A comparative analysis of the factors contributing to the biblical worldview of students enrolled in a Christian school

Abstract

This dissertation evaluates the worldview assumptions of students enrolled in a Christian school in order to determine whether those worldview assumptions are consistent with a biblical perspective. The dissertation compares the degree to which students demonstrate a distinctively biblical worldview with the factors that may have contributed to the development of that worldview. One factor of special concern for this study is the length of time that students have been enrolled in a Christian school. The aim was to determine the relationship between the length of time a student has been enrolled in a Christian school and the strength and consistency of that student's biblical worldview. The dissertation also considers other factors that related to the personal faith and the family background of students to determine their influence on biblical worldview of students.

The study includes an examination of worldview thinking and a biblical worldview perspective, applying these issues specifically to students enrolled in a Christian school. The population and samples of this study are students who are currently in the 11th grade in Christian schools throughout the nation. Seven large Christian schools participated in the research, providing 627 students that completed a survey instrument developed for this research.

A detailed analysis of the data gathered from students is presented. Worldview beliefs related to God, nature, man, morality and knowledge are examined. The research shows the contribution of various factors to these worldview beliefs. In addition to years of enrollment in a Christian school, other factors examined were the student's faith commitment, years of faith commitment, level of involvement in church, faith commitment and support of the student's family, and level of family involvement in church. These factors were compared to determine the contribution of each to the worldview beliefs of students.

The study draws conclusions from this data related to the factors that contribute to a biblical worldview. Implication and applications from the findings are offered for parents, churches, and Christian school educators. The dissertation concludes with suggestions for further research and a note about the importance of Christian schools in developing a biblical worldview in young people.