I frequently forget that there are people around the world living in a literal war zone right now. A headline from Ukraine or Israel may remind me, but most days I roll out of bed, eat my breakfast, and read my Bible without a thought of war crossing my mind. I take it for granted that my own three children are sleeping peacefully, unconcerned about artillery, rockets, or drone strikes. It’s easy for me to sit back and rest knowing that my kids are in no danger.

But that’s not really true, is it?

There is a battle going on for the hearts and minds of young people around the world and even in our own homes. It’s not fought in trenches or on battlefields. We find it in novels, on TV screens, in social media feeds, and even in our textbooks. It is a battle fought not with bullets and bombs, but with ideas, stories, allusions, and decisions. 

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:3–5)

What is a biblical worldview?

Do we believe that the Bible is true? Do we believe that it is the Word of God? If we believe those things, then it shouldn’t be controversial to say that we ought to teach our children to have a biblical worldview (see the blog post “What Is a Biblical Worldview and Why Is It Important in Education?”). That is another way of saying we must understand life through the lens of Scripture. If the Bible is true, why wouldn’t we want our children to understand life through that truth?

You might be wondering, “does the Bible ever explicitly say that we should have a biblical worldview?” The answer is an emphatic yes! While the term worldview developed later, the apostle Paul clearly said that his desire in ministry was to see that others have and live according to a biblical worldview:

To desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Col. 1: 9b–10, emphasis added)

Let’s look at the first bolded part of the passage. How can we guide our children to “be filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”? We need to teach the words of Scripture (memory verses and direct biblical instruction). But we also need to lead children to be filled with its wisdom. They need the ability to reliably and skillfully apply the principles of Scripture to their daily decisions, goals, and behavior. Wouldn’t it be a blessing to see your children making their life choices according to the wisdom of God’s will? That’s what the next bolded parts describe: to “walk worthy of the Lord” and be “fruitful in every good work.” Leading a fruitful life which pleases the Lord is the result we desire for our children. A biblical worldview is the internal sap which gives life to that fruitful tree.

Integrating a Biblical Worldview 

Living according to a biblical worldview requires more than head knowledge. But it’s not less than head knowledge either. Knowing the truth is essential for us to live by truth. That’s why BJU Press materials contain academic strength and active learning. But the curriculum isn’t designed to provide your child with merely the information needed to pass a test. We can’t stop at academic success in the home. We must seek to guide children into the wisdom of the Lord. This wisdom is necessary for fruitfulness in every area of God’s created order. To see another take on worldview shaping in multiple subjects, see “More Than I Expected” from HomeWorks by Precept.

Adopting a biblical worldview in every area of life includes examining every subject through a biblical lens. For example, in history, we see how God’s work is reflected in the history of nations and civilizations. Children need to gain an understanding of God’s sovereignty in the development of world events. They will also see how biblical principles shaped historical figures and movements.

The science and mathematics texts you chose will either affirm or deny God’s design in the world. Teaching from a biblical worldview encourages children to see the scientific method, order, and logic as ways to uncover the wonders of God’s creation. Secular perspectives view advances in science and math as mankind’s progress toward autonomy. Science and math textbooks without a biblical worldview will lead toward the rejection of religion. Teaching every subject based on a biblical worldview will lead children to write, read, and analyze through a biblical perspective. A child who has learned language arts from this perspective would express ideas and opinions in a manner that reflects Christlike character and promotes biblical values. Imagine the impact on the world that this child could make!

Living Out a Biblical Worldview: Family and Culture 

Living according to a biblical worldview extends far beyond success in academics. It will have a dramatic effect on the child’s relationships in their family and community. The BJU Press curriculum focuses on the development of Christian character, both academically and personally. Our textbooks are designed to rely on the biblical practice of discipleship in shaping character. Your child will be challenged to live out scriptural teachings in his or her daily life through real-world scenarios presented in activities, projects, and case studies. We know that it is vital for your child to think critically about how faith influences actions.

A child’s worldview will shape their relationships, schoolwork, and career aspirations. Therefore, we must dedicate ourselves to a biblical worldview so that child’s life may reflect the wisdom of God. The way BJU Press designs its resources to accomplish this goal is explained more fully in the article “Biblical Worldview Shaping” (BJU Press).

Again, the goal of a child’s schooling cannot be about acquiring knowledge only. The goal must also be about developing life-long wisdom from a biblical perspective. With a biblical worldview, children can grow to understand the spiritual consequences of their decisions. They will see the gospel impact of their family and community relationships. This root of spiritual wisdom can bud and flourish into a multigenerational work of the Spirit of God.

What Now? 

You may be asking, “How do I begin the daunting task of wading through the endless stream of educational materials?” You can start by examining a curriculum, like BJU Press’s, to ensure that it integrates a biblical worldview into every subject. Every course, not just Bible, should encourage your child to reflect on how his or her academic studies are an opportunity to grow in faith and to live out the truths of Scripture in daily life.

It may seem like the ideas of secularism and other religions are in front of our children’s eyes everywhere we go and on every screen we see. But it is also true that there has never been a time in history when we have had more Christian resources available to us. Please consider using BJU Press Homeschool resources that align with your educational goals and values. Our curriculum is designed to help you to foster a Christ-centered learning environment for your family. We hope that you may one day see the fruitful harvest of a biblical worldview in the life of your child.