Christian Philosophy of Education

Developing and maintaining a biblical worldview is an important step for Christians to take. As the world becomes a darker place to inhabit, it is evident that morality is no longer something that people strive for. Christians must shine the light of Christ on a lost world that has turned away from Him. The schoolhouse is no exception. As Christian educators, whether in a public, private, or Christian school, it is important that others are able to see and feel the love of God through our actions, motives, and temperaments.

Biblical Worldview

On the topic of a Christian worldview, Tackett (2006) states, A biblical worldview is based on the infallible Word of God. When you believe the Bible is entirely true, then you allow it to be the foundation of everything you say and do (p.1). Staring at the previous sentence, it might be quite daunting. As Christians, we should strive to portray good qualities and positive character traits, but having a biblical worldview is much more. We know as Christians, we are still sinners who make mistakes. Having a biblical worldview does not mean that one will not say or do the wrong thing sometimes. Having a biblical worldview means believing in God with our whole hearts, putting Him first, and allowing Him to guide our decisions. Having a biblical worldview also means showing others the love and light of Christ through our actions and speech.

Letting the scripture guide the choices and stances we take and make in life means consulting the Bible often. The Bible is chalked full of verses for Christians to ponder upon and apply to their daily lives. Romans 12:2 states, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Godr's will is”his good, pleasing and perfect will (NIV). On the topic of developing a Christian worldview, Pope (2000) states, Developing a worldview has a far greater impact than you might initially think. For if you have a biblical worldview you will know how to respond to issues in the world (p.1).

As a Christian, one must remember their Christian worldview when they respond to difficult situations. The fruits of the spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control-are character traits that Christians should strive to attain. The Bible also reminds Christians not to judge others. Matthew 7:3 is a wonderful verse discussing how detrimental it can be to only see the faults of others when we fail to examine ourselves first. All too many times, people are turned off by judgmental Christians who see others as less than. The scripture also instructs to forgive others even when it is difficult. Ephesians 4:32 says, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (NIV). Christians must allow Godr's word to shape their actions and allow others to see something different in them.

Christian Philosophy of Education

Bartlett (2007) believes that having a Christian philosophy of education is vital for Christians (p. 1). In a public, private, or Christian school, teachers are allowed to have whatever belief system they choose. How teachers are allowed to go about their beliefs in a school setting relies on which type of school a teacher instructs at. Teaching at a Christian school means that a Christian educatorr's belief system aligns with that of the school. An excerpt from Knight (2006) explains why many individuals send their children to Christian schools by stating, They are willing to live and die for these convictions, and they desire to create educational environments in which these most basic beliefs will be taught to their children (p. 19). The convictions that Knight is speaking of are metaphysical and axiological aspects of a personr's belief system (Knight, 2006). For Christians, God is the ultimate truth. He is the creator of the universe and we were put on this earth to serve Him. Acknowledging that we were all created in the image of God and spreading the love of Jesus are of value to the Christian (Knight, 2006).

When teaching at a public school, it can be harder for Christian educators to speak of their beliefs regarding God. This does not mean that a Christian educator cannot spread the love and light of Christ through actions, speech, and temperament in a public school. Proverbs 16:16 states, How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! (NIV). Scripture lets us know that education is important. What we hold in our minds can unlock things that money never can. Ethics and morality are elements of having a Christian philosophy of education. Knight (2006) describes how that God is at the center of Christian ethics (p. 186). Loving others as Christ loved us is another element of a Christian philosophy of education (Knight, 2006). Knight (2006) states, As God seeks out His lost sheep, as Jesus died for us while we were still His enemies, even so must we in unselfish love seek to relate to others (p. 187).

Implications for Educational Practice

In a Christian school, Christian educators are able to teach each subject from a biblical perspective. Students at Christian schools participate in Bible class and often are assigned coursework to be completed with a Christian worldview. For educators teaching in a public school, it can be more challenging to bring God into the classroom. This does not mean that Christian educators can simply throw their biblical worldview to the wind. Christian educators can still allow God to shine through actions, speech, and temperament in the public school.

Showing kindness and patience to students is one implication that Christian teachers can make. Embodying the fruits of the spirit and teaching those character traits to students is an excellent way to incorporate important attitudes into the curriculum. The fruits of the spirit are traits that every person should strive for-not simply Christians. Christian educators must always be aware that students are looking up to them as a role models. Christian educators must be God-honoring in their actions and speech in the classroom and interacting with students, faculty, and administrators. Knight (2006) states, It is imperative that Christians who teach in public schools consciously develop a perspective on what they can and cannot do in the classroom that honors God, meets the educational needs of their students, and stays within the bounds of governmental laws (p.274). Praying for God to open students minds and to have a productive learning day is another implication Christian educators can make in the public school.

Conclusion

Maintaining a biblical worldview is just as important for Christians in todayr's time as it has ever been. In a world where morals and ethics seem to have been lost, Christians must remain strong in their beliefs. For Christians, developing a worldview means trusting in God and allowing Him to guide in decision making. It is vital for Christians to strive to shine the love and light of Jesus Christ through them.

In the education system, Christian teachers can allow their biblical worldview to influence their behavior inside the classroom. Teachers are ultimately role models for students and should remember that students are always watching their actions and motives. It is important for Christian educators to remember that although it may be more challenging to incorporate their biblical worldview into a public school, they can still allow God to work through them.

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