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Why is it important for the Christian educator to know his/her answers to the questions asked by metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology?
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All of the questions in life that are asked by metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology can be found in God’s Word. As a Christian educator, I am helping my students understand that they always begin with God’s Word as their foundation. While God’s Word is not an instruction manual and gives us the answer to EVERY question we might have, it DOES help us to see where we come from, why we are here, why I am the way I am, what is truth, and how I am to live my life. It is my purpose as a Christian educator to help my students look to God’s Word first to then make sense of what knowledge they are obtaining.
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Our students need to see that we are grounded in God’s word and we are not shaken when the tough questions come up. How can they rely on us if we cower at questions relating to our Biblical worldview. Also, they need to be able to look to their teachers, counselors and other school personnel that if we can have that kind of assurance and that strong of a belief system then they can as well.
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Christian educators transfer their knowledge to students by affirming that the qualities of our universe are knowable. Scripture teaches that the universe is real, not a metaphysical imaginary construct. I expect students to answer the questions, what exists and for what purpose does it exist, because God wants us to fulfill the purpose of discovering His creation.
I apply epistemology when students form scientific hypotheses and conclude their veracity. Students must answer the question, how do I know this feature of creation is true?
Scripture is full of an axiological value system based on what God thinks is good and beautiful and worthy. Moreover, He calls us to align our value system with His: cling to what is good, abstain from what is evil. I encourage my students to make wise choices based not on what benefits them and their temporary whims, but on eternal judgments given to us from our Creator God. -
Students will ask these important questions, and teachers should be able to answer these questions. Teachers should be able to point students to the answers found in Scripture. There are things that we can know are true based upon God’s Word. Our senses and feelings can’t be relied upon to reveal the truth.
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Because these are questions that we should all be able to address. These questions will be asked, and often our students will be the ones to ask them. How do we respond?