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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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We must be firmly grounded in a Biblical worldview. We must be able to communicate that truth is what is real and be able to discuss it openly with our students. We must recognize the ways that modernism and post modernism has influenced our daily thoughts about truth and feelings.
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It is important for Christian educators to have these answers so that they can be consistent in their presentation of a biblical worldview. If we are not careful, we will start to let the world answer these questions for us, or we will allow the world to tell us that there are no answers. This is an area in which we must present concrete answers in an ever-changing world.
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It is important for me to know my answers to these questions because the world will always provide its own “answer(s)” (Does God exist? What is the nature of the universe? What can we know?) apart from Christ. Christian educators are given a specific group of students for a season. We have no idea what the future holds for each student, but we do know that God entrusts them to us for such a time as this-to know Him to grow in their knowledge of Him and His Word and to grow in their academic skills. When we specifically address the answers to the questions asked by metaphysics, epistemology and axiology with a Christian worldview, we adequately equip our students with the knowledge needed to face the ungodly wisdom and knowledge of the world.
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In a world that defines reality on its own terms, Christian educators can shine a light in the darkness regarding how we perceive reality. As Christians, we embrace reality and acknowledge an invisible spiritual world. Our epistemology is defined by knowing the truth found in Christ is absolute and as educators and students we seek to know it even though none of us have arrive. Our axiology or our values help to uphold the dignity of our students by treating them like Christ and believing in their potential, loving them and believing in them through the eyes of Christ.
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For us to truly discuss metaphysics, epistemology and axiology with students we need to know where we stand on each. More importantly we need to know what the Bible says in relation to each of these so we can pass that on to our students.