Teaching with a Biblical Worldview

What is a Biblical Worldview?

ObjectivesIdentify the basic components of other world-views and contrast with biblical worldview.Review curriculum resources related to developing a biblical worldview.Review curriculum resources related to integrating a biblical worldview into the academic subjects.Determine specific professional goals for implementing biblical worldview into the learning center instruction and services.

Worldview DefinitionsThings we focus on that determine how we interpret lifeA vision for and of life (values, significance, guidance)A person’s mental concept of the “big picture of reality” as shaped by one’s assumptions about God, creation, mankind, moral order, purpose

Where does a worldview come from?

O u r exp erien ces(cu ltu re , fam ily, p eers )

A u th orita tive Texts S e lf-in te res tS e lf-ju s tifica tion

S ou rceso f

W orld view

Questions that Frame a Worldview

What is real?What is the universe like?What is humanity?What is of value?What is good?What is beauty?What is true?What is our purpose?

Greek vs HebrewLife is sacred & secularMother Earth / Nature as god “Man is the measure of all things”

“Know thyself”Manual labor is vulgar

Education is for knowledge

Life is sacredGod is creator and is separate from creationTruth is determined by God; God’s Word is the measure of all things“Know God”Trades are honored; all rabbis learned a tradeEducation is for wisdom and character-building

Radical Cosmological Dualism

Basic WorldviewsCyclical view of history: it repeats itself. History is something to escape not change (Hinduism)Linear/non-progressive: world will always be the sameLinear/progressive/secular: the world is evolving and improving by natural selection and human effortLinear/progressive/biblical: God is working in history to restore his original purposes

Basic Worldviews

A th e ism : N o G odE veryth in g is

ran d om c h an ce ;life h as n o m ean in g

M on oth e ism : O n e G odG od = C rea to r & S overe ig n

M an h as free w illG od rew ard s th ose th a t seek H im

P an th e ism : G od is in a llM an an d c rea tion is

evo lvin g in to h ig h leve lso f b e in g

W orld view sre la tin g to G od

an d p u rp ose

World Religions and Worldviews

Atheism Monotheism

Pantheism

Evolution Humanism

IslamJudaism

Christianity

HinduismBuddhismNew Age

The Heart of a Christian Worldview

CreationGen 1-2

The FallGen 3-Rev

20

RedemptionGen 3- Rev 20

Reconciliation Rev 21-22

The foundation of a biblical worldview

The Fall of man is real

The world is transformed by

redemption

We are awaiting this

The world as God

intended

Serious consequenc

esof sin

What God has done / is doing to make things

right

God will bring the restoration

of all things

Biblical vs Nonbiblical Worldview

Creation= order, purpose, image of God/value of lifeThe Fall = God’s image in man is marred, he needs a redeemerRedemption = God’s revelation of himself in Christ/scripturesReconciliation is coming from God

Evolution = random chance, survival of the fittestMan is basically good and can earn eternity by acts of goodnessThere are many sources of truth; truth is evolvingMankind is becoming better and better

Influence of Biblical Worldview on Western Society

Representative govtAppeals courtProtection of propertyEducationWealth can be created/earnedCare for the poor

King is under the law; all are equalRequirement of a witness and evidence in courtLaws of warfarePublic healthRespect for the poor

Christian Worldview vs. Modern and Postmodern

Christian Modern Postmodern

Truth Revelation Reason No truth

Biggest Sin

Independence from God Ignorance Intolerance

EthicsMoral

authorityIndividual

choiceGeneral

acceptance

Biblical Worldview Resources

CreationGen 1-2Creation Research InstituteDr. Paul Brand: videos, Fearfully and Wonderfully MadePhilip Johnson: Defeating Darwinism by Opening Minds, Darwin on TrialOf Pandas and People, The Lie

Biblical Worldview Resources

The FallThe 7 Habits of Highly Suppressive People video by Bill Jack (WVA)Genesis 3 through Revelation 20Human history, newspaper to observe how God is replaced by other things and the break down of relationships, order, beauty

Biblical Worldview Resources

RedemptionGen 3 - Rev 20, Bible studyPaul Little: Know Why You Believe, Know What You BelieveJosh McDowell: More Than a Carpenter, Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Biblical Worldview Resources

Reconciliation Rev 21-22

Ministry of ReconciliationTransformations videoChristmas Project video

Teaching with a Biblical Worldview

Integrating a Biblical Worldview into the Academics

Integrating a Biblical Worldview into History/Social Studies

Diana Waring’s materialsAmerica’s Godly HeritageGod and GovernmentThe Light and the Glory, From Sea to Shining Sea, Sound Forth the TrumpetUnderstanding the TimesBiographies of ChristiansCitizenship responsibilities

Integrating a Biblical Worldview into English

Literature: beauty/truth, discerning the author’s worldviews

(Christianity and Literature, The Deadliest Monster – Jeff Baldwin) Communication / Logos: writing and speaking with excellence, beauty, truth

(Understanding Writing)

Integrating a Biblical Worldview into Math/Science

Biographies of Christian mathematians and scientistsDr. Brand videos, booksCreation Research Institute resourcesConstant discovery of design and order in the universe

Integrating a Biblical Worldview into the Fine Arts

The study of and the creation of beauty and/or truthGift of Music by Betty CarlsonCornerstone curriculum/artHow Shall We Then Live? (also includes philosophy, science, history)

Integrating a Biblical Worldview into Occupational Education/Other

Total Health / PE, stewardship of own body (eating, exercise, self-care)Ministry/mission statement (7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens)Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferLarry Burkette’s resources on finances and career choice (Career Pathways)