As a tutor, I often hear questions like this: "Why do I have to learn math [or whatever subject] if I'm not going to use it in my career/life?" The very question reveals a cancer in our society, even among most believers: utilitarianism ("the end justifies the means"). In short, this evil philosophy states that the value of something depends upon its usefulness. It is the same philosophy which has led our society to killing the unborn, the elderly, and the infirm. Too many believers live according to a utilitarian philosophy (without knowing its name, usually) and therefore cannot reconcile aspects of their lifestyle with what is required of them by God's Word.

The opposite of utilitarianism is deontology, the philosophy that the values of things, people, actions, etc., are inherent. Biblical deontology, then, is that this value is assigned in advance by God Himself. Our actions are therefore limited or even dictated by these values (this is the source of Christian duty), not governed by what makes us happy, by situations, or by any other relativism.

In the spirit of deontology, math's value is inherent, not governed by its later usefulness. We learn it because we can and because math is good (has positive value). However, I will go even further than this, since so many well meaning believers cannot easily grasp or embrace Biblical deontology. Math has value because it reveals the beautiful, genius, and loving nature of God's creation. It thereby reveals much of His character (e.g., God of order not chaos). Calculus is necessary to understand dynamics, the physics of motion, and dynamics is extremely useful in making superior drivers. (Parents, if you want your teenage drivers to be better equipped to avoid automobile accidents, make sure they know physics and therefore calculus.) Of course, to learn calculus, it helps to first learn Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Math (namely Algebra) is used even in the grocery store to help determine the best value, balance your checkbook, or even figure up the tip in a restaurant. Geometry is a great discipline for later proving various truths of the Biblical worldview. Mastering math disciplines the mind such that patterns may be recognized and understood, even patterns of human behavior. If this is done even on an intuitive level (i.e., no equations or conscious calculations), we can grow more socially and emotionally mature.

I need not justify the usefulness of math, or any other academic subject, in order for it to have value. Its value is inherent. However, I have still provided numerous examples of its usefulness for those not yet embracing Biblical deontology.