Kennedy’s Critique

A Presuppositional Response to Simon P. Kennedy’s Critique of Christian Worldview Education

Simon P. Kennedy, in his lecture at New Saint Andrews College and his book Against Worldview: Reimagining Christian Formation as Growth in Wisdom, presents a critique of traditional Christian worldview education. He advocates for a shift from a presuppositional framework to an inductive, wisdom-centered approach. While his emphasis on cultivating wisdom is commendable, his arguments warrant a thorough examination from a presuppositional perspective.

1.

On the Necessity of Starting with a Christian Worldview

Kennedy’s Claim:

Kennedy suggests that Christian education should not begin with a fixed set of worldview principles but should aim to build a worldview through the process of learning and wisdom acquisition.

Presuppositional Response:

Every educational endeavor operates within a framework of presuppositions. The idea that one can approach education without foundational commitments is itself a presupposition. Scripture teaches that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), indicating that reverence for God is the starting point for all true understanding. To attempt education apart from this foundation is to build on sand rather than rock.

2.

On the Role of Presuppositions in Learning

Kennedy’s Claim:

He argues that individuals often act and learn without consciously reflecting on their underlying presuppositions, implying that such presuppositions are not essential to the learning process.

Presuppositional Response:

While it’s true that people may not always be aware of their presuppositions, this does not negate their influence. Presuppositions function as the lens through which we interpret all experiences and information. Ignoring them doesn’t eliminate their impact; it merely leaves them unexamined and potentially misaligned with truth. Christian education must bring these underlying commitments to light and align them with biblical revelation.

3.

On the Reliability of Human Senses and Reason

Kennedy’s Claim:

He asserts confidence in the reliability of human senses and reason, suggesting that they provide a sufficient ground for knowledge of the world, even apart from explicit Christian worldview commitments.

Presuppositional Response:

The reliability of human faculties cannot be assumed without justification. From a Christian perspective, our ability to perceive and reason is grounded in being created in the image of a rational God. Without this foundation, there’s no basis for trusting our cognitive faculties. As the Apostle Paul writes, “For from him and through him and to him are all things” (Romans 11:36). Recognizing God as the source of all knowledge is essential for trusting our senses and reason.

4.

On the Integration of Wisdom and Worldview

Kennedy’s Claim:

He proposes that focusing on wisdom, rather than a fixed worldview, allows for a more organic and effective Christian formation.

Presuppositional Response:

Wisdom and worldview are not mutually exclusive. In fact, true wisdom is rooted in a proper worldview. The Bible defines wisdom as living in accordance with God’s revealed truth. Therefore, cultivating wisdom necessitates a foundation built upon the presuppositions of the Christian worldview. Detaching wisdom from this foundation risks embracing a form of wisdom that is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (James 3:15), rather than that which is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17).

5.

On the Goal of Christian Education

Kennedy’s Claim:

He contends that the goal of Christian education should be the development of wisdom, not the transmission of a predefined worldview.

Presuppositional Response:

While the development of wisdom is a vital goal, it cannot be achieved apart from the transmission of a worldview grounded in Scripture. Christian education aims to “bring every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This involves teaching students to view all aspects of life through the lens of biblical truth, which is the essence of a Christian worldview. Wisdom, in this context, is the skillful application of this worldview to all areas of life.

Conclusion

Kennedy’s emphasis on wisdom in Christian education is valuable, but it must not come at the expense of foundational Christian presuppositions. A presuppositional approach recognizes that all learning is grounded in underlying commitments. For education to be truly Christian, it must begin with the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and the authority of His Word, guiding students to develop wisdom within this framework. As Scripture affirms, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

References:

• Kennedy, Simon P. Against Worldview: Reimagining Christian Formation as Growth in Wisdom. Lexham Press, 2024.

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version.

• Van Til, Cornelius. The Defense of the Faith. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, 1955.

• Bahnsen, Greg L. Always Ready: Directions for Defending the Faith. Covenant Media Foundation, 1996.