What in the world is a worldview, anyway? In the past, this terminology was rarely heard in public and was primarily relegated to those involved in philosophical secular pursuits or intense theological study.

Today it is much more commonly used, particularly in the realm of Christianity. A simple web search for "Christian worldview" will quickly reveal over 400,000 links. A similar search for the definition of a Christian worldview will provide nearly 780,000 links.

This does not necessarily mean it is readily understood or commonly applied. A 2009 survey sponsored by The Barna Group revealed that fewer than one out of every five adults classified as "born again Christians" possessed a biblical worldview.

One could assume the low scores in Barna's survey could be justified by the deep theological content of the questions. One could assume, but one would be wrong. The questions were few and extremely basic and not unlike those which an average Sunday school child could comprehend.

Similarly, the basic meaning of worldview is also easily understood. The English word worldview descends from the German word Weltanschauung, meaning "look into the world." In simplicity, a worldview defines the means by which an individual views the world.

It could also be described as one's foundational philosophy of life. Most people would not consider themselves to be philosophers, let alone be prepared to answer an impromptu request to articulate their philosophy of life. Yet, when pressed about relevant issues such as abortion, sexual orientation, immigration, or politics, the same people will undoubtedly readily express their opinion and unknowingly freely reveal their worldview.

From a Christian's perspective, the Bible is the foundation from which all truth about the world and life is derived. Unfortunately, as indicated in Barna's survey, many Christians have succumbed to the world's opinions and thus possess what might be considered a "blended" worldview.

In biblical terms, they have allowed themselves to become mentally "spoiled" (taken captive) by the philosophy of the world. In some areas of life, they think biblically, and in others they think secularly.

The Apostle Paul alludes to this in Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." He also speaks to the Corinthian believers in this same regard, but encourages them to take a pro-active approach by "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 4:5).

A Christian worldview places Christ as the foundational premise for every aspect of life. "He is before all things, and by Him, all things consist. . . that in all things He might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:17, 18). "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36).

Abraham Kuyper's famous quote sums it up well: "In the total expanse of human life, there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, ‘That is Mine!'"

This is the ultimate goal of Christian education, and the students attending your Christian school (PreK-12th grade) present a tremendous hope for the future of our nation. Though a minority, they have the potential to turn back the trend of secular thinking infiltrating the Church. It won't come easy, but by the grace of God and resolute effort, it can be done one student at a time.

Roy Faletti
Vice President of Educational Services