How Symbols Reflect Students’ Biblical Worldview (Parameter 14)
May 27, 2025
Symbols have a powerful way of shaping our understanding and actions. For students, symbols are more than just images—they are a reflection of the heart orientation and worldview. As educators and mentors, we must be attuned to the symbols students embrace, as they often reveal their deepest beliefs and attitudes.
A person’s worldview is influenced significantly by symbols they use. By understanding them, we can better assess students’ spiritual maturity and help them grow in their faith. This post will explore how symbols connect to heart orientation, the role they play in shaping worldview, and how educators can use them to evaluate the spiritual development of students. And it’s not just a biblical worldview that has symbols: every worldview has its own symbols.
Note: This article is part 14 in a 15-part series about the parameters of a worldview. You’ll find links to the other articles at the end of this blog post. If you haven’t read the previous worldview parameter articles, start with part 1 here: Ultimate reality.
Understanding Symbols in Biblical Worldview
In a biblical context, symbols carry deep meaning and reflect spiritual truths. They are not merely images but are expressions of faith. For instance, the cross symbolizes redemption, sacrifice, and the love of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18). Similarly, the rainbow serves as a reminder of God’s covenant with His people (Genesis 9:13-17).
In the Bible, symbols are used to convey the invisible truths of God’s kingdom. The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Christ, signifying the sacrifice that grants believers eternal life (Matthew 26:26-28). The shepherd’s staff, a symbol of care and guidance, reminds us of God’s constant presence and protection (Psalm 23:1-4). These symbols are not just for reflection; they also serve as tools for spiritual formation, helping believers understand their relationship with God.
By incorporating such symbols in spiritual practices, Christians align their hearts and minds with the truth of the gospel. These visible signs help believers grow spiritually, constantly pointing them back to Christ and His work.
How Symbols Relate to Heart Orientation in Students
Heart orientation refers to the deep, internal desires that guide a person’s choices, behaviors, and worldview. In students, symbols can provide insight into their heart orientation and relationship with God. The symbols they embrace, whether in worship, daily life, or personal identity, speak volumes about where their hearts are focused.
For instance, students may wear a cross as a public expression of their faith, or use scripture in daily conversations. These actions reflect their commitment to God and His kingdom. On the other hand, symbols that focus solely on personal achievement or material success could indicate a heart orientation more aligned with worldly values than with the principles of the Bible.
Understanding these symbols is essential for educators. They offer a clear window into the spiritual health and maturity of students. Educators can use this knowledge to guide their teaching, helping students reflect on their symbols and their spiritual meaning. Ultimately, such reflections foster spiritual growth, aligning students’ hearts with God’s truth.
Comparative Analysis: Symbols and Heart Orientation Across Worldviews
The worldview a student holds will shape the symbols they identify with. By examining symbols across various worldviews, we can better understand the differing beliefs that guide their lives.
Naturalism/Secular Humanism
In this worldview, symbols tend to reflect materialism and human-centered values. Symbols like individual achievement or human self-reliance may dominate. For example, wearing a symbol of personal success may reflect a worldview focused on human capability rather than divine power. Romans 1:22 highlights this when it says, “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.”
Pantheism/New Age
Here, symbols often reflect an interconnectedness with nature and the cosmos. Crystals, energy, or nature itself may become central symbols in the worldview. Such symbols express a belief in oneness with the universe, and Romans 1:25 addresses this by stating, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.”
Theism/Biblical Christianity
In contrast, biblical symbols point to divine revelation and redemption. The cross, the bread and wine, and the fish all serve to remind believers of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s eternal covenant with His people. As Colossians 1:16-17 states, “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.”
By understanding how symbols align with these worldviews, educators can discern students’ deeper beliefs and engage them in conversations that foster growth in biblical truth.
Practical Application: Assessing Symbol Use in Students’ Lives
As educators, it’s essential to observe the symbols students embrace in their daily lives. These symbols can indicate where their hearts are focused and help us understand their spiritual journey. For instance, a student who frequently wears a cross might be signaling their connection to Christ. Meanwhile, a student who engages with secular symbols of success may need help understanding the deeper significance of biblical symbols.
Here are some practical steps educators can take to assess the symbolic expressions of their students:
- Observe behaviors and language: Watch for symbols that show up in students’ actions, such as their choice of attire or language. These may give clues about their worldview.
- Engage in conversations: Discuss the symbols students value and explore their meanings with them. This helps gauge their understanding of biblical truths and where they stand in their faith journey.
Encouraging students to reflect on their symbolic choices is another way to guide their spiritual development. Offer mentorship and facilitate discussions that connect these symbols with biblical truths. This approach will help students mature in their faith and align their worldview with God’s will.
Tools for Further Engagement
To deepen your understanding of your students’ worldview, I recommend downloading our “10 Questions to Understand Worldview” PDF. This resource will guide you through important questions that help assess students’ beliefs and attitudes.
By evaluating the symbols in your students’ lives, you gain valuable insights into their heart orientation and biblical worldview.
Now What?
Developing a 3-dimensional and biblical worldview is essential for students’ spiritual growth. By assessing their worldview through tools like the 3-Dimensional Worldview Survey, you can better understand their beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. This tool helps identify areas for growth and provides actionable insights to support discipleship.
Encourage further engagement by using the 3DWS to gain a comprehensive understanding of your students. Mentorship also plays a key role in guiding students through this process. As leaders in Christian education, it is vital to foster an environment that promotes reflection, growth, and transformation.
For deeper engagement, revisit the “10 Questions to Understand Worldview” PDF, and consider using the 3-Dimensional Worldview Survey to assess and disciple your students more effectively.
What Is the 3-D Worldview Survey?
- Take the 3-D Worldview for yourself
If you haven’t yet used the 3DWS with your class, check out the 10 Questions PDF below to get started.
#3dworldview #biblicalworldview #assessingworldview
Key Takeaways
- Symbols Reflect Heart Orientation: The symbols students embrace can reveal their deeper beliefs and attitudes, providing valuable insight into their spiritual health and worldview.
- Engagement Leads to Growth: By observing and discussing the symbols students use, educators can guide them in aligning their hearts with biblical truths and foster spiritual development.
- Tools for Transformation: Utilizing tools like the 3-Dimensional Worldview Survey and engaging in reflective conversations are effective ways to assess and disciple students in their faith journey.
