“Here at Pensacola Christian College, it is our deepest passion to lift His name and to serve students and families in ways that help them follow God’s calling in their life,” declared College President Troy Shoemaker to the guests seated in the Crowne Centre. “From time to time, we invite special speakers in, and this week we did just that through what we call the biblical worldview lecture series,” he continued. From college classes and chapel messages to reaching millions through Abeka textbooks, academic excellence and a solid biblical worldview are woven into everything PCC and its affiliates do.
Thursday evening highlighted the Living in Babylon event led by Ken Ham, renowned speaker, author, and founder CEO of Answers in Genesis, followed by Bryan Osborne, an author, former public-school teacher, and worldwide speaker. Ken Ham also spoke in chapel both Thursday and Friday. The topics covered during the presentations drew comparisons between life in ancient Babylon seen in the biblical account of Daniel with life in today’s post-Christian world. Throughout the evening program, students, staff, and faculty ministered through music, preparing hearts to praise with selections from the 2025 Bible Conference. And a Q&A session concluded the night.
Why does worldview matter?
Alum and attendee Sean Barnett (Interdisciplinary Studies ’22) has been familiar with Ken Ham and his ministries for much of his life, and while recently visiting the Ark Encounter, he witnessed the sad reality of families today without a knowledge or foundation of the Bible. Sean observed a little girl with her parents exclaim that her mom came from her dad’s side. To which the dad acknowledged he did not know that Eve came from Adam’s side.
“While it was precious to see a child understand the significance of the history of Adam and Eve and its relevance to marriage today, it was concerning to see the spiritual leader of a family ignorant of God’s Word,” Sean said.
“Everyone has a worldview,” said Andy Perrigo (Missions ’92), legislative assistant in North Carolina. He watched the Living in Babylon event on livestream. “In my opinion, a biblical worldview is the logical result of a Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-aware walk with God.” Andy could relate to the examples that Ham gave, demonstrating how an improper worldview affects families and churches. “In my work in the NC Senate, I see a lot of ‘culture’ policy debate. It is vital that policymakers have a biblical worldview and debate with the confidence of knowing they are on the correct side of the debate.”
“If their foundation is not strong and built upon God, it will crumble when challenged and tempted by the world.”
In this fast-changing culture, there are still students who are seeking to grow their lives and futures on Scripture. “As a student, I have found it to be vitally important for me to establish my worldview on God’s Word while I am young so that I can help speak truth into as many people as possible,” shared Cynthia Paramathas (Sr., MO). “People my age are hungry for direction and truth, but if I am not established enough in what I believe, then I can’t help them as much.”
When away from home and the influence of their parents, many young people find their faith shaken. “I think it’s important for college students to establish a strong, unmoving foundation on God because [this] is the time that most young people walk away from the faith,” shared sophomore Skylar Dunham (CA). “If their foundation is not strong and built upon God, it will crumble when challenged and tempted by the world.”
As society’s values and issues stray from a godly focus, the consequences of sin become increasingly evident. “College is a great place to discuss these matters,” Amberlie Truax (Sr., PA) said. “[And having these conversations here] will prepare me to learn more about how to talk to secularists and have an answer for them. This is why I came to a Christian college. I wanted to be equipped to go out into the world to be a witness for Christ and to have an answer for those who are lost.”
How truth is prioritized
From its establishment in 1974, PCC has encouraged students to develop a worldview based on the Bible, to ensure that every graduate is rooted in a firm foundation and is prepared to reach the world for Christ. This is one of the key parts of the PCC Promise. “We infuse the biblical worldview into every major,” explained Executive Vice President Jon Lands. “The engineer sees intelligent design woven into creation—and we affirm with the authority of Scripture that God is the Designer. The nurse sees the value of compassion in caring for others, as commanded in Scripture and modeled by Christ. Our goal is not merely to learn biblical truths, but to live them out in every vocation.”
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree complete a Bible minor alongside their chosen major, grounding them in Scriptures as they learn under faculty who are committed Christians and experts in their field. Freshmen take introductory Bible courses covering the Old Testament and the New Testament. “From the very beginning, from creation all the way through to the end of the Bible, we’re [giving them] the full spectrum of Scripture,” commented Dr. Dan Troutman from the Bible department. “Then sophomore year we take them into Bible doctrines so they’re learning the foundational facts of God, Christ, man, salvation, and the future. They’re getting to where they can understand and articulate what they believe.”
During one of his chapel messages, Ken Ham emphasized Genesis 1−11 as the bedrock for the Christian worldview. “It’s the foundation for everything and what we need to understand what’s happening in our world today,” he said. “What you believe about where you come from affects every area of your life and everything you believe.”
“It’s the foundation for everything and what we need to understand what’s happening in our world today.”
Assistant Pastor Bobby Lyles (Music Education ’99, MA Music ’01) of Shore Light Baptist Church drove in from Daphne, Alabama, with his wife Trina (Early Childhood Education ’94). “Everyone has a worldview,” Pastor Lyles agreed. “Ken Ham proved this by helping us understand that either we are our own authority or something outside of us is—and that the Bible is the best source for an authority because it is God’s Word.” The biggest takeaway for the Lyles was that Christians can no longer stand on the sidelines. “We must take a stand for what we know is right.”
The hope we have as Christians
Young Daniel’s witness in Babylon communicates a hopeful message for believers today. God’s Word stood firm then just as it does in a continually shifting culture. Senior studying pastoral ministries DJ Waddell (MI) was encouraged by the reminder that “God’s Word is not just an explanation, it’s a foundation,” he shared. “[Ken Ham] proved that the Bible has the answers to even the toughest questions of life. Anything else is sinking sand.”
“When we live like Daniels,” added Gabe Breau (Seminary Student, NY), “through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will begin to show the world God’s Word as the only true foundation for life. God’s Word is eternal. It will never fade.”
“The Bible has the answers to even the toughest questions of life.”
From young adults in college to those raising the next generation, developing a foundation with a biblical worldview is eternally valuable. “[PCC] equips graduates with the necessary wisdom to combat worldly philosophies and challenges they will face not only in the workforce but also in daily living for the rest of their lives,” said Grace Larson (Commercial Art ’92), alumna and Abeka textbook designer. “Having an arsenal of Scripture and discernment as well as knowing practical ways to engage others, builds my faith and gives me confidence in contending for my faith. Jesus is the cure for our sin-sick world, and God wants us to simply be faithful in sharing the gospel and standing for Him, letting Him determine the results.”
As the spring biblical worldview lecture series culminated with the Living in Babylon event, faculty, staff, students, and guests came away inspired and motivated that in spite of the increasing darkness in the world, the Word of God is ever-present to help Christians shine brighter and brighter.