Biblical Integration

What is biblical integration?

Some individuals have a distorted idea of what biblical integration in the classroom really means. 

Biblical Integration IS NOT:

• Including a Bible verse at the top or bottom of a worksheet
• Diagramming a Bible verse in grammar class
• Reading one or all the Bible verses on horses after a horse unit
• Using a science experiment as an analogy to the Christian life
• Praying once or several times a day in class.
• Having class devotions
• Casually referring to the greatness of God during a science lesson
• The biblical justification for obedience and working hard

Biblical Integration IS:

Seeing how the topic reveals the character or nature of

• God
• Creation
• Mankind
• Moral Order
• Purpose

Simply stated, biblical integration is taking a lesson objective and/or lesson outline, and teaching it from a Christian perspective. Every facet of life should be interpreted and lived out within the grand scope of God’s vision.

What is the goal of biblical integration?

The goal of Biblical integration is to help students to think biblically and critically about every subject. More so, we want students to think biblically and critically about every aspect of their lives. Ideally, students should seek to see everything the way God sees it. When students truly understand something from a biblical perspective, they should gain a greater understanding of the character or nature of God, or have a greater understanding of how God designed things to be. One goal in teaching from a biblical worldview perspective is to highlight the truth, and reveal the errors.  Through the course of study, students should see the truth of a subject as God sees it, and identify the fallacies, again as God sees them.

Why is biblical integration important?

Young people who learn to look at life with a biblical worldview will think, desire and act in ways that are consistent with God’s thoughts, desires and actions as revealed through scripture.  This is so important since many teens today are less Christian and more confused about moral and spiritual truth than ever. With the prevalence and influence of social media and screens in our society, we are seeing an acceleration of ideas, beliefs, and practices that are out of step with what God has revealed in the Bible.  At Faith West, our desire is to see the faith of our students strengthened, propelling them into a vibrant, Christ-centered life, where they live with Spirit-empowered influence in their communities. 

3 key ways to incorporate biblical principles into teaching

If you are an educator and want to incorporate biblical principles into your teaching, keep the following in mind:

1: Biblical integration cannot be forced. It needs to be natural.

When presented in an unnatural manner, biblical integration is not effective and can have the effect of turning students away from biblical truth.  Instead, teachers need to draw lessons from stories and illustrations as Jesus did in His teaching when he used parables. Biblical integration takes place throughout the lesson, and all content is presented from a biblical perspective.

2: Biblical integration needs to have practical life application.

Effective integration of biblical principles needs to go beyond just mentioning Christian values. There needs to be opportunities for students to use and practice them. Teachers should integrate into their lessons and class discussions how experiences can develop Christian values and attitudes, and how to be involved in Christian service.  Suggestions can be made, or assignments created that are age-appropriate and would benefit the community. 

3. Biblical integration needs to be bathed in prayer and be a calling from God.

Teachers who try to integrate biblical principles into teaching without first seeking God will not be successful. Do not presume that all of the students in your Christian school classroom are Christians.  Teachers must pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with their pupils in the classroom. It's crucial to assist students in seeing their need for God and how biblical truths can affect change in their lives. Students should be given ample opportunities to make a decision for Christ.  They should also feel welcome to ask questions and express doubts, and learn how to seek answers grounded in truth.

By following these principles teachers will be more effective life-changers for Christ, so that students naturally ask, “How does this content or lesson point to the revealed nature of God and our ability to know and glorify Him?” Christian teachers must first see it as their mission to present biblical truths in a way that affects life-change in the students’ thoughts and actions.  Secondly, they must present the material in a natural way that students can practically use. This is essentially the biblical concept of discipleship (Matt 28:16-20) and the results will be life-changing.

To learn more about how Faith West Academy teachers integrate biblical truths into their classrooms, contact us at [email protected] or (281)391-5683, or book a tour and come see the difference.