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Note to Parents and Teachers: (from Worldview 101 introduction pages)
Over the years it has been our family’s pleasure to partner with Summit Ministries and the Bryan College Worldview team in order to present worldview seminars at churches and homeschool gatherings. The beginning of this association was limited to the training of teens and adults. After a request from a parent for us to consider teaching younger children, we decided to give it a try. Much to our delightful surprise, we discovered that young students were very capable of understanding worldview teaching, especially when it’s presented in a simple format. Research indicates that many Christian students renounce their faith within their first year of college, regardless of whether attending a secular or Christian institution. Because of this, parents are becoming very concerned that their children will abandon the faith when they leave home. Unfortunately, years of biblical training for many children have resulted in their ability to only recite (verbatim) the account of historical, philosophical, and doctrinal truths which we cherish. It has not relevantly and consistently progressed beyond a head knowledge. While embracing many individual truths, our students have not seen the entire picture. They have not been taught to assemble the various pieces of life’s puzzle into a homogenous and harmonious whole. Equally tragic is the fact that many Christians have been intimidated into believing that the Christian worldview is not credible. The assault against Christianity has been on many fronts, but its success has stemmed from the false notions that 1) scientific evidence conflicts with biblical pronouncements, 2) that modern enlightenment will free us from the antiquated moral restrictions imposed by the Bible, and 3) that all religious beliefs are equally valid. While the battle is not over, the tide is turning. Scientific discoveries have caused many to rethink the once vaunted and impregnable theory of evolution. Philosophers and scientists of renown are boldly challenging the pseudo-science of the establishment -- facing the threats of loss of grant money or employment in order to let the evidence speak for itself and lead wherever it may. Robert Jastrow said, “For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance, he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a brand of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.” (“God and the Astronomers”. New York: W. J. Norton Press, 1978, p. 116) George Washington once said that truth will ultimately prevail whenever pains are taken to bring it to light. This describes our passion about presenting worldview instruction to younger students. In our quest to accomplish this, the scant amount of resources towards this end became apparent. In addition to this book, we have published a Worldview in Review booklet which contains 52 lessons of worldview terminology, definitions, illustrations, quotes, applicable scripture references, and more. An order form is included in the back of this book for your convenience. Before beginning, you will notice a sidebar on the right side of each page containing information for further instruction and discussion. Also at the back of this book is a worldview chart (courtesy of John Stonestreet) which reveals the distinguishing characteristics of these three major worldviews. The audio recording located on the inside back cover has been included to demonstrate how to read this poem -- as well as allowing you to listen and enjoy while on the go! May the world feel the impact of young lives being cemented in God's truth as they begin to own their faith through the study of worldviews. To God be the glory.
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