Running head: Who Am I?

Philosophical Foundations

LEAD 636 Issues in Leadership Foundations

Andrews University

By

Dawn Peterson

April 17, 2017

Who Am I? 2

Table of Contents

Who am I.3

Definitions...5

Philosophical theories.............................................................5

Metaphysics ....7

Epistemology ......8

Axiology10

Worldviews12

Individualism.13

Christianity ...15

Fundamentalism....16

Fundamentalism and Homeschooling...18

Key Learning.20

Reflection..22

Conclusion.23

Artifacts.25

References.26
Who Am I? 3

Who am I?

I have fond childhood memories of listening to the music and picture story from Earth

Theater of the Universe. I remember the opening music that asks the questions, who am I,

where did I come from (Frost, 1974). Even at a young age, the music was so compelling, it

drew me in and I had no idea that I was being introduced to the great questions of life. It seems

that philosophers have been asking these questions since the beginning of time. The answers to

these questions will determine how you view your world, the choices you make and your view of

God. These answers build your worldview and are indeed important questions that one must

answer for themselves. I cannot make you choose the same answers I have chosen, because

whether we like it or not, our actions speak for us to others about what we believe.

Why is the study of philosophy important? What does philosophy have to do with

education? White (1896) states the precepts and principles of religion are the first steps in the

acquisition of knowledge, and lie at the very foundation of true education ( 7MR 292.1). Man

has been admonished for thousands of years to know thyself. Although there are differing

ideas who first said those words, they are wise words to follow. White (1897b) gives us a

spiritual spin on the phrase.

To know one's self is great knowledge. The teacher who rightly estimates himself will let
God mold him and discipline his mind. And he will acknowledge the source of his power.
For what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou
glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:7. Self-knowledge leads to humility
and trust in God; but it does not take the place of efforts for self-improvement. He who
realizes his own deficiencies should spare no pains to reach the highest possible standard of
physical, mental, and moral excellence (p. 50.2).

This summer I started my journey learning about myself, gaining self-knowledge.

During my 2016 Cohort Leadership Orientation, I was asked to take several leadership and
Who Am I? 4

learning style tests that have become more relevant to me as time has passed. I have a better

understanding now as I have progressed through several classes. According to the Strength

Finder (Gallop, 2016) survey, responsibility is my leading strength and I take psychological

ownership of what [I] say [I] will do. [I am] committed to stable values such as honesty and

loyalty (p. 3). I think this is why I take to heart what people say and how their actions line up

with their promises. It also explains why when I see a discrepancy in espoused values, I struggle

to understand them. But learning to understand how my worldview influences my behavior

toward others, is an important skill to learn, which is one of the purposes of Issues of Leadership

Foundations (LEAD 636) according to the following course description,

this course focuses on the importance of worldview in the role of education and leadership.
The basic perspectives of philosophy are introduced to provide participants an opportunity to
evaluate their understanding of reality, of knowledge, of what is of true value, as well as the
construct of a worldview (Siebold, 2017, p. 5).

LEAD 636 was designed to give us insights into how we as leaders will have to understand and

function in environments that contain multiple worldview perspectives and how those

perspectives will influence our understanding of those around us and the choices they make

(Leadership Department, 2014-2015, p. 19). It is only by understanding our own worldview and

those of others that we can understand how the differences affect the way we react and respond.

Issues in Leadership Foundations gives us the opportunity for foundational understanding for

Andrews University (AU) Leadership Competency 1A.

My journey to understand how philosophical foundations affects my worldview

perspective began at the beginning of LEAD 636. The first segment was designed around

reading from our many interesting texts, discussing them among our classmates on learning hub,

and activities designed to help us grasp a new understanding of the world around us. The second
Who Am I? 5

segment was to help us research, reflect, and write on what we have learned during this class and

how that new learning impacted us as we examined our personal beliefs and leadership

competency in this area.

Definition of Terms

In the beginning of my studies, I struggled to learn and understand terms that were new to

me and for clarity purposes, the following is a list of terms and their definitions that might be

useful for the remainder of this paper.

Philosophical Theories

According to Knight (2006) the word philosophy means love of wisdom but just

loving wisdom doesnt make me a philosopher. In the truest sense of the word, philosophy is

an activity, a set of attitudes, and a body of content (Chapter 1, What is Philosophy, Para. 1).

The activities a philosopher participates in helps him/her to understand the answers to the

greater questions of life. They seek to ask the right questions rather than providing answers

(Knight, 2016, p. 6). Examining, synthesizing, analyzing, speculating, prescribing, and

evaluating are activities that have traditionally been at the center of philosophic endeavors

(Knight, 2006, Chapter 1, Philosophy as an activity, Para. 1).

One of the mindsets of a philosopher is of self-awareness. He/She must be willing to

look deep at himself and be honest in regards to his beliefs about his world and those around

him. Knight (2006) reminds us that once we are aware of our predispositions, [we] need to take

this information into account in both interpretation and communication (Chapter 1, Philosophy

as an attitude, para. 2). We must be willing to examine this new self-knowledge and either

choose to accept it as is, or to search for another, better way to view those around us.
Who Am I? 6

Comprehensiveness is another mindset that is important to philosophy. Collecting and

researching from a wide spectrum of sources looking for the whole information rather than

settling for a slice.

Once a philosopher has found a wide spectrum of information, they can then take time to

dig deep into that information and give it all their skill, time, and energy allow (Knight, 2006,

Chapter 1, Philosophy as an attitude, para.4).

Finally, once he has spent the time and energy in his study, a philosopher must be willing

to be flexible, in that he is willing to look at old problems and questions in a new way (Knight,

2006, Chapter 1, Philosophy as an attitude, para. 5), from a new perspective. It is at this point

that Knight (2006) states that in the face of sufficient evidence. [and] after careful study, one

must decide if the position is the most reasonable and then act in accord with that decision

(Chapter 1, Philosophy as an attitude, para. 5). Marler states, the point at issue lies in ones

willingness even readiness to change that position given sufficient reason (as cited by

Knight, 2006, Chapter 1, Philosophy as an attitude, para. 5).

I remember listening to my dad tell the story of his search for the truth about God. Id

never thought of my dad as a philosopher, but the above attitudes of a philosopher described

above, reveal his process as he sought out the truth about the Sabbath. In the end, he was willing

to change his position and chose the Seventh-day Sabbath as truth.

If the philosopher has taken the time to examine the evidence, focusing on how we

communicate that information, studies comprehensively, penetrating for deep understanding,

then he will be confronted with some bedrock questions related to the nature of reality, truth,

and value (Knight, 2006, Chapter 1, Philosophy as content, para. 1). Morris (1961) states that

asking the right questions means asking those that are meaningful and relevant the kind of
Who Am I? 7

questions people really want answered and which will make a difference in how they live and

work (as cited by Knight, 2006, Chapter 1, Philosophy as content, para. 2).

Metaphysics

There are three essential groups of content that is important to the study of philosophy.

The first of which that I will address is metaphysics (Artifact 1 Learning Hub Posts), or the

study of questions surrounding the nature of reality. What is real? It would seem that this is an

easy question, but as I have been learning through my readings, everyones perspective of what

is real is different and specific to that persons life experiences. How we determine what is

absolutely real or true is impossible to prove; it must be accepted on faith. Trublood (1969)

states that

it is now widely recognized that absolute proof is something which the human being does not
and cannot have....the notion that, in natural science, we have both certainty and absolute
proof is simply one of the superstitions of our age" (as cited by Knight, 2016, p. 16).

The study of metaphysics includes the study of four areas. Cosmology is study of the

theory of origins or the beginnings of our universe. The question of the purpose of the universe

is one of the questions asked by cosmology. Theology is the second area of study in

metaphysics. Theology seeks to ask the question is there a God and if so, who is he? Is there

more than one? The third area of study is anthropological. Anthropology is the study of humans

and asks the questions about the nature of man. For example, what is the relationship between

our mind and body? Which is ultimately in control, the mind or the body? Lastly, ontology is the

study of things that have existence (Knight, 2006, Chapter 2, Aspects of metaphysics, para. 8).

Prior to this semester, I would not have been able to enter a discussion about metaphysics

or be able to explain its importance to education and my own spiritual walk, but now after our
Who Am I? 8

many learning hub discussions with classmates, reading the texts and researching for this

reflection paper, I have a better understanding of the topics and a larger understanding of its

importance. The questions of metaphysics are some of the most basic that we as people and

specifically as Christians must ask ourselves. We must strive to understand who God is to us,

what His role in our lives should be, and how that affects our roles to others. These questions

speak of our belief in a Savior and our faith in His redemption plan. It also plays a strong role in

the reason why educational theory can have so many forms, we like to pass on what we believe

to others. How we view the beginning of the world and mans place in it, what truly exists, and

lastly but most importantly, whether there is a God and what is His interest in our world all

effects how we present these highly important questions and answers to others. These can be life

changing answers to those who truly seek and of such importance to salvation that others have

died for their beliefs (Foxe, 1881).

Epistemology

Another area of philosophical concern is the study of truth. How can a person know what

is truth? Is truth absolute or relative? How does one gain knowledge of this truth and is it

dependable?

The sources of knowledge are considered to come from four different areas; the senses,

revelation, authoritative knowledge, and reason or rational thought. These are especially of

interest to the Christian because they speak to how God shares who He is to us and how He

communicates to and with us.

The first source of knowledge is through the senses. We know its cold outside because

we feel the cold and likewise we know it hot because we can no longer wear the coats and hats

from winter. We can smell the flowers in spring and hear the birds sing their songs.
Who Am I? 9

The second way we acquire knowledge is through revelation. This one is particularly

important to the Christian because this is how we believe that God speaks to His people. Knight

(2006) states that revelation differs from all other sources of knowledge by presupposing a

transcendent supernatural reality that breaks into the natural order (Chapter 2, Sources of

knowledge, Revelation, para. 1). As believers we believe that knowledge gained through

revelation is absolute. This belief will play a role in how one views the word of God in his life.

The third source of knowledge is authoritative knowledge. This is knowledge that is

accepted as true because it comes from experts or has been sanctified over time as tradition

(Knight, 2006, Chapter 2, Sources of knowledge, Authority, para. 1). This type of knowledge

has its dangers as well as benefits. Examples of authoritative knowledge are textbooks, reference

materials etc. But the danger is that if written by non-believers, these can be distorted with a

different set of values. I remember when my children were young and they were watching a

nature show for children on TV and the narrator was explaining that this took place millions of

years ago. I told my children that we dont believe that way. My son was absolutely convinced

that I was wrong because the TV had to be correct! Authoritative knowledge has its place but

one must still determine the validity of the information.

The last area of epistemological study is that of reason or rational thinking. We are made

in the image of God and have a relational nature. We can think abstractly, be reflective, and

reason from cause to effect. As a result of the Fall, human reasoning powers have been lessened

but not destroyed. Gods plea to sinful individuals is that they might reason together with Him

concerning the human predicament and its solution (Isaiah 1:18) (Knight, 2016, p. 35).
Who Am I? 10

Epistemological study is important to the Christian because we believe that Gods word

is absolute truth. With this understanding, we find the truth in the nature of man, that God

created the universe, is our redeemer, and is the alpha and omega. Jones explains it this way,

the Alphabet of God is the truth. We believe that truth and thus we know that He is what He
is. There is proof of this, but the proof is in Himself. By believing this Alphabet, by
receiving Him for what He is, we obtain the knowledge; and in this knowledge and by
experience of it we have the constant living proof (Jones, 1903, p. 20.2).

Christ is the foundation of all knowledge and He wants us to seek for the pearls of truth found in

His word. Speaking of knowledge, Solomon says,

if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and
find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:3-5 NIV).

I have been reminded of the importance of the Bible as our main source of wisdom. White says

this about the importance of the Bible as the source of knowledge,

the students in our schools are to consider the knowledge of God as above everything else.
Searching the Scriptures alone will bring the knowledge of the true God and Jesus Christ
whom he hath sent. The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto
us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the
wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent (White, 1897b, p. 15.2).

Our early British reformers of the sixteenth century cried, sola Scriptura or Scripture only. In

their eyes, the Bible was the only authority they would accept (Powell, 1985, p. 889). Today we

as Adventists believe the same, but I fear at times our actions do not proclaim it as loudly as the

reformers.

Axiology
Who Am I? 11

The last segment of philosophy is axiology, the study of values and aesthetics. Today,

values and ethics are hot topics in the world of business, but to the Christian they should be a

way of life. Axiology asks the individual to determine what they believe in and how that affects

my actions and the things that are important to me. It would seem to me that of the three parts of

philosophy, axiology deals more with the outward signs of ones belief system. If we live by

what we value, it should be in agreement with our beliefs. Does it always turn out that way?

Unfortunately, no it doesnt. Paul experienced this and spoke about it in Romans 7:21-25

It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to
trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins
in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can
do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this
life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by
the influence of sin to do something totally different. (The Message)

Knight (2016) sums it up in this manner, Christian values build directly upon a biblical

perspective of metaphysics and epistemology" (p. 37).

Aesthetics is the study of beauty. It is here that we can see God in nature and the beauty

He has given us. We see that God has given us the ability to create beautiful things, but that also

means that we can create devastation also. God has created us to be rational beings with the

ability to make choices. Unfortunately, some of us do not make the best choices, but thankfully

there is a Redeemer ready for us to turn to Him and to restore us back to the image of God.

Our desire to do the will of God is tied into our metaphysical understanding of the reality

of God and our place in His universe, our understanding of what is ultimate truth and knowledge
Who Am I? 12

(epistemology) and our desire to have Godly values and see the beauty that God has placed all

around us (axiology). Whether it is the beauty of nature or the talent He has given man through

artistic expression. How do we know what is of value and what is good behavior? I can only

think it is by the promptings of the Holy Spirit and through the reading of His written revelation.

Worldviews

How a person views the answers to the philosophical questions above helps to make up a

persons worldview, whether they are aware of it or not. These beliefs become the statutes that

we live by, whether consciously or unconsciously. Regardless of whether we engage them

through a philosophy class or absorb them through our culture, our worldview will have a deep

impact on how we view the world around us (Chapter 1, para. 8). Anderson (2014) describes it

like a pair of spectacles with colored lenses, it affects what you see and how you see it.
Depending on the color of the lenses, you see some things more easily, while other things
are de-emphasized or distorted. In some cases, you dont see things at all (p. 12).

It is human nature to search for the answers to the meaning of life and all worldviews offer

definitions of the fundamental human problem and how we might fix it. When you get right

down to it, every worldview attempts to answer the question What must we do to be saved

(Wilkens & Sanford, 2009, p. 14)? Sire (2009) states a worldview involves the mind, but it is

first of all a commitment, a matter of the soul. It is a spiritual orientation more than it is a matter

of mind alone (Chapter 1, Worldview as a commitment, para. 1). He goes on to explain that

worldviews are a heart matter because it is from the heart that all ones thoughts and actions

proceed (Chapter 1, Worldview as a commitment, para. 2). Sometimes, like in my experience,

we are not even aware of the role our worldview plays in how we view our world around us. If

we want clarity about our own worldview, however, we must reflect and profoundly consider
Who Am I? 13

how we actually behave (Chapter 1, The foundation on which we live, para. 2). But keep in

mind that this is a practice of a lifetime. Because we are continually learning and experiencing

life, we need to evaluate our lives to find where we are out of sync with Gods worldview

(Wilkens & Sanford, 2009, p. 206).

Individualism

It is at this point that I think it is important to take a quick look at a few worldviews that

have had an impact on my life, both good and bad. The first one I relate to unfortunately is

individualism and is summarized here by Wilkens and Sanford (2009). Individualism is

the belief that the individual is the primary reality and that our understanding of the universe
and lifestyle should be centered in oneself. Individualism says that my unique interests and
goals should be pursued, as much as possible, by whatever means deemed proper. Thus,
individuals strive for autonomy and self-sufficiency, relying on others only as they contribute
to ones personal pursuits (p. 27).

I struggled with this definition because I related to striving for autonomy and self-sufficiency

to such a degree that reading this was uncomfortable. I tend to tackle things on my own as much

as possible. I rarely ask for help and when I do it seems as though people let me down, so I

learned to rely on myself. This has been an area that the Lord has worked with me for years.

Apparently Im not a quick study. Let me give an example.

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, he underwent radical surgery to

remove the cancer, then he had six rounds of chemotherapy and that was followed up with

radiation therapy. It was during that time that I was running myself ragged attempting to do too

much. I was homeschooling our two children, taking care of my husband as he was recuperating

from surgeries and chemo, cooking wholesome meals for my family and taking care of the house
Who Am I? 14

and yardwork both of which were my husbands responsibilities. A very kind friend sat me

down and told me that I needed to give people an opportunity to give. If I did everything, not

only was I wearing myself out, but I was robbing the church members and friends of an

opportunity to receive the blessing that comes from giving of themselves. That conversation

stuck with me. While I cannot say that I always ask for help, I am more willing now to allow

people to help out if they desire, rather than turning them away.

Individualism also leaves God out of the equation. Individualism makes me the

authoritative source of what is right and wrong for my life. I make the decisions of what is

important in my life (Wilkens & Sanford, 2009, p. 32). While that is tempting, biblically, we

know that Christ is to be the ultimate decision maker for my life. Paul says it this way, so if I

can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's

command is necessary (Romans 7:16 Message).

Another devastating aspect of individualism is that performance defines my self-worth.

What we do and what we accomplish is equated with who we are (Wilkens & Sanford, 2009, p.

33). My performance means nothing in light of the cross, for all have sinned, and fall short of

the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ

Jesus (Romans 3:23-24 ASV). And, not by works done in righteousness, which we did

ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and

renewing of the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5(ASV). The Bible makes it clear that my performance is

not going to save me; its only by the grace of God that I am saved.
Who Am I? 15

Christianity

The worldview that I claim is that of Christianity. I believe that there is one God, that he

created the universe out of nothing and he lovingly sustains it. Genesis 2:27 says And God

created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he

them. We were given free will and unfortunately, we made the wrong choice and that was the

beginning of sin, the relationship with God was broken and it is only because of His love for us

that we are saved by His taking our place on the cross. This is how much God loved the world:

He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by

believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life (John 3:16 Message). It is Gods

desire that I be restored back to the original relationship with Him. It is by faith in Christ that I

am saved and according to Wilkens and Sanford (2009) it should touch and transform every

aspect of life. Gods story should rewrite our individual stories in such a way that our identities,

convictions, values and actions are in sync with Gods will (pp. 196-197). I think it is this

concept of the necessity of congruence between belief and action that has recently made an

impact on my life. Our life should be in agreement with our beliefs but unfortunately we, like

Paul, find it hard to follow through, but he also give us the solution in this text Romans 7:18-25

I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but
I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as
they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the
better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to
do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious
that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect
Who Am I? 16

it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is
there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank
God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of
contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the
influence of sin to do something totally different (Romans 7:18-25 Message).

There is such hope in this text for me because while I am encouraged to strive for perfection

(Matthew 5:8), I know that Christ is perfect for me. It is in this restoration process that I am

transformed into Christs likeness. I love the Message version of Romans 12:2.

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize
what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always
dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-
formed maturity in you.

While I am in a world with many opposing worldviews, I need to be diligent that I do not let

them creep into my own worldview and show in my actions. White reminds us that there must

be earnest, careful, persevering effort to break away from the customs, maxims, and associations

of the world. Deep thought, earnest purpose, steadfast integrity, are essential (White, 1897b, p.

75.4)

While the study of philosophy is important for the Christian, it also plays an important

role in education. Because your worldview perspective on the answers to these philosophical

questions influences your values and beliefs and helps to define your educational theory. That is

why there are so many differing views on education. For the Christian, an education with Christ

at its center is paramount because the true role of education is to bring humans back into a saving

relationship with God so that we might be restored into the image of God (White, 1893, p.

236.1). The power and soul of true education is a knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ whom

he hath sent. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (White, 1897b, p. 16.1).
Who Am I? 17

Fundamentalism

It was during my search for a relationship between homeschooling, education, and

worldviews that I found the idea that fundamentalism is considered by some to be a worldview.

That was a new thought to me. I related to parts of its foundations, while adamantly disagreeing

with others. Let me share what I found.

In his paper for the 4th Symposium of the Bible and Adventist Scholarship, Rasi made the

statement that postmodernisms impact

on theology are significant, as the discipline moves away from propositional claims based on the
Scriptures to culture-specific, socially-constructed religious concepts. The Christian meta-
narrative is questioned or abandoned altogether. Thus the core of Christianity is shifting from
creed-based to general spirituality, triggering a disconnect between personal experience and
fundamental beliefs (Rasi, 2008, pp. 7-8).

This has caused great concerns in the Christian world. Core values, those that can never be

compromised for convenience or economic gain (Lencioni, 2001, p. 6), are quickly falling by the

wayside in our current culture. Christianity has a rich history of martyrs who have died for those

beliefs and values, but do our young people today have the strength to withstand the influences

of our current culture? It was because of these concerns that modern American fundamentalism

grew out of the nineteenth century evangelical movement (Woodberry & Smith, 1998, p. 27).

There was tension between the Northern and Southern evangelicals over Darwinism and higher

(or historical) biblical criticism, and modernists attempt to change Christianity to match their

view of a science without God. Conservatives resisted these changes (p. 27), but it wasn't until

just prior to World War I that a group of conservative scholars published

The Fundamentals of the Christian Religion, which argued for the authority of Scripture, the
veracity of biblical miracles, and salvation through Christ alone. They claimed that these
doctrines are so fundamental to the Christian faith that those who deny them are outside the
Christian tradition. As a result, they were labeled fundamentalists (p. 28).

Today fundamentalism stresses strict literal interpretation of the Bible, dispensational theology,
Who Am I? 18

premillennial eschatology, and institutional separation from apostasy (i.e., liberal Protestants

and Catholics) (see Weber 1991, Marsden 1987a, 1991, Ammerman 1987) (Woodberry & Smith,

1998, pp. 28-29). I cannot help but agree with the concern with the lack of morals brought on by

the modernists and the fundamentalists desire guard the veracity of the truth of Scripture. But

unfortunately like every movement, there are some that become militant and political believing

that they must force upon others their beliefs. I am reminded of a statement made by White that

is quite similar to the beliefs of fundamentalism.

The greatest want of the world is the want of menmen [and women] who will not be
bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to
call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole,
men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall (White, 1903, p. 50.2).

Fundamentalism and Homeschooling

As related above, it was in my reading of an article about homeschooling that I found

myself interested in fundamentalisms foundational beliefs. In his article Kunzman (2010)

introduced the nature and origins of fundamentalism. He describes it as follows, at its core,

religious fundamentalism pushes back against what it perceives as an increasingly secular

culture, striving to remain separate from that culture while seeking to restore religion to its

rightful, central place in society (p. 19). Kunzman (2010) lists four ways the uniqueness of the

homeschooling framework can offer support to the central ideals of Christian fundamentalism;

resistance to contemporary culture, suspicion of institutional authority and professional expertise,

parental control and centrality of the family, interweaving of academic and religious, and

sustaining the civic conversation (p. 20).

Who Am I? 19

While I could go into more detail comparing how closely many of these ideals intersect

with a large segment of the homeschooling movement, there are several items that I would like

to comment on. The traditional family is one of the great concerns of fundamentalism and many

homeschooling families take this concern very seriously. The education of our children is a God

given responsibility. Kunzman (2009) quoted a mother as saying,

why would you want to send your child away for the majority of the day and let someone
elses ideas and personality be placed in your child every day? Im her parent. God gave her
to me to form and to raise, so I feel thats my responsibility (p. 180).

These are the concerns of Christian parents, both homeschooling and brick and mortar. We

recognize the dangers of cultural influences on our children. The influence of these cultural

trends in the public school can be devastating. We are reminded that once upon a time the Bible

was one of the main textbooks allowing for religious education and character refinement. Once

children learned to read from the Hornbook, they went on to learn to read from the Bible

(Cubberley, 1919, p. 88) Wilkins and Sanford (2009) refer to these influences as hidden

worldviews because they are everywhere and slip past our best defenses. They explain it this

way,

many Christians have imported chunks of these worldviews without being aware of it. This
is difficult to avoid because they are embedded throughout North American culture.
Moreover, because we do not encounter them as intellectual systems, they usually fly under
the radar of conscious thought. Thus, their power over us is increased since we are often
unaware of how they shape our life and ideas. In short, no one is immune from the influence
of these perspectives (p. 13).

With the prevalence of these hidden worldviews being so common, Christian parents are in for a

battle for the hearts and souls of their children.

The great work of parents and teachers is character building; it is to seek to restore the image
of Christ in those who are placed under their care. The formation of character is the work
of a lifetime, and it is for eternity. If all could realize this, if they would awaken to the
thought that we are individually deciding our own destiny and the destinies of our children
for eternal life or eternal ruin, what a change would take place (White, 1897b, p. 73.1)
Who Am I? 20

I wish that I could say that these were the reasons we initially chose to homeschool our children.

But we fell into homeschooling more because I had experience teaching Kindergarten at

Bakersfield Adventist Academy and when it came time for my daughter start Kindergarten, I felt

that there was no reason to send her out for school since I had the experience to teach her at

home. It wasn't until I attended a homeschooling fair in Dallas, TX that year that we had our

eyes opened. We decided to change our philosophy of education and chose to not actively teach

our daughter reading until she was older taking to heart this admonishment by White (1897a),

During the first six or seven years of a child's life, special attention should be given to its
physical training, rather than to the intellect. After this period, if the physical constitution is
good, the education of both should receive attention.... Parents, especially mothers, should
be the only teachers of such infant minds. They should not educate from books. The
children generally will be inquisitive to learn the things of nature. They will ask questions in
regard to the things they see and hear, and parents should improve the opportunity to instruct
and patiently answer these little inquiries (p. 151.1).

Then my son came along and needed special care in regards to his learning difficulties. Looking

back, I wish I had taken more to heart the recommendation to leave off textbooks until later.

While we chose to not teach reading, we still taught math and science. I wish I could say that

our science came from hours spent in nature, but that would not be the truth. I was working off

my experience as a brick and mortar classroom teacher. It wasnt until later that I began to

realize the benefits from homeschool in regards to my close relationship with my children as

well as the opportunity for character education.

Key Learnings

As stated above, I have been reminded that our lives speak loudly about our actual

beliefs. These are our living testimonies either for good or bad. Thus we are called to be

transparent in our lives, so that others can see what God is doing in our lives and what He wants
Who Am I? 21

to do in theirs. Although this has not always been easy in my life, I have tried to live as an

example to those around me. Sometimes leading in a world with differing worldviews can be

challenging and I would have appreciated the new knowledge I have gained. One experience

that was particularly difficult was with a co-worker with a worldview that I did not understand. I

was lead teacher in a daycare center and my co-worker came from an Islamic viewpoint. I began

to struggle with her choice to go against parents wishes for their children and then to lie to them

about their childs care. This was not something I could condone as a professional and as a

Christian. I struggled because I wanted the parents in my room to have faith that we were caring

for their child in a manner that they were comfortable with. I believe in transparency and work

harmony, but at times these ideals seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum. I tried to always

take the parents concerns seriously and worked to find a resolution that all could live with

(Artifact 2 Haxton letter). Unfortunately, this created a tension between my co-worker and I.

It was a very difficult time period for me and I struggled to uphold values that I felt were

important to the center, parents and myself. Looking back with my new knowledge, I recognize

that I was seeing the gaps between the espoused theory or values (what we say we do) and the

theory in use at the moment (what we actually do) (Senge, 2011, p. 105). As leaders, it is

important to make sure that our talk is congruent with our walk if we want our employees and

co-workers to have moral ethics in the workplace (Trevino & Brown, 2011, p. 176). This makes

leadership with integrity extremely important to the Christian when we recognize the role we

play in sharing the gospel through our actions.

How I view the beauty of Gods creation in others around me, speaks to my ability to

look past their faults and see them seeking answers to the most important question of life, what

must do to have eternal life? My capacity to look deeper, to share with them through my own
Who Am I? 22

consistent words and actions, that the God of creation wants a personal relationship with them. I

believe this is one of the most important aspects of the study of philosophy and worldviews. If I

do not understand the viewpoints of others, then it will be hard for me to share my belief in a

personal and loving Savior and why that is the answer to the basic questions of life.

Reflection

Because leadership is primarily about change and the best changes occurs after deep

reflection with ones self to determine how ones belief and practices measure up (Leadership

Department, 2014-2015, p. 18) , the AU Leadership program has designed to incorporate that

necessary reflection. This comes in the forms of leadership and learning groups, written dialog

through learning hub and of course the reflection paper. It is through this process that we are

encouraged to think critically about who [I am] and how [I] practice leadership (p. 18).

It was with that purpose in mind that I began to critically look at how my life was

measuring up to the standard placed upon me by my Creator. Upon reflection on my life as it

pertains to my philosophical beliefs and values, I understand the great challenge it is to have a

living testimony that honors God. It is only by His grace that I can be an influencer for good. I

have had to make some changes to my perceptions of my relationship with God and with that

brought a renewed desire to be His servant leader. I want my personal relationship with God to

continue to grow and that my life will show what I believe. I pray that I will be more

understanding of others with different worldviews and that I will be less judgmental of those I

assume have similar worldviews. I hope that my working relationships with others will show

that I believe the best in them and that they will find me to be a supportive factor in their life. It

is important to me that I show transparency and that I am accountable to God for my choices.
Who Am I? 23

I have found myself looking for way to share my new understanding of my philosophy

with those around me. As I substitute taught the kindergarten-second grade science class

recently, I found that I had new thoughts on the concept of inventions and inventors. We

discussed Who gave the inventors the ideas for their creations, and about the ability God gave us

as rational beings to choose and that sometimes man makes bad choices in their use of these

inventions. We discussed the invention of weapons and how man must rely on Gods leading for

the use of these inventions, because even in the Bible man used weapons.

Then with my weekly work with our ninth and tenth graders, I have tried to help them to

comprehend that everything they do shows to others around them what their beliefs actually are.

The students claim to be Christian, but does their concern for their elders show that Christ is in

their hearts? It has been a struggle for me to share with them my belief that what we do is just as

important as what we say. I have tried to help our students learn to share their belief in Jesus to

their senior mentors and at times I wondered if they were grasping this concept. Then the other

day, as we were getting ready to leave, one of my students came and quietly stated that we

needed to pray with one of their seniors. When I got to her room, he had assembled the other

three students and they looked to me for prayer. I asked the senior if I could pray for her and she

said that she would appreciate that. We joined hands and prayed. I was about in tears when I

finished because for the first time it felt as though they were getting the real reason we were

there twice a week! It is a true joy and blessing to see your students move from groaning that

they have to go to the nursing home, to asking me to pray with them over one of the residents for

her health (Artifact 3- Copy of Assist Student Reflection). That is the joy of true leadership.

Conclusion
Who Am I? 24

Throughout my learning this semester I have been continually brought back to the true

object of education [which] is to restore the image of God in the soul (White, 1893, p. 236.1).

In all that we do, from teaching kindergarten and first graders how God gave us minds to invent,

that all knowledge comes from the Great Creator, to helping my ninth and tenth graders to see

the beauty of service in their nursing home visitation. Everything should point toward the need

for a saving relationship with God. That is the most important form of leadership we can give.

Throughout this paper I have tried to share my understanding of the important

philosophical foundations that underpin the development of my personal worldview. I have

looked at philosophical theories and compared them to the experiences of my life. I have found

that I am not always the best example of what I say I believe and have had to take a hard look at

several of my lifestyle choices.

As I look toward the future, I plan to use my understanding of the impact our

foundational beliefs have on our view of the world around us, to help me to appreciate the

uniqueness of those around me and to recognize that there are deeper issues at stake when I do

not understand anothers perspective. I need to look at life from their perspective and find a way

to share my faith in a manner that is in harmony with the example given by Christ.

As I work with parents to find options in their homeschooling, it will be my goal to use

the knowledge gained about myself and others to help them find the very best solution that will

allow their educational choices to match with their view of education. I want to be a supportive

leader in Adventist Christian homeschooling, guiding parents as they search for the very best

way they can train up a child and when he is old, he will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6.
Who Am I? 25

Artifacts

Artifact 1: Learning Hub posts

Artifact 2: Haxton Letter

Artifact 3: Copy of Assist Student Reflection

Who Am I? 26

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