Recent worldview studies have stunned the Christian community. They are showing that very few young people have a Christian worldview. (See my previous post on “Some thoughts about the future…”) Why should this matter? What’s so important about having a Christian/Biblical worldview? Why should Evangelical parents be making a concerted effort to shape the worldview of their children?
Here are 5 reasons why:
1. Christianity stands for something
If it didn’t, it would stand for nothing. Standing for nothing is another worldview, but it’s not Christian. Unfortunately, many Evangelical believers don’t know what they believe and why they believe it. Your worldview is a reflection of what you believe. Believing in something isn’t wrong, in fact it’s quite normal.
2. If you stand for nothing, you’ll get run over
It’s my observation and experience in life that people with no core values or principles to live by are frequently at a disadvantage. Nobody wants their child to get bullied on the playground. However, children will get intellectually bullied as well. One of our jobs as parents is to prepare their children for the battle of the heart and mind that each person finds themselves in. Having a Christian/Biblical worldview is one of the ways to “stand firm” in our world, as Ephesians 6 tells us we should.
3. If you stand for something, you’ll do better
As I alluded to in point #2, those who are able to stand up for core principles are better prepared for life. Here’s a truth you can rely on: either you are going through a tough time right now, or you will be shortly. How will our children, much less ourselves, make it though the tough times if their minds and hearts are not grounded in Biblical truth? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (NIV) Peacemakers are at peace because of a dynamic relationship with God – a relationship that transforms their entire life, including the way they look a the world (their worldview). Those who are at peace, even in the middle of storms, are able to stand strong through them (remember the story of those who built their homes on solid rock).
4. The Christian worldview is emotionally satisfying
What does that mean? It means that the truths of the Bible satisfy the inner emotional need we all have for safety and security. It means that when our children and have a need for safety and security, instructing them in a Christian worldview helps to fill those needs. Perhaps in an upcoming post I’ll explain this point more fully. But for now let’s recognize that people of all ages look for answers to the hurts, joys, and struggles of this world. Many worldviews propose answers and each worldview must be evaluated for it’s ability to come through for us. Christianity comes through, from the very beginning of humanity and our struggle with sin to the end of this realm and how sin is handled with complete justice.
5. The Christian worldview is intellectually satisfying
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, another post is needed to fully explore this point as well. True. Many over the years, particularly those with anti-supernatural biases, think this point is silly. However, reasonable people have been persuaded to believe in the God of the Bible for thousands of years. It’s not a coincidence and it’s not group-think. The evidence has been weighed and belief in Jesus Christ as Savior of the world is more reasonable every day. In many cases, parents have taught their children to believe without teaching them why. I believe in having a childlike faith, but as our intellects develop we also want answers to the pressing intellectual questions about belief. It’s the job of the church to instruct parents and for parents to instruct their children.
Much more could be said, but I’ll save that for future posts. Until then, feel free to leave your thoughtful comments.
