Philosophy of Teaching the Bible

The Bible is the foundation of Christian education; it serves as the filter through which Christians view truth. As Solomon aptly said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”  (Prov. 9:10) Without the Bible truth becomes subjective. Education without the Bible is incomplete.

The Bible is uniquely God’s divine instruction to man, it is clearly revealed in the Bible that God is the Author (Ps. 68:11).  The Holy Spirit moved upon human authors of Scripture, by using their own personalities to record inerrantly and infallibly in the original manuscripts the exact words of God (II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 1:21). God has preserved His word through the ages so that we can know we have the Word of God today.

Scripture reveals what man is to know and believe about God.  The Bible assists man in instructing what God requires of him.  The Bible is the means by which people are saved, for “...faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).  Through the Word of God sinners are convicted and Christians are strengthened in grace and truth (Acts 20:32). 

The main goal of the Bible class is to make sinners aware of their need for salvation (Acts 4:12) and to disciple the Christian to serve the Lord.  The product of Bible teaching should help believers to conform to the image of Christ (Romans 12:1, 2).  Christian schools exist to assist parents in their Biblical mandate to train their children (Proverbs 22:6) and encourage believers to live for Him (II Timothy 3:17).  Students should fall in love with the Lord Jesus Christ and live to glorify His name (Col. 1:13-1, I Cor. 10:31).

Bible teachers must be qualified to teach the Bible in a structured classroom environment.  However, these qualifications go beyond general Bible knowledge.  A Bible teacher must be able to effectively communicate God’s Word to young people enthusiastically and maintain a lifestyle that is above approach.  The Bible instructor should have a sound testimony for Christ.  The teacher must be growing spiritually, for he is teaching as much by example as by his words (Col. 3:17).  Students must be able to relate and enjoy their Bible teacher.

Our school curriculum is Bible based, Christ honoring and Christ centered.  Dependence upon the Holy Spirit is essential as student’s lives change as the Word of Truth is applied to their daily life.  The Holy Spirit empowers the human teacher and illuminates the student in the teaching process. The Bible teacher’s goal is knowledge which leads to application. Paul in II Timothy 3:17 reminds believers “...that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

The curriculum follows a systematic and comprehensive approach to teaching the Bible.  This is accomplished through grade geared Bible lessons.  Students need to receive a systematic teaching of scriptures as they continue to mature in Christ. Westwood Christian School uses the King James Version in all classes and for Bible memorization (Psalms 119:11).

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