Biblical Worldview and the Subject ACSI Professional Development Forum, 2016
Ryan Dixon Evangelical Christian School: Memphis, Tennessee 11th grade American Literature, Modern Philosophy, Creative Writing Faculty sponsor: The Servant Leadership Institute Cross country coach Abby, Ezra (5) and Nora (3)
Key Questions and Objectives: How do we integrate Biblical worldview in our subjects? How are we influenced by secular ideas in our classrooms? What strategies can we use to help our students recognize that all things are under the lordship of Christ? Objectives--Teachers will: Recognize the influence of secularism in our approach to our subjects. Analyze the importance of Christian educators. Discuss Christ s work of restoration as it relates to our calling as educators. Apply collaborative strategies to design cooperative learning assignments.
With 2 or 3 other people: Discuss why you chose the subject you teach. What drew you to the subject?
What is a Biblical Worldview Metanarrative--the overarching story of Creation, Fall, and Redemption Creation--How things ought be? Laws of nature and norms. -Albert Wolters, Creation Regained Fall--What went wrong? Structure and direction (Wolters) Redemption--How can it be made right? Redemption: means literally to buy back, returning something to the original owner, or restoring it to its original state. (Graham, Teaching Redemptively)
The Importance of Christian Educators Christian dipped lessons vs. education from a Christian worldview Worldview: the comprehensive framework of one s basic beliefs about things (Albert M. Wolters, from Creation Regained) The world view of the teacher, in so far as he is effective, gradually conditions the world view of the pupil. [...] In one way or another, every teacher expresses the convictions he lives by, whether they be spiritually positive or negative (Frank E. Gaebelein, from The Pattern of God s Truth).
The Importance of Christian Educators Rooted and grounded --to most minds the phrase suggests the status quo, whereas the Christian who is actually rooted and grounded is growing in the truth. Such a basis for living means much more than doctrinal correctness; it implies increasing knowledge of divine truth, a desire to communicate it to others, and practicing it in daily life (Frank E. Gaebelein, from The Pattern of God s Truth).
Integration and the Subject For His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made (Romans 1:20). Creation was the work of a mighty mind. The intricacy and diversity of creation could only have been developed with an infinite mind, capable of making every diverse dimension of the creation fit and work with every other dimension. (Donovon Graham, Teaching Redemptively).
Integration and the Subject He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross (emphasis added). (Colossians 1:15-20)
Church Family Politics Albert M. Wolters, Creation Regained Business Art Education Journalism Thought Emotion Plants and Animals Inanimate Matter
Church Kingdom of God (sacred) Albert M. Wolters, Creation Regained Family Politics Business Art Education Journalism Thought Emotion Plants and Animals Inanimate Matter The world (secular)
Church Family Politics Business Albert Wolters Creation Regained Kingdom Of God (sacred) Art Education Journalism The world (secular) Thought Emotion Plants and Animals Inanimate matter
Redemption Chu rch Fa mily Polit ics Bus iness A rt Ed ucation Journ alism Th ought E motion Plants a The end then of learning is to repair the nd ruins Animals of our first parents by regaining to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, M to imitate him, to be like him.... -John attermilton
The beginning and end of education: The beginning of true education is wonder. Creation Fall Redemption Structure vs. Direction (Wolters) Ultimately, the end of education is worship. Not just our minds (our thinking) but our affections (our loves).
Science Art Literature History Math Theology Philosophy Economics
Wholeness and the Christian School Wholeness or unity is another important biblical theme for us to acknowledge. School curriculum, learning activities all educational pursuits should be characterized by, and should lead to, a sense and experience of wholeness. Fractured, piecemeal knowledge and experience would be anti-normative. (Donovan Graham, Teaching Redemptively)
Philosophy Math Science Economics Theology Arts Literature History Athletics
Teaching across the curriculum Collaboration Team teaching School-wide initiatives
With 1 or 2 teachers from the same discipline: Share with each other a unique approach that you have taken to integrate Biblical truth in your subject. Focus on a particular lesson, unit, assignment, etc.