Q. What is the main
difference between Living Lessons and other literature based
curriculums?
A. The main
difference is the philosophical foundation. The philosophy or
belief system determines the book list and how the curriculum goes about
teaching your child. For example, if a curriculum was created by a
author that has a "Roman Catholic" belief system, then you would expect
to find a great many of the books about God or religion consistent with
a Roman Catholic viewpoint, worldview and theological perspective.
Our philosophy is based on
many biblical principles, here are two of them:
1. 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. (Remember, no one is completely neutral, no one!
We all have some type of "slant". The issue is where is the
"slant" and how close is it to God's view.) Therefore, our book list will be very different
than most other literature based curriculums.
2. 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.
Q. Living Lessons uses classic literature, how is that different than a
Classical Education?
A. 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
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 man of this age is a fool 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?
1. How evil is taught. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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?
Q.
Why are some of your subjects so different in price?
A. 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. So, each subject will likely have
a different price. You are not buying a off the shelf mass
produced boxed textbook type curriculum, but a customized rare
literature based curriculum.
Q.
Can I get a copy of your book list?
A. Yes! The The Curriculum Guide / Book Lists for every subject are now
available to be purchased separately or with the complete book package.
Q. How can I buy
this curriculum without seeing it first?
1. We’ve talked much
about the importance of 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 make purchasing decisions about a course of study
by only examining the educational 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!
Customer
testimonials
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