Professing Christ Without His Views?
Olive Branch, Mississippi, with its numerous church steeples dotting the landscape might seem like an oasis of Christian faith. Yet, a sobering statistic casts a long shadow over this perception and over all America. I had the privilege of meeting George Barna last week in DC. He’s the king of data and stats. Barna's research reveals a sad truth: while a significant majority of Americans (68%) identify as Christian, only 6% possess a biblical worldview. Barna research also shows that holding a Biblical Worldview in America has seen a 67% decline in the last 30 Years. The chasm between profession and true relationship with Jesus raises questions about the nature of faith in our communities and the foundations upon which we are building our lives and guiding our children. What is missing? The answer is found in Christian Education.
The very name "Christian" signifies a "little Christ," rooted in the person and teachings of Jesus. Yet, this suggests a widespread disconnect. If we are to truly embody this name, understanding the core tenets of a biblical worldview is not optional; it is foundational. Christian worldview, revealed through Scripture, offers a full understanding of what is real and what is true. It encompasses creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration. This is just the beginning.
Creation: God's Design
At the heart of the Christian worldview lies the belief in a purposeful and intelligent Creator God. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes God as the ultimate source of all existence, giving creation inherent value and order. Humanity, created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), holds a unique place within this design, tasked with stewardship and reflecting God's character. We teach students that they are valuable. This understanding stands in contrast to secular worldviews that often attribute existence to chance or impersonal forces.
The Fall: The Shattering of Serenity
The narrative of creation is tragically followed by the account of the Fall in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve's disobedience, their choice to give in to their own desires over God's command, introduced sin into the world. This act had catastrophic consequences, fracturing the perfect peace between humanity and God, humanity and each other, and humanity and creation. Sin brought death, pain, and loneliness, corrupting the goodness of God's original design. This understanding of a fallen world explains that the brokenness and suffering we witness daily, is a reality that secular worldviews often struggle to adequately address. This is the answer to the problem of evil. Next, we’ll see the solution.
Redemption: God's Rescue
Despite the devastating consequences of the Fall, the Christian worldview offers a powerful message of hope through redemption. God, in His infinite love and mercy, did not abandon mankind or the rest of His creation. Instead, He initiated a plan to restore and redeem what was lost through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, entered human history, lived a sinless life, and willingly died on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sin. His resurrection from the dead conquered sin and death, offering the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This is the only pathway back to right relationship with God and the promise of eternal life. Jesus claimed exclusivity.
Restoration: Promise of “All Things New”
The Christian story doesn't end with redemption; it culminates in the promise of restoration. A home in heaven is awaiting all who trust Him for Salvation. Scripture speaks of a future where God will fully renew creation, destroy the effects of sin and death (Revelation 21:4). This ultimate restoration will bring about a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be perfect justice, peace, and harmony. Born again believers in Christ participate in this ongoing process of restoration even now, as the Holy Spirit works within them to transform their hearts and lives, reflecting God's character and sharing His love with a lost world.
The Urgent Need for a Biblical Worldview
The Barna statistic serves as a stark wake-up call. While many in Mississippi and across the nation may identify with the label "Christian," the lack of a biblical worldview indicates a deficiency in understanding the core tenets of their faith. As the Apostle Paul urged, we should "be transformed by the renewing of your minds" (Romans 12:2). This transformation comes through engaging with the Word of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to be our teacher, and diligently seeking to understand the truth revealed in Scripture.
The prevalence of churches in our communities is a blessing, but it does not automatically equate to a deep understanding of biblical truth. Are individuals truly engaging with the Bible, allowing it to shape their perspectives and guide their actions? Or are they merely adhering to cultural norms and traditions without a solid foundation in God's Word?
Our students and children are particularly vulnerable in this landscape. This is why DCA exists. To give students an anchor on which to hold. They are bombarded with messages from a secular worldview that often contradicts the truths of Scripture. Equipping them with a robust biblical worldview is not just a matter of religious instruction; it is about providing them with a framework for understanding the world, discerning truth from falsehood, and navigating the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity.
The choice before us has always been clear. We will never operate under a nominal Christianity, where the label holds little substance, rather we will continue to cultivate a genuine faith rooted in a comprehensive biblical worldview. It is a worldview of truth, hope, and transformation – a worldview that truly reflects the heart and mind of Christ.