teaching worldview

We teach worldview through the books we select. Lots of missionary biographies, church history literature, Voice of the Martyrs, to name a few. Then there are discussions that we have based on current events and applying the word of God. Francis Shaffer’s How Should We Then Live book and/or DVD series is good for older students and adults. My two oldest went through the Thinking Like a Christian course; they learned some stuff but felt like it was too “fill in the blank.” One major aspect of the cm philosophy is exposing the children to a liberal education, being with them as they learn, and seeing them make connections; it is a joy to watch.

Blessings,

Cindy

Hmmm… this is an interesting post. I never really thought of worldview as something that is taught on purpose, but rather something that is fleshed out within the life of a family/community as thoughts about existence and meaning are shared. Perhaps because it covers such a broad spectrum of ideas (knowledge, politics, economics, religion, culture, science, ethics, etc), I never considered it to be a “subject” in and of itself. After all, how does one teach opinion? Thanks for starting such an intriguing post!

Rachel 😀

Cindy,

I think you’re right about “perspective” being a more appropriate term than “opinion” in this instance. I think this just happens naturally in our family, but I can understand why some families are more comfortable using resources which are geared specifically to this goal. Living within a post-modern, post-enlightenment culture certainly has its challenges!

Pam,

I completely agree with your statement “I’m not really thinking about teaching a child WHAT to think as much as HOW to arrive at an opinion.” I think after all is said and done, whatever helps strengthen your kids’ trust in Jesus is beneficial, whether it provides answers or compels them to action (or both). We have the Schaeffer’s dvd series if you’d like me to send it to you, we were planning on passing it along anyways so you’re welcome to it. Just send me a private message with your address if you’d like me to pop it in the mail 😀

Rachel

I read this post yesterday and like several of you, I wondered how you really teach worldview from a school standpoint. The biggest thing I want to teach my children is HOW to use God’s word as a filter for all of life. I think this requires addressing two aspects. 1. teaching them how to study God’s word (early). They need to know how to dig into the word and study characters, topics, books, historical relevance and much more. They need to know how to correctly divide the Word of God. This keeps them from being dependent on someone else (parent/teacher/pastor) to do this for them. 2. teaching them how to learn to think about ALL things in light of God’s word. Really the only way we can train and teach this is by doing it. Asking questions such as the old WWJD, how do you think God views this person or situation. There are tons more but you get the gist. By the working of the Holy Spirit in each child’s life along with the countless questions that we ask them and the training of how to study the word – it can become second nature to stop and ask ourselves how God would handle this situation. How does God view the war, the election, health reform – and countless other situations. His word becomes our filter. At that point not only will we have taught our children a Christian worldview – we have taught them how to figure it out for themselves when we are not around to answer it for them. Not sure if this helps but I really think it is something we do in the context of daily life (as we go).

Amy

Pam, I just want to encourage you from my personal experience. I did not grow up in a Christian home and while at college – God changed my heart. My walk with him has always been mine – not me living out my parents beliefs. But the reason I tell you this is that God redeemed me at the age of 19 and my life took a COMPLETELY different path than I could have ever imagined. He put godly women in my life who discipled me and taught me how to have a christian worldview by doing the two things I mentioned above. I so easily forget that I am not responsible for making my children holy, for making them love Jesus and want to live a life for them. All we can do is take part in the work of God and pray fervantly that He will bring our labor to fruition. God returned to me the years the locust have eaten and He has given me a new life with no help from my earthly parents. Yes, we are called by God to teach and train our children but He is responsible for taking that unteachable – knowitall teenager that is inhabiting your home – the one you have spent years investing your life, your knowledge of God and His kingdom into this son – and make his walk with God very personal. Trust our big God to do this. What a joy you have had to labor for your son’s life – now sit back and watch Your Father – who loves this son of yours more than you – bring it all to fruitition.

I realize that what I have said is way easier to say than do – my kids are 5 and 3 and I struggle with trusting God to make them holy – I can’t imagine sending them into the world away from me. But we so easily forget God’s commitment to make

His will happen. He changed my life apart from anything my parents did and He was faithful to put many spiritual mothers in my life to do what we get to do with our children. He will work out His will in your son. We just have to trust and ask!!! Hope this encourages you – sorry so long.