In CHA Central

Christian Heritage Academy’s commitment to the Bible is part of our ethos, as evidenced in our mission to offer “…an exemplary education based on biblical values to children of Christian families, equipping them to be lifetime followers of Jesus Christ.”

The Importance of a Biblical Worldview

Miss Robin Russell, Dean of Academics

With children regularly spending 35 hours a week at school, the foundational framework for their education is crucial. But what exactly is a biblical worldview?

CHA’s Dean of Academics Miss Robin Russell writes, “In Romans 12:2, God calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We are not to be conformed to this world’s thinking, but rather, our thinking should be shaped and molded by God’s Word. When we spend time in the Word and ask God to examine our thoughts and ideas, we begin to have the mind of Christ. This biblically informed mind can then have a biblical worldview. This is a foundational principle at Christian Heritage Academy.”

Biblical Application in Academics

Adopting the posture of Roger Erdvig, author of Beyond Biblical Integration, Russell explained that the goal is to help students “think, desire, and act in ways that are consistent with God’s thoughts, desires, and actions as revealed through scripture.” One way this is accomplished is through integrating biblical principles in the topics that are taught. CHA teachers seek to look at every topic in the light of scripture and teach it from a biblical perspective.

So, what does integrating biblical truth into different subjects at different grade levels look like? Take a peek at some examples below.

What a joy it is when a child, unprompted, applies biblical truth to help make a decision or understand a situation in his or her own life. It’s a powerful measure of the fruit of a Christian education, and a common development with Christian Heritage Academy students!

Grade 1
Grade 1
Science & Literature
Students recently read about William Bentley, an early meteorologist who discovered the intricacies of snowflakes. Mrs. Lott integrated God’s creativity and intentionality into the lesson, teaching the students how each and every creation is unique and purposeful. She also directly connected these concepts to the class’ theme verse this year, reminding every student of his and her beautiful handiwork by the Creator: I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well (Psalm 139:14).
Grade 5
Grade 5
History
Conversations about faith and works are just one of the many topics woven into the study of Ancient Egypt. For example, as students look at the Egyptians' elaborate preparation for the afterlife and the perceived need to please Pharaoh, they compare this to God's gift of grace to mankind at the cross. Mrs. Weber helps students see the parallels between the gods of Egypt and the plagues found in Exodus. When students make the connections, it helps them to better understand God's purposes and desire to make Himself known to all of humankind.
Grade 8
Grade 8
English
Last month in Mrs. Ledbetter's class, students read Night by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. The discussion that followed was deep and meaningful, as students were challenged to identify the lies Satan used to draw Wiesel away from God during his imprisonment in Auschwitz Concentration Camp, and then provide scriptural truth that countered the lies. Students also made connections to other pieces of literature they had studied, as well as to what they know is true about God. One student said, "Satan wanted Elie to think he was alone without God, but he wasn’t. Emmanuel means 'God with us.'" Being reminded of such truth is helpful when students study emotionally heavy material.
Grade 12
Grade 12
History
By the end of their senior year, Mr. Farish's prayer is that his students have been equipped to read news through the lens of faith, and are inclined to seek and find God's truth. One way they become adept at this is by looking back at history and studying events in light of biblical teaching. For example, his Upper School history students compare and contrast the French and American Revolutions and their fundamental documents, studying the wording, intentions, and results in light of biblical truth. This also helps inform and deepen their analysis of current national and international affairs.