Biblical and Christian Perception of Education Essay Example

Introduction

Every entity is subject to different points of view depending on the people involved, geographical locations, culture, among other varying aspects. In education, there are different views in which one can use to study the effects of what one is taught in school and how society relates to these teachings. These views not only bank on the way Christian perceive education, but also the Biblical worldview of the various principles taught and practiced in learning institutions. In this essay, the Biblical worldview and Christian philosophy on education are discussed while looking into the implications of these views in educational practices.

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The Biblical Worldview of Education

The Biblical worldview of education defines the teachings in learning institutions by passing them through the lens of the word of God. In this view, the Bible relays the message that knowledge is more precious than having material possessions. The Bible declares that getting wisdom and insight is better than getting gold and silver (Proverbs 16:16, New International Version). Therefore, as much as getting a College degree puts one on the path to financial stability, education should be used to steer one towards having enhanced minds to open doors to different people and ways of thinking (Williams, 2012). The Bible also encourages the practice of studying to prove oneself. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the scripture points out the need to show that we understand the truth of the word of God to be in a position to cancel out false teachings and philosophies. The same applies to education where mastery of a given subject, through studying, enables one to identify and report on wrong information being shared on the subject. Finally, it is important to put God first in all our endeavors, including education. This is the teaching from Matthew 6:33. The teaching serves as a reminder that the importance of education can never supersede the power of God as He can provide for His followers, without regard to the level of education one possesses.

The Christian Philosophy of Education

The Christian philosophy of education applies teachings to students with the aim of helping them live out the truth that is passed through the Christian faith (Capps, 2013). In the Christian philosophy of education, man acknowledges God as his creator. The creation is through the word of God, and no evolutionary process is mentioned (Genesis 1:26-27). Moreover, sin made the image of God that was seen in man to be destroyed. In this accord, every human being born is already marred by sin that traces back to the first parents, Adam and Eve (Psalms 51:5). However, God provided for the restoration of those who love and exalt his name by sacrificing His son, Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that any man who finds solemn in Jesus Christ is indeed a new creature whose past is no longer relevant. The Christian philosophy of education is passed onto the students to instill some values required of the Christian living (Mississippi College, 2018). These values include integrity (Psalms 15:1-2), respect for authority (Hebrews 13:17), excellence (Colossians 3:23) and love and care (John 13:34-35), among others. These values help the students to experience a practical living by guiding them through making wise decisions while in or out of school, as explained by Charles Walker of Mississippi College.

Implications for Educational Practices

There are many implications on education based on the Biblical worldview of education. For instance, the Biblical implications of all knowledge and wisdom coming only from the mouth of God (Proverbs 1:7), limits how students search and acquire information. Additionally, Proverbs 15:14 encourages believers to seek knowledge and not to feed on folly. This makes believers have a better understanding of the word of God and live according to His teachings. It also encourages students to fully understand what they are taught in school as it guides them on how to live amongst the people while within the school or out in the world. Education should also stress on training the children according to what is required of God. This is seen in Proverbs 22:6. This verse implies that teachers should be thorough in their duties as they are mainly at the head of steering the students towards making their own life choices when they become adults. In this light, a poorly educated child becomes a nuisance to society when he or she grows up. The Bible also touches on the power of discerning what is right and what is evil before the eyes of God after reading and understanding His teachings (Romans 12:2). In education, the scripture can be used to imply that one can identify problems and their corresponding solutions if they get to understand what they are taught in school fully. Education provides the base in which one uses to support their existence and choices in life.

The Christian philosophy on education has several implications on education too. In his book, (Horton, 2017) defines the purpose of Christian education as using the process of human development towards fulfilling God's objectives. This is supported by 2 Timothy 3:17 that seeks the perfection of human beings through good deeds. Education is deemed as the key to this spiritual rebirth that is taught in Christian education since it gives the students the ability to fully understand God's teachings fully (Horton, 2017). Parents are also paramount in providing education to their children, as education begins at home (Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 22:6). This is especially since the home forms the first school for the children where they learn to talk, walk and relate with other people. There is also an award to those who go ahead to seek knowledge rather than wealth (Matthew 5:8). This goes further to warn students against relying on the wealth of their parents for their future benefit while ignoring the teachings given in school. Moreover, truancy is condemned as it acts as a restriction to the acquisition of knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, education is the key to life. While the world would want to exhibit those who never acquired education as successful, it is essential to know that school is not only meant for those after accumulating wealth in future but also those seeking the light of God. This is the light that guides us through the dark tunnels of the worldly pleasures and misgivings. Both the Biblical worldview and the Christian approach to education bear this agenda. It is only wise for students to have knowledge rather than wealth.

References

Capps, M. (2013). The Importance of a Christian Worldview. Retrieved from Gospel Project: Https://www.gospelproject.com/the-importance-of-a-christian-worldview/

Horton, R. (2017). Handbook of Christian Education. BJU Press.

Mississippi College. (2018). What is the Christian Philosophy of Education? Retrieved from https://www.online.mc.edu/articles/education/christian-philosophy-of-eduaction.aspx

Williams, J. (2012). What the Bible Says About Education. Retrieved from https://www.collegexpress.com/interests/christian/blog/what-bible-says-about-education/