The Spartan Blog

It’s a sad story that we’ve heard too frequently. A young person who grew up in a Christian home attends a public university or community college and 4 short years later returns home with a completely different thought process and approach to the world around them. The biblical foundation that had been nurtured at home has been under constant attack while secular philosophies have taken its place. It’s for this reason that it’s so crucial for students to take their time in K-12 education to develop a deeply rooted Biblical approach to the world around us.  

So let’s start by taking a brief look at eight of the secular philosophies that surround us today.

Humanism: Humanism is a philosophy that places human beings at the center of meaning and morality. Humanists believe that human beings are capable of morality and self-fulfillment without relying on divine intervention or religious doctrines.

Relativism: Relativism teaches that truth and morality are subjective and can vary based on culture, personal experience, or individual belief. According to relativism, there is no absolute right or wrong; what is considered moral or true depends on individual or societal preferences. This philosophy is often seen in statements like "what’s true for you may not be true for me." (Does this sound like the time of the Judges? They did what was right in their own eyes!)

Materialism: Materialism is the belief that the physical world is the only reality, and anything that exists must be measurable by scientific means. It denies the existence of anything spiritual or supernatural. This worldview often reduces human experiences like consciousness, emotions, and morality to mere chemical or physical processes in the brain.

Naturalism: Closely related to materialism, naturalism holds that everything can be explained by natural causes and laws, without the need for supernatural explanations. In education and science, naturalism often promotes a strictly evolutionary, non-theistic view of the world, rejecting any spiritual or divine aspects of reality.

Postmodernism: Postmodernism argues that there is no single, overarching truth or narrative that can explain reality. Instead, it promotes skepticism of any universal truths, favoring multiple perspectives and interpretations. Postmodernists often challenge traditional beliefs, including religious and moral absolutes, and advocate for deconstructing established narratives.

Secularism: Secularism is the principle of separating religion from civic affairs and government. While this can refer to maintaining religious neutrality in public institutions, it also has evolved into a worldview that prioritizes human reason and empirical science over religious or spiritual considerations, particularly in public policy, education, and culture.

Existentialism: Existentialism focuses on individual freedom, choice, and personal responsibility. It teaches that life has no inherent meaning, and it’s up to each person to create their own meaning through their choices and actions. While existentialism can be either religious or secular, the secular version tends to emphasize human autonomy without divine purpose or guidance.

Hedonism: Hedonism is the belief that pleasure or personal happiness is the highest good and ultimate aim in life.  

Whether you’ve recognized it or not, the above philosophies are ingrained into different aspects of the secular thought process in our society, especially education. This highlights the importance of building a biblical worldview!

So what then defines a biblical worldview? A biblical worldview is a way of interpreting and understanding the world through the lens of Scripture. It is based on the belief that the Bible is the infallible, inspired Word of God and serves as the ultimate authority for truth, morality, and the nature of reality. This worldview sees all aspects of life through the principles and teachings found in the Bible.

Key components of a biblical worldview include:

God as Creator and Sovereign: A biblical worldview starts with the belief that God is the Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1) and has ultimate authority over all creation (Psalm 24:1). He sustains and governs everything, and nothing happens outside of His will and purpose.

Humanity's Purpose: Humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) with inherent dignity and value. Our primary purpose is to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him (Isaiah 43:7). Life’s meaning is found in serving and loving God, not in personal fulfillment or earthly achievements.

The Fall and Sin: A biblical worldview recognizes that the world is fallen due to human sin (Romans 3:23). This fall has affected every aspect of creation, including human nature, relationships, and the environment. As a result, humanity is in need of redemption.

Jesus Christ as Savior: Central to a biblical worldview is the belief that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Christ’s death and resurrection provide redemption from sin and offer the hope of eternal life (Romans 6:23). The gospel transforms lives, giving Christians new identities as children of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Authority of Scripture: The Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It provides guidance on how to live, think, and understand reality.  

Moral Absolutes: A biblical worldview upholds that moral truths are objective and rooted in God’s nature and commands. Right and wrong are not subjective or relative but are defined by God’s standards (Exodus 20:1-17, Matthew 22:37-40).

Humanity's Role in the World: Christians are called to live as ambassadors of Christ in the world (2 Corinthians 5:20). This means engaging in culture, work, and relationships in a way that reflects God’s kingdom values and purpose.

Eternal Perspective: A biblical worldview includes an understanding that life on earth is temporary, and believers are to live with an eternal perspective (Colossians 3:1-2). The reality of heaven and Christ’s return shapes how we view suffering, success, and our ultimate purpose.

What a difference between the secular set of philosophies and a Biblical worldview! This is why at Calvary Christian School, one of the most vital characteristics in our Portrait of a Graduate is the commitment to developing a biblical worldview in our students. This goes beyond simply teaching them to follow rules or adhere to guidelines. Our goal is to nurture students who see the world through the lens of scripture with hearts that are truly transformed, reflecting a deep relationship with Christ, a change that only comes through the work of the Holy Spirit.

All forms of education are taught from a worldview, whether acknowledged or not. In public education, you’ll follow the top list to see the foundation for which the curriculum is built on, it will be grounded in humanism and relativism. In contrast, at Calvary Christian School, the foundation for everything we do is the only true cornerstone, the direct Word of God. We see science, history, and literature not as neutral subjects but as fields that reflect the beauty, order, and sovereignty of the Creator. Colossians 2:8 warns us, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” We stand firm in teaching students to view the world around them through the truth of Scripture, enabling them to discern truth from falsehood.

Our commitment to a biblical worldview is foundational in developing graduates who are equipped not only to understand the world but to participate in it, with wisdom and conviction. These students have the ability to observe and engage with society through a filter that aligns with God’s Word. They are equipped to evaluate cultural, moral, and spiritual matters in light of biblical principles, which will guide their decisions and actions as they grow into adulthood.

In a world where secular values increasingly influence every aspect of life, our desire is to disciple students who see the world through a biblical lens, shaped by the truth of Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit. This vision for our graduates is not simply about academic success but about cultivating hearts that reflect Christ and minds that are fully anchored in His truth.