Biblical Worldview

A worldview is a framework of attitudes and beliefs through which we interpret the world. Both philosophers and psychologists agree that all human beings have worldviews. Everyone has a worldview because in order to make sense of reality, we must have a fundamental set of assumptions and beliefs that provide a framework through which to interpret reality. For instance, suppose I am walking through my neighborhood and I see a medium-sized, furry, four-legged animal walking the opposite direction. I immediately think, “Hey, there is a dog!” To make the recognition that there is a dog, though, I have to already have a belief about what a dog is (i.e., furry, four-legged, animal). Moreover, to have the thought “the dog is walking,” I have to have beliefs about what a dog is and what walking is. 

Typically, a worldview is understood to include not the total set of our beliefs, but the core set of our beliefs. These core beliefs influence the rest of our belief system. That is, a worldview contains the set of beliefs that “address theories about the origin and meaning of the world, individual and collective life, the relationship between individual and community, appropriate moral and aesthetic attitudes, priorities, individual obligations and rights and the structure of interpersonal…relationships” (Chakkareth, 2013). In other words our worldviews include our beliefs about origin (where we come from), identity (who we are), meaning (what is real and true, and how we know), morality (how we should live), and destiny (what happens next) (Meyers, pp. 13-14). Because our worldviews influence everything else we believe about reality, it is important that we get these beliefs correct. 

To use an analogy, a worldview is like a set of glasses through which we view the world. If these glasses get scratched or are the wrong prescription, we will end up with a distorted or incomplete vision of the world. However, if our glasses enable us to see clearly, we will be able to navigate reality well.

At Rejoice Christian School, we believe the Bible provides a God’s-eye perspective on reality upon which we can establish an accurate worldview. In short, a biblical worldview is a worldview (core framework of attitudes and beliefs through which we interpret reality) that is grounded in biblical truth. More specifically, a biblical worldview contains certain beliefs. Among these beliefs are:

• Origin – The world was intentionally created by God (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-4). Human beings were also intentionally created by God to exercise dominion over creation in a manner consistent with the way God benevolently rules (Genesis 1:26-28).
• Identity – All human beings are divine image-bearers and thus have intrinsic dignity in virtue of who they are and their value is not derived from their capacities or accomplishments (Genesis 1:27). In addition, God demonstrated an even greater value of humanity by taking on a human nature Himself (John 1:14) and dying to redeem sinful people (Romans 5:6-8).
• Meaning – To say that a statement is true is to say that a statement describes reality as it actually is. We can come to know what is true through both reason and divine revelation. That is, we can come to know truth by observing and reasoning about the world around us (i.e., Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:18-20) and we can come to know truth through special divine revelation (2 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 3:2-6). 
• Morality – God is the objective standard for moral goodness to which all human beings are subject (Psalm 145). Loving God and loving others summarize the moral duties to which all human beings are called (Matthew 22:36-40). 
• Destiny – Through Christ, God is reconciling people to himself and followers of Christ are to seek reconciliation of others (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). One day, God will restore all things (Revelation 21:1-4). 

Ultimately, we at Rejoice Christian School seek to intentionally apply a biblical worldview in everything we do. This includes both the content of what is taught and the way in which it is taught.

While it is true that everyone has a worldview, much of our worldviews are often developed unintentionally. That is, our worldviews are subconsciously influenced by how we were raised, what kinds of entertainment we regularly intake, and pressures to fit into certain social groups, among other things. Thus, part of biblical worldview formation is becoming aware of the worldview beliefs and attitudes we already have and then thinking about whether our established beliefs and attitudes are consistent with Scripture. For instance, maybe I work for a real estate company that is interested in acquiring land that is currently owned by an individual. This person does not know about the valuable mineral resources contained in the plot of land but I do. I believe it is best to not inform the potential seller of the mineral deposits because it will save my company money and I will receive a substantial bonus for acquiring the land below expected cost. Does my belief about the end result (a better financial position for my company and my family) justify the means of withholding information from the seller? Is this belief consistent with Scriptural teaching regarding honesty and the servant leadership of Christ? Is “ends justify the means” reasoning itself consistent with Scripture? Developing a biblical worldview means not just thinking about these questions, but submitting our beliefs to the truth of Scripture. If I discover a belief or attitude that runs contrary to revealed truth in the Bible, I must submit that attitude or belief to Christ’s authority (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

In addition, many of our beliefs are “emotionally tagged.” What this means is that we attach emotions to many of our beliefs, including many of our worldview beliefs. Beliefs become emotionally tagged when our beliefs are connected to emotional experiences. If I was bullied by athletes while growing up, I might come to form the belief that most athletes are bullies. Not only might I believe this, but my belief may be marked by feelings of anger or fear. When beliefs are emotionally tagged, they draw more of our attention and are harder to change. Emotional tagging can be beneficial in that it can help solidify true beliefs. However, false emotionally tagged beliefs can prove detrimental. Thus, if we are intentional about developing a biblical worldview we must be concerned about both our reasoning and our emotions. We need to cultivate both our thinking and our experiences.

Thus, at Rejoice, we seek to cultivate students’ desires to follow Christ by developing both their minds and their emotions in ways that are consistent with biblical truth. Some of the ways in which we seek this aim are:

• Biblical Worldview Director – Rejoice employs a biblical worldview director to oversee biblical immersion in every aspect of the school. This includes both the content that is taught and the way in which it is taught. In addition, the worldview director is tasked with curating and generating content for staff, students, and parents to aid in their own worldview development.
• Spiritual Life Coordinator – Rejoice employs a spiritual life coordinator who oversees the development of students’ discipleship through planning and executing a variety of intentional experiences. These experiences include service projects, immersive team building retreats, and chapel services. In addition, the spiritual life coordinator develops opportunities for students to develop as spiritual leaders.
• Curriculum Director – Rejoice employs a curriculum director who is responsible for developing pre-K through 12th grade curriculum that is academically rigorous and consistent with a biblical worldview. This includes reviewing curriculum to ensure that by the time students graduate, they are exposed to the full witness of Scripture and its insight into each academic subject. 
• Activities – Students routinely engage in discipleship experiences like weekly chapel services, service projects, and introspective activities.
• Teacher development – Biblical worldview-focused faculty development opportunities are regularly offered so that teachers and staff can continue to develop their own worldviews. These opportunities include in-person worldview training sessions and access to a large library of professional development articles and videos geared toward worldview development and maintaining ACSI certification.

Partnering with parents – Psychology tells us that key parts of a child’s worldview are primarily developed in the home. The Bible tells us that the family ought to be the primary context for worldview development. Thus, Rejoice seeks to foster opportunities to partner with parents to provide resources and experiences to support parents in developing their own worldviews. These opportunities include inviting parents to regular Bible studies with school staff and publishing a blog to help equip parents to think about relevant contemporary issues through a biblical lens.