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LIVING LESSONS
Literature Based Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main difference between Living Lessons and other
literature based curriculums?
The main difference between this curriculum and
other literature based curriculums is the philosophical foundation.
The philosophy and belief system of the author determines the book list.
Our philosophy is based on two major principles.
- Books must be selected not because of their status as a great
classic, but whether they first met God’s criteria for purity, truth,
virtue, etc. (Phil.4:8) That they are classified a classic by man’s
standards is an added benefit. Meeting God’s standards for books that
build Christ-like character is essential, without any particular
denominational slant. Therefore, our book list will be very different
than most other literature based curriculums.
- Most curriculums do a good job of teaching our children what to
think, but not how to think. We believe this difference is crucial in
developing a truly Christian mind. We have integrated an important
educational principle that our forefathers used continually in their
education process to teach their children how to think. If you want to
teach your children how to think, you must seriously consider
implementing the principles this curriculum is built upon.
2. Living Lessons uses classic literature, how is that different than a
Classical Education?Here is a brief
answer. Using Classic literature in a literature-based curriculum is very
different than most Classical Educational Curriculums. The difference
again boils down to the differences in philosophy. Most, if not all Classical Educational Models
have their roots in the thinking and methodologies of Plato, Socrates
and Aristotle. These men we clearly antagonistic towards Christianity
and what Christ stood for. Paul tells us that in I Cor.1 that the wise
men of this age (including the Greek philosophers) are fools because he rejects the cross of Christ. When
we compare their methodologies with God’s, we find vast differences.
Unfortunately, in most cases these differences are either ignored or
minimized. What are those differences?
- How evil is taught and how should we expose our
children to the world, it's value systems and the evil in the world. God says we are to "be wise as to good and
unadulterated as to evil." (Rom.16:19) Our children must be taught about
evil/sin exactly the way God presents it to us. Evil/sin is never
minimized, excused, or blamed on someone else. Secondly, evil/sin is
never glorified or made to look like something we should desire.
Thirdly, evil/sin is never sensationalized, or gratuitously portrayed.
Much of literature today goes into far too much detail, painting far too
graphic details about what our children need not be exposed to in the
first place. But you ask, how then do we teach our children to be
discerning? Prov.9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is discernment." Biblical
discernment comes only as we expose and teach our children of what God
considers is holy. In the Garden of Eden there was the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil. Who wanted Eve to know good and evil, God or
Satan? The answer is obvious. Satan is still proclaiming the lie that
the knowledge of good and evil will not destroy us (as God said it
would), but rather will make us discerning like God!
- The main focus and direction of the curriculum. Do we want just a
well trained mind (like a Plato, Socrates, or Aristotle) or a biblically
trained mind and heart (like the apostles and Christ himself)? If we use
the world’s educational philosophy and methodologies, we can never
achieve God's educational or character goals for our children!
- What our children will be like. Our children will become like the
teachers we put before them. (Lk.6:40) Do you want your children to
develop the proud, anti-Christian attitude of a Plato, Socrates or
Aristotle? The goal of Living Lessons throughout the whole scope of
educational process is to develop the attitude of Christ. What was that
attitude? Mt.11:29 says, Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of
heart." Do we want to produce a child who is puffed up by his knowledge
who looks down on others because of their educational prowess, or humble
learners who say like Paul, everything is dung, apart from knowing
Christ Jesus My Lord?
3. Why are some of your subjects so different in price?
We price each subject based on the type of book (hard or soft cover),
the number & cost of these rare classic books, the supplies needed and
other things like tapes, charts, etc.
4. Can I get a copy of your book list?
Yes! The Curriculum Guide / Book Lists for every subject are now
available to be purchased seperately or with the complete book package.
- We’ve talked much about the importance the philosophy of any
curriculum. By examining thoroughly the philosophy and foundational
beliefs of a particular curriculum, you can safely and accurately
determine what their materials and book list will be like. We explain
our philosophy by our written materials like this FAQ, our taped
seminars which are always available, as well as answering any of your
questions in person. Remember that a curriculum is built on a
philosophy. Always examine that philosophy first. Also consider that if
we told you our book list and you were not familiar with those
particular books, that book list would have told you nothing. Lastly, in
the educational world, it is common to examine only the philosophy
without knowing any of the particular books involved. For example, when
someone chooses a particular college course, you do so without knowing
any of the particular books that professor will use in his course. We
commonly judge a college, or a teacher based on a thorough examination
of their educational and spiritual philosophy, without knowing any of
the particulars. We believe you can make a wise decision in the same
manner. Actually, in most cases our customers know us and our philosophy
better than any college or it’s professors when they made that important
educational decision.
- Most of our potential Living Lesson customers visit our booth at a
convention in their area. By examining the vast selection of quality
classic books at our booth, you will see firsthand the exact types of
materials that will be included in our curriculum. You will never
receive any literature that you would not expect to find displayed at
our booth. We make it a point to examine every book before we include it
on our table or in our curriculum. We want to be sure it fits God’s
standards before we offer it to you. If you haven’t seen our books
displayed at a Home School Convention in your area, you can always visit
us on the web at:
www.bereanbookshelf.com.
- Lastly, our Living Lesson price sheets give you a general idea of
the types of books that will be included in that particular subject. We
sincerely believe that if you know and agree with our philosophy of
education, you’ll love our curriculum. Ask our customers!
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