The Lorien Wood Reader

A FORM TWO STUDENT was recently asked to explain her favorite thing about school. After stating that it was fun and she liked her friends, she more seriously and reflectively said, “I like that I don’t have to be shut up about God.” Though a little raw, this student has described the beauty of teaching from a Biblical worldview perspective. We are not at all being “shut up about God” but rather encouraging our children to explore their world through the lens that our Creator designed. At Lorien Wood, we do this regardless of the subject we are studying.

What is a Worldview? In their Biblical worldview curriculum series, John Hay and David Webb provide an illustration to explain the concept of worldview. They suggest that we imagine we are each given eye glasses with various differences. The glasses might have colored lenses, be cracked, broken, or cause blurry vision. None of these glasses provide a clear picture to the wearer, as our perspective is altered depending on how our lenses filter the world. Without clear, undamaged lenses we do not see the truth and real beauty of what we study. So it is with worldviews —we see the world through our worldview lenses. Each person’s worldview influences how he or she reacts to, and makes sense of, the world.

Lorien Wood’s Distinctives Booklet explains our belief that all people have a worldview. A Biblical Worldview starts with the belief that Scripture, the Word of God, is infallible. From our booklet, “Rather than seeing the world as chaotic or the product of chance, we believe the Bible teaches that reality is governed by the paradigm of creation, fall and redemption…Recognizing Christ as the Lord of the universe liberates us to explore all the realms of His creation.”

Why does it matter? In today’s world, there are many influences that can shape our worldview. Regardless of how hard some parents may try to reduce the influences on their children, it is nearly impossible for parents to keep their children away from messages that may be considered inappropriate. Just walking in the mall and reading other patrons’ t-shirts will tell you that there are numerous and diverse value systems around us. God’s truth is being diluted in the post-modern society view of “whatever you feel is right.”

Colossians 2:8 (ESV) says, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Teaching from a Biblical Worldview perspective provides our children with truth and the ability to obey the teaching of Colossians. This is truth that they can use to confidently evaluate other messages, determining if the claims align with God’s design. This framework sets students up for greater success in living a Christian life through adulthood. Perhaps this is the “most important thing” about a Biblical Worldview curriculum.

Rather than seeing the world as chaotic or the product of chance, we believe the Bible teaches that reality is governed by the paradigm of creation, fall and redemption.

At Lorien Wood, the use of Biblical Worldview can be seen throughout all of our Forms. Of note, we do not have a “Bible” class. Biblical teaching is not separate from academics; it is integral to the design of each subject. Our unit presentations do a wonderful job of highlighting this at all levels of our school.

We teach our students the “4 M’s” to create a practical measuring stick and framework for a Biblical Worldview:

• What is matched up with God’s design in this particular topic?
• What is messed up about the topic related to alignment with God’s design?
• What is God’s message to us about this?
• What is then my mission and response?

Interweaving our studies with the practice of the “4 M’s” provides a comfortable language for students to dialogue and process all aspects of life.

Outside of school we can encourage our children in the practice of using a Biblical Worldview. Watch a TV show, movie, or commercial together; go see a play; read a book or article; go to church; take a walk in the neighborhood or a trip to the store. Then have a discussion using the “4 M’s.” Children will see how to use this worldview perspective outside of our school walls, and you will be amazed at the insights you will gain from their valuable thoughts. ❖

Learn more: LW Educational Philosophy • Admissions • LW Distinctives