Teaching History from a biblical integration perspective in an Adventist high school in Romania

Abstract

Adventist education’s approach to history is conducted from a biblical perspective. Teachers and students studying history recognize that most historical narratives include philosophies and beliefs antagonistic to the biblical worldview. This research was conducted in an Adventist high school in Romania. The primary objective of the research is to improve history teaching through a clearer biblical perspective, with the cosmic conflict between good and evil serving as an important reference framework. The study was designed using a qualitative methodological perspective, employing a case study design with an action-research component to understand the investigated phenomenon, interpret its significance, and develop a substantial theoretical approximation of the analyzed reality. Qualitative data collection techniques included focus groups, observation, targeted testimonies, and semi-structured interviews. Tools such as anecdotal records and interview guides were employed. Results show that the teacher’ knowledge of biblical foundation of the topics and its relationship with values drawn from the Bible are crucial to intentionally guide students in their journey to build their own worldview. Active teaching strategies and a stimulating learning environment foster critical thinking from a biblical perspective. In conclusion, integrating faith into history teaching requires careful planning of didactic strategies and an indepth understanding of historical facts analyzed from a biblical perspective. The application of this research represented a process of growth and improvement in the pedagogical practice of the history teacher, particularly through the implementation of faith integration. This study provides an important foundation for future research aimed at optimizing the integration of faith in history teaching.