Running Head: MORALITY 1

Biblical Studies and the Implementation of Morality in the Classroom

Katie Weldon
Fresno Pacific University
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In the pursuit of higher education, one is often exposed to the gamut of philosophical

belief systems and moral codes. The in-depth study of these systems and their explicit and

implied rules begs a larger conversation about the responsibility of educators to introduce

morality into young classroom settings. It is my opinion that the study of biblical text, the life of

Jesus, and the doctrine of Christianity builds a strong moral foundation for the students to model,

for the ecosystem of the classroom community, and the educator as an individual. By studying

the message of the bible and applying its philosophy to your own life, one can be a fruitful

educator and help children learn peacefully among each other.

A large majority of the time children spend at school consists of behavioral modification

and training. From the very beginning of their education, children are taught to mind their

teachers, to respect the school staff, to respect the property and so on. Much like home life, often

these demands made with no real logic behind them. If pressed for a reason for behavior

modification, educators can be heard saying things such as because those are the rules or

another similar defense. This answer does nothing to teach students to make wise choices in

situations without clear cut rules and consequences. Instead, the bible teaches us to make choices

considerate of God and all others, and puts selflessness as the most important virtue in more than

one passage of scripture. Colossians 3:12 says Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and

dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

The bible teaches children at length the value of being thoughtful and considerate to others, as a

means to be closer to him and the most inline with your true purpose.

The biblical scriptures not only address the actions of the individual, they also make it

clear how to interact with a group of people in nearly every social setting imaginable. Jesus

Christ was referred to by many as the prince of peace. In scripture, Jesus calls on followers and
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non-believers alike to look out for each other and to live in service to one another. A classroom

community that is healthy and functioning requires considerable cooperation on the part of the

children in the room. Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 says Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but

how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two

will withstand hima threefold cord is not quickly broken. It is not necessary to impose

religion on students for them to benefit from the teachings of the bible. Jesus had many messages

in support of cooperation and community amongst even the smallest of us.

In culmination, it is to be understood that a classroom is dependent on the example of the

educator before it. To properly instruct children by modeling behavior for them, educators who

lean on the foundations of Christs teaching have more skin in the game than the average

educator. The message of the bible emphasizes the value of a life of servitude, placing

considerable worth on those who spend their days giving to others out of the goodness of their

heart. Teachers do just this, and by tapping into the words and teaching of biblical scripture, they

can use the lessons and parables in the bible to help craft examples for how to be a selfless leader

and a productive member of society.

The bible, like many other religious texts of our time, is full of valuable lessons for young

minds. The educator who can tap into its resources and use them to direct their classroom as well

as their personal life has a high chance of being successful with their students. By teaching

children to respect their fellow students, by creating a community of learners with the same

goals, and by leading with an exemplary life, teachers allow children to follow the word of Jesus

in a way that makes the most sense for them, and their classroom.