Control Beliefs

This post is a post from a discussion forum in one of my graduate classes for Dordt College's School Leadership program. This post is from EDUC 503: Interpreting Educational Research.

Religious perspectives “should be permissible as background beliefs in the academy. . . . not [as] ideas that we would normally introduce into the pragmatic academy as the evidence for our views. For that we would look to other beliefs that we share with persons from differing ideological camps, so that we could argue on common grounds.” (49-50) These beliefs may function as “control beliefs” (Wolterstorff says these function in two ways. Because we hold them we are led to reject certain sorts of theories (e.g. big bang theory) and they lead us to devise theories that are consistent with these beliefs). How would describe your control beliefs? Write your out and share them with us.

Do you think there is a common set that Christian researchers can use?

One control belief that is central to me is the Reformed view of God’s reign over all things and his presence in all things. This belief helps me understand more fully God’s plan and how there are not “boxes” of life where he does not have influence over. Because of his lordship, there is interconnectedness present throughout his creation. This definitely affects my life as a teacher by teaching in this way to the students that enter the classroom.

Tied to the first belief, I also realize that God is in control of my life. As Q&A #1 in the Heidelberg Catechism states “I am not my own, but belong body and soul to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This definitely a reassuring thought, that I can know I have eternal life through the sacrifice Jesus paid for me on the cross. Decisions I make here on earth need to reflect the fact that I am showing I belong to him.

A third control belief I hold to is from the Westminster Catechism Q&A #1 “What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Soli Deo Gloria, to God be the glory! I need to reflect the fact that I am giving God the glory, and not being self-seeking, looking for my own interests or personal gain when making choices or decisions.

So…can there be a set that Christian researchers use? As we have read in Marsden and know to be true, there can be a wide range of beliefs and interpretations within Christianity itself. However, the belief of glorifying God through further studying and academics should be a central theme to all Christians. It goes back to the question I addressed in an earlier discussion post: “Why have an academic career?” An academic career opens our eyes to the vast creation around us, to which we should only have one response—thanking and giving God the glory! Christian researchers should be focusing on opening new discoveries his God’s creation and seeing how different areas of life are connected and impact one another.