Social Responsibility and Biblical Worldview

 Social Responsibility and Biblical Worldview

First John 4:19 instructs “Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters” (New International Version, 1989). Christian educators are called to implement this teaching in both their interactions with students and in the topics they teach about. Catholic social teaching calls followers of Christ to participate in society, to support the institution of marriage and family, and the right to life, as well as the dignity of workers, and offer charity to the poor and vulnerable (“Call to Family Community and Participation”, n.d.; Christie et al., 2019). As educators, we have an opportunity to instruct students in these areas. It is our highest calling as Christians to live up to God’s plan for us, influence others toward Him, and love those around us. 

Though educational settings have varying rules of conduct regarding the expression of religious views, any educator can model the values of love and charity, and discuss the importance of offering these virtues to those in need. Bapista et al. found that the success of the instruction of personal and social responsibility was correlated with the staff and student relationship and values (2020). Educators should prioritize the rapport they build with students, and take advantage of teaching moments to model and discuss social responsibility, regardless of the content area. 

References

Baptista, C., Corte-Real, N., Regueiras, L., Seo, G., Hemphill, M., Pereira, A., Dias, C., Martinek, T., & Fonseca, A. (2020). Teaching personal and social responsibility after-school: A systematic review.

Call to Family Community and Participation. (n.d.). USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/call-to-family-community-and-participation

Christie, I., Gunton, R. M., & Hejnowicz, A. P. (2019). Sustainability and the common good: Catholic Social Teaching and ‘Integral Ecology’ as contributions to a framework of social values for sustainability transitions. Sustainability Science, 14(5), 1343-1354. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1007/s11625-019-00691-y

Verbrugge, & Buursma, D. R. (1989). NIV topical study Bible : New International Version. Zondervan Bible Publishers.