Introduction
How a person lives, acts, reacts, and views the world is considered to be their worldview. Every person has their own lenses they see the world through and as Christians, we live by seeing the world through biblical lenses. I personally choose to view the world with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness as God has done for me (Colossians 3:12-17, ESV). Just as eyesight can change with age, a worldview lens can change as different life experiences happen. A biblical worldview can and should be carried into the workplace, including those who teach in public schools.
Biblical Worldview
A biblical worldview comes from trusting that the Bible is fact and living a life solely based on the word of God (Tackett, 2006). Any person who has ever set foot in a church knows that nobody on Earth is perfect, therefore nobody can live according to the Bible 100% of the time. Ethan Pope (2000) says people have one of two worldview: a religious one centered around God and a secular/atheistic one centered around nature and man. People either operate by trying to love and serve others or themselves. Worldviews can change or become distorted over time, either through personal life experiences or the influence of a secular society. A major issue for Christians are the daily temptations we face that pull us away from God (Tackett, 2006). The society of today’s world idolizes freedoms that cross the line of good and sin. This is why having this sacred/secular divide is so dangerous to our beings. It calls for questioning and doubt of God.
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A great example of the difference in living morally and living for Christ is the sermon Jesus gave on the Mount. The 10 Commandments outside of the Bible are merely a moral code. Any person can follow a majority of the commandments and have no religious affiliation. That is why Jesus told the people “You have heard it said,” then proceeds to raise the bar. He is separating those who follow the laws and those who follow God. Jesus says that if you are angry with someone that you have committed murder in your heart (Matt. 5: 22, ESV). He has called Christians to a higher standard compared to those who are of the world. Jesus later tells his disciples the two greatest commandments are to love God first and above any other, and to love their neighbor as themself (Mark 12:30-31, ESV). Christians today are called to love our neighbors, Christians and non-Christians alike. The Bible is our playbook on how to live a life of love and service with Jesus being the prime and only example of how to be in the world but not of the world.
Christian Philosophy in Education
According to Knight (2008), the metaphysics of Christian philosophy is the educational foundation and framework for studies. This is created through reality as viewed by Christians. Unsurprisingly, the Bible is the most important source for someone to gain knowledge. The Bible was not created to prove itself, but rather to spread the gospel. Christianity is a complete belief that the Bible is truth, entirely. The Bible guides us on how to discern between good and evil, what principles are important, and how to solve problems. However, Knight (2008) reminds us that the Bible is not a “divine encyclopedia.” There are many questions the Bible does not answer explicitly.
The goal, so to say, of Christianity is to become closer and closer to being Christ-like. Likewise, in Christian education the students are learning about God and how to live a life according to His word. Teachers are called to be shepherds of their students, helping the lost (Knight, 2008). Part of helping the lost through teaching is also a piece of God’s restoration plan to bring all His children back into relationship with Him. Teachers are responsible for shaping the Christian mind and teaching students what is important and valuable in their education. The Bible does not lay out subjects of specific curricula that teachers should focus on. Answers will vary as to what knowledge is of most worth, but most Christian-centered schools will focus biblical scriptures and teaching.
Implications for Educational Practice
So what does a biblical worldview in the classroom look like? Teachers who work in privatized Christian schools are free to talk about their religion as fact and do not have to worry about keeping a separation of church and state. However, teachers in public schools have more restrictions regarding religion. Christians are faced with this sacred/secular divide where God has to stay in his own box and is not welcomed into non-church settings like work and issues in society (Kim, McCalman, & Fisher, 2011). Teachers are able to keep their biblical lenses on at work without having to conform to society. As stated earlier, living life with biblical lenses looks like loving those around you and serving them, as Christ would.
In the classroom, teachers are able to reflect Christ by loving their students. This can be done through compassion, generosity, grace, forgiveness, and kindness. Those who work in public schools are not forbidden to act like Jesus, regardless if their curriculum allows them to mention Him. We are called to be imitators of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1, ESV), so that when people see us they see Christ who dwells within us. Building relationships is a key pillar of Christianity and this includes creating relationships with the youth. From these relationships, teachers will be better able to serve their students. Knowing that a student may be watching his parents go through a divorce will allow the teacher to understand if a student may not have an assignment done on time. The teacher also has an opportunity to extend grace towards that student in a hard time of his life. The teacher could have ignored the student’s change in behavior and attitude while giving him a zero for the missing assignment. Instead, the teacher and the student had a relationship that allowed for him to share there was trouble at home and is clearly affecting him.
As an aspiring special education teacher, I can bring my biblical worldview into my classroom by being slow to anger (James 1:19, ESV). The students who will be in my classroom will have emotional and behavior disturbances that cause them to act in certain ways. By having patience with them and not reacting in anger, I can be a reflection of Christ in their life.
Conclusion
In summary, everyone has their own view of the world. These views are how a person sees the world, interprets personal experiences, and provides the rational for how they act and react. As a Christian, our worldview centers around God, just like our lives should. I personally try to view the world through God’s eyes: with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. Bringing this into the classroom reflects how Jesus served those he ministered to. I am called to love God and love my neighbors. The ultimate act of love is service and I can serve my students through giving them my best and treating them with patiences, kindness, and understanding.
References
- Kim, D., McCalman, D., & Fisher, D. (2011). The sacred/secular divide and the Christian worldview. J Bus Ethics 109, 203-208. doi: 10.1007/s10551-011-1119-z
- Knight, G. M. (2008). Educational philosophy: An Introduction in Christian perspective (4th ed.). Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press.
- Pope, E. (2000) Developing a biblical worldview. Retrieved from http:// www.foundationsforliving.org/articles/foundation/worldview1.html
- Tackett, D. (2006). What’s a Christian worldview? Retrieved from https:// www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian-worldview/whats-a-christian-worldview/ whats-a-worldview-anyway
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