How does Biblical integration work? When we say we put God into every subject, what exactly does that mean? Does the teacher choose a verse to say with the spelling words or throw in a Scripture reference for good measure?
For many people, Biblical integration is a mystery. Parents are often confused about how the Bible is utilized in the Christian school classroom. New teachers often struggle to either remember or implement Biblical concepts throughout their lessons.
Biblical integration means that the Scriptures are interwoven into the school’s culture, the daily teaching, and all the curricula. It means taking meaning from the Bible for all subjects taught. For example, if there is a lesson on how to diagram a sentence, the teacher can bring into the conversation how amazing it is that God created order. That teacher could include that God made language in such a way that people can connect and understand each other. The teacher may talk about the origin of languages and the Tower of Babel. In history classes, students are able to see God’s hand in events, how He rescues His people, and how God places other people in positions of authority to complete His plan. Biblical integration is teaching students that God is the Creator of everything they are learning about and doing. He has purpose, meaning, and structure for His creation. Every subject has a possibility to teach something about God’s character, His creation, what He asks/expects of His people, and how great His love is.
When Jesus was rejected at Nazareth in Luke 4, He read from Isaiah, including the passage, “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives.” Biblically integrating Scripture into schools proclaims liberty. God has given this chance to show the students the real Author of Truth, the one who created the universe and how it works together for His glory, and who freed them from the binding lies of the enemy.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27)
These verses encourage Christians to continue doing God’s good work. Biblical integration leads to a natural outpouring of the Holy Spirit by following His lead and doing good works. As we show love to others, we are also naturally showing God to others. Conversations can then start happening about why Christians should act in a certain way or about what motivates giving. There is an opportunity to share the Good News with those who are seeking.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ…And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:2, 6-10)
A school has many opportunities to help ease the burdens of others, such as Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, service projects, missions, provision of meals for teachers, and so much more. God calls Christians to show love to each other and help one another. Imagine what life would be like if believers today lived in the same way as the body of believers in Acts 2:42-47!
Biblical integration is showing students how to see Christ in everyday things, live like Christ in everyday life, and learn about Christ in a personal way. The relationship that is built upon the Bible will last for all eternity.
