theories

Biblical World View

Missy J. Smith

Department of Education: Liberty University

EDUC504: Educational Philosophies and Theories

Dr. Michael Schlabra

February 6, 2022

Author Note

Missy J. Smith

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Missy J. Smith

Email: mjsmith46@liberty.edu

Biblical Worldview

The world as it is known today has a wealth of opinions, religions and philosophies. All have claims that may or may not be true. Given the abundant availability of social media, it is easy to allow things that sound good, but may not be ordained by scripture to sneak into thoughts of how one should live. Scripture from Ephesians 4:7 - 14 in the Bible provides guidance, “7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” It is in the believer’s best interest to know without a shadow of a doubt what is believed, to prevent from being “carried about by every wind of doctrine.” In addition, teachers need to have this worldview in place along with a Christian philosophy of education in order to rightly serve the students that have been trusted to their care. Without a Biblical worldview and a Christian philosophy of education, an educator will certainly lose their way.

What is a Biblical Worldview?

A Biblical worldview is the filter that changes how one sees the world. Anything a believer sees, reads, or hears should constantly be flowing through that filter in order to rightly 3 and readily pursue what God has called each believer to do. Scripture can and must be applied to every situation. It frames one’s thoughts and serves as a foundation for any relationship that a believer has. Without it, there is a struggle to consistently provide wisdom that desperately needs to come from God. 1 Corinthians 2:12, emphasizes, “And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting to those who are spiritual.”

This is true for outreach and missions in daily life as well. Living out the gospel, through earnest devotion to scripture, and honesty about failings and being vulnerable in how one lives – e.g., showing dependence on God - is amazingly freeing. Remembering that it is God that saves through his people, and not his people that do the saving, keeps the body of believers from becoming self-righteous. Christians can become didactic in the desire to correct and redirect those that are seen as not living up to the precepts set out in scripture. It becomes a detriment instead of a draw to those who are seeking God. “…Spirituality is not about perfection; it is about connection. The way of the spiritual life begins where we are now in the mess of our lives” (Messy Spirituality, pg.21 2015). This is how to live out one’s Biblical worldview – in the mess that is amazingly and lovingly lived out through the tender mercies of the heavenly Father, who knows his children and loves them in spite of them. That is not to say it is prudent to just live however one wants, trusting in the mercy of God to excuse any unseemly behavior. The gospel is lived out by depending on it and bathing in it daily to be prepared to live before others with the wisdom only God can give and in the vulnerability of knowing that the children of God are not perfect, but are being sanctified daily by his death and resurrection.

Christian Philosophy of Education

In researching Christian philosophy of education there has to be an acknowledgment of the difference in the philosophy of Christian education verses the Christian philosophy of education. One is useful in limited places, whereas the other can be used wherever there is an 4 educator imparting knowledge to a student. Which is why there is a need for a teacher to know what he or she believes when it comes to a philosophy of education. There is tremendous opportunity in public education for a teacher to be able to share the gospel. It may not be as blatant as in a Christian school, but guidance and teaching Christian precepts is absolutely possible. Gutek states, “Blending theory and practice, teaching has both a reflective and an active dimension. It has effects that transcend the classroom’s immediate instructional episodes. The way in which teachers relate to their students depends on their conception of human nature” (2015, p. 5). This is where the Christian worldview meets the philosophy of education.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks and gives the answer – “What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy him forever” (2010). This metaphysical premise answers the question of meaning and purpose. This can be done in everything. The purpose of man is to glorify God. The meaning in life is enjoying God forever while fulfilling the purpose of glorifying him. What a glorious existence we have been granted when we see the glory of God’s artistry in the very nature he created. How easy he has made it for his children to glorify him when considering the sacrifice he made by giving his Son to save those who would believe from an eternity of separation from him. It is beyond words! When one applies the wonders of mathematics, the scientific minds that reveal the unfathomable vastness of the universe and the amazing ability to use the written word, how can it not be taught without expressing how very, very great the creator of all is. His creation is made in his image and has been given the ability to create and to impart knowledge. It is difficult to express the gratitude that should overflow from God’s children. Certainly, this satisfies the axiological means in the Christian philosophy of education.

Implications in Educational Practice

Now the one who teaches can apply the Biblical worldview and the Christian philosophy of education to the calling of education. There is nothing too small or too big to apply those all encompassing conclusions to. How one serves the student, sacrifices time and effort to see that student succeed, finds new ways to make connections and clarifies theories can all be physical representations of both the Biblical worldview as well as the Christian philosophy of education. Sharing ones loves, such as church on Sunday, or something learned in reading the Bible can be related in such a way as to enable further conversations. There are so many segues into discussing what a scientist thought, what a writer meant – moments to plant the wonder of a great God into those around you be it student or teacher. The humanistic curriculum is no match for the Holy Spirit and it is quite possible to turn something meant to disprove to softening a heart and readying it to hear the calling of God. So in this, an educator should always be ready to impart truth to those he or she teaches.

Conclusion

A teacher’s greatest asset is being prepared. Many a teacher has found that on the days that a lesson has been less than well thought out, that it felt as the mark had been missed. It is a distressing feeling of failure and time wasted. Conversely, the well planned and thoughtful details of engaging students is a joyful and satisfying accomplishment. The framework of the Christian educator must be a Biblical worldview that allows the Christian philosophy of education to support whatever curriculum is being taught. They then can readily use those premises to plant seeds that will grow and find purchase through the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Without having that Biblical worldview and Christian philosophy of education in place, the educator will be unprepared and will know frustration and dissatisfaction in their calling. Through preparation and being filled with the wisdom of God’s word, teachers will be able to 6 focus on each student, seeing them through the eyes of God and will know accomplishment that lasts an eternity.

References

Gutek, G. (2013). Philosophical, Ideological, and Theoretical Perspectives on Education (2nd

ed., Vol. 1). Pearson.

Yaconelli, M., & Yaconelli, K. (2015). Messy Spirituality: God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect

People (Reprint ed.). Zondervan.

Keller, T. (2008). The reason for God. Belief in an age of skepticism. New York, NY: Riverhead

Books.