The Spartan Blog

Senior Ezekiel Wylie attended the inaugural Faith & Nation Student Forum this past week held at a camp outside of Kansas City, MO, and was hosted by the Herzog Foundation and Young America's Foundation. Speakers included Paula Scanlan, Andrew Pudzer, Trent Horn, Governor Scott Walker, Ryan Anderson, Daniel Di Martino, and Vincent Everett Ellison. Topics discussed were focused on emboldening future leaders by giving them tools to help them stand firm in their faith and defend their conservative values and included Responding to the Transgender Movement, The Perils of Socialism, The Moral Case for Free Market Capitalism, and The End of Tolerance, among others. The four-day event culminated with an Election Watch Party where all students stayed up late to watch election results while receiving encouragement from sitting politicians including Ted Cruz of Texas and Brian Kemp of Georgia, until President Trump's declaration speech. "This was a very fun event where I was able to meet many like-minded people, apply my faith to political issues of the day, and discuss how to work in this world through a Christian World View. I would like to thank Calvary and Herzog for the honor of allowing me to participate in the Forum," said Ezekiel after the trip.

The Herzog Foundation provides training and services aimed to improve and grow K-12 Christian Education space in order to catalyze effective and scalable programs across the nation (@herzog_foundation). Young America's Foundation exists to help students find support, promote conservative views, and take action on more than 2,000 campuses across the nation (@yaf_).

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. 

Growth is a universal desire. We all want to see it in our lives and in our children’s lives. Yet, as we all know, growth never comes without struggle. It’s in the moments of challenge, frustration, and difficulty that growth occurs. Just as a seed pushes its way through the soil to reach sunlight, so too must we endure hardship to experience genuine growth.

The Science of Struggle: The Myelin Sheath

In the world of neuroscience, there’s a process that beautifully illustrates the necessity of struggle in growth. God designed our brains with billions of neurons that communicate with each other. These signals travel along pathways insulated by a substance we call the myelin sheath. The more we practice a skill, the thicker the myelin sheath becomes around the neural pathways, making the skill easier to perform. However, this process doesn’t happen overnight. It requires constant practice, repeated effort, and yes, struggle! Just as an athlete must endure hours of focused training to improve, our students must embrace grit to push through academic challenges to build the "myelin" that will enable them to master new skills. The apostle Paul gives us our motivation for our hard work in Colossians 3:23-24. He says to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Our desire for growth and skill development is ultimately a reflection of wanting to build the traits and talents that God has blessed us with; and we in turn want to use those abilities to glorify Him.  

The Butterfly’s Struggle

Another example of grit producing transformational change in God’s creation is the butterfly. The caterpillar must fight its way out of the cocoon, struggling with all its might. We might be tempted to help, to break the cocoon and free the butterfly, but doing so would rob the butterfly of the strength it needs to fly. The struggle is necessary for its wings to develop the power required for flight. This beautifully represents the growth we want to see in our children. As much as we wish to remove their struggles, we must recognize that these very challenges are what prepare them for the future. The struggle is not a sign of failure but a critical part of their development.

Grit: Calvary’s Portrait of a Graduate

At Calvary Christian, one of the core characteristics in our "Portrait of a Graduate" is grit. Grit is the resolve to push through difficulties, to keep going when the going gets tough. This trait is not just about academic resilience; it’s about developing the character to persevere in faith, even when life’s challenges seem overwhelming. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Encouraging Families Through the Struggles

It’s important to remember that growth is a process, often marked by moments of difficulty. Here are three ways you can support your students as they encounter seasons of struggle:

Be Patient and Encouraging: Growth takes time! When your child is facing academic or personal challenges, remind them that it’s okay to struggle. Encourage them by celebrating small victories along the way. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Model Perseverance: Our children learn more from our actions! When you encounter your own challenges, model perseverance and faith. Show them how you rely on God during tough times. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Pray Together: There is power in prayer! When struggles arise, take time to pray with your children. Ask God for strength, wisdom, and perseverance. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”