Teaching from a Biblical Worldview: Dr. Debbie MacCullough Reflects on the Revised Edition of the Book “Undivided”

By: David Harding

Dr. Debbie MacCullough, ACSI’s Senior Director of School Improvement, recently shared her insights about the revised edition of the book “Undivided.” “Undivided” is both a philosophical and practical guide to biblical worldview integration in the classroom, offering a compelling framework for how to teach all subjects—even mathematics—with theological depth and coherence.

Debbie wrote one of the appendixes and possesses an acute understanding of “Undivided” since it was written by her mother, Dr. Martha MacCullough, a veteran educator with over four decades of experience training Christian teachers.

“‘Undivided’ is a book that examines not just what biblical worldview integration is, but also how to craft lessons that are biblically integrated," explained Debbie. “My mother leverages her 40 years of experience training teachers to help them, and curriculum developers, better understand how to fight a dualistic approach to all Christian education. The approach is usable by all age levels and for all subject matters.”

The book is a direct challenge to the mindset often found in Christian education, where academic subjects and biblical truth are kept in separate spheres. Instead, it calls educators to intentionally teach from a biblical worldview, helping students evaluate and discern conflicting worldviews through the lens of Scripture.

Debbie speaks from personal and professional experience, being raised in a home where this mindset was lived out daily. “I was taught by parents—and in Christian schools by my mother's former students—to think this way from a young age,” she said. “So when I began teaching, even in mathematics, this approach was a natural fit.”

She acknowledges the skepticism many teachers express, especially in subjects like math. “Many mathematics teachers will say it is so difficult to teach from a biblical worldview, but I am convinced that this is the most understandable approach to do so. Rather than trying to falsely add a verse or create a ‘values’ lesson (which will often lead to even more dualistic thinking), this worldview question approach has allowed me to teach mathematics by truly examining the biblical truth of God's wonderful, awesome creation in a way that we can mathematically describe it!”

The updated edition of “Undivided” reflects years of conversation and collaboration between mother and daughter. It now includes expanded sections addressing 21st-century challenges, such as declining biblical literacy and students in Christian schools who may not even believe in God. An addendum has also been added for educators working within national curricula outside the U.S.

“My mom took the time to think through the challenges of Christian schooling in our 21st century,” Debbie told me. “She addresses some of the biblical literacy challenges we face, as well as broadens her explanations of some concepts since some young people in Christian schools do not necessarily believe there is a God. We added an addendum for working with national curricula for those who work outside the U.S. and are bound by their government's curriculum.”

“Undivided” offers a deep well of wisdom and practical application. It equips educators and curriculum writers to not only teach faithfully but also to transform the way students see the world—through the lens of God's truth.

You can order “Undivided” on the website.