Biblical Classical Elements
One of the most important things to understand about the Biblical Classical form of education is that it is both a philosophy and a method. That said, they cannot be separated from each other. Unquestionably, application of all of the Biblical Classical elements must take place.
Since many parents look for what is easiest, they may fall into the temptation of wanting to use only a few of the elements. But, to do that isn’t really learning and teaching with an authentic and historic form of education. While this may make it sound complicated, it isn’t. That’s because each aspect renews the mind for Biblical reasoning. Let’s face it, most of us grew up with full-on secular-humanist worldview. Or, we grew up with a secular-humanist education (unbeknownst to us) with a Bible class and chapel to sprinkle in it. However, there is a huge conflict between secular-humanism and a Biblical worldview. Therefore, they can’t be equally yoked.
As Christian parents, don’t we really want a Biblical-central education for our children? Plus, as Christians living in America, we need to have our children receive an American Christian Education.
Biblical Classical a Philosophy
Let’s get right down to it. What is the Biblical worldview definition of philosophy?
“PHILOS’OPHY, noun [Latin philosophia; Gr. love, to love, and wisdom.]
1. Literally, the love of wisdom. But in modern acceptation, philosophy is a general term denoting an explanation of the reasons of things; or an investigation of the causes of all phenomena both of mind and of matter. When applied to any particular department of knowledge, it denotes the collection of general laws or principles under which all the subordinate phenomena or facts relating to that subject, are comprehended. Thus, that branch of philosophy which treats of God, etc. is called theology; that which treats of nature, is called physics or natural philosophy; or that which treats of man is called logic and ethics, or moral philosophy; that which treats of the mind is called intellectual or mental philosophy or metaphysics.
The objects of philosophy are to ascertain facts or truth, and the causes of things or their phenomena; to enlarge our views of God and his works, and to render our knowledge of both practically useful and subservient to human happiness.
True religion and true philosophy must ultimately arrive at the same principle.”
Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language
The Biblical Classical Philosophy
Based on Webster’s definition, the Biblical Classical philosophy is to “ascertain facts or truth, and the causes of things.” We look for the principles—the cause, source, or origin of any thing. And, there is a love for doing so.
Therefore, it truly is a Biblical-central focus in each subject and area of life. In fact, the philosophy must be coupled with each part of the method which shows us how Christ is the Focal Point of His story.
Biblical Classical Elements
Timeline of Liberty
To begin with, everything we learn is based on a timeline of Liberty. Clearly then, this is our first element. As with most timelines, each link has to do with events, individuals, institutions, documents that God has used throughout history. Additionally, we look for Biblical principles for each subject on each of those links. Plus, we look for the cause-to-effect, the honoring or dishonoring of God’s principles on each link, and seeing how God moves His story of Liberty forward. Ultimately, we are considering the culmination through these things that have helped to move the Gospel Westward.
Leading Ideas and Bible Principles
They work together in such a way that they bind the content of the lesson together. Specifically, the Leading Idea is the Biblical premise or presupposition for the lesson. It glues the content and the Bible Principle(s) of a lesson together.
The Biblical Classical Study Method
1. Biblical Classical students research their subject from:
- primary sources
- Biblical worldview textbooks
- defining vocabulary from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary
- a trusty concordance
- and the Bible
During research, students are searching and examining with continual care as they seek diligently for the truth.
2. Biblical Classical students reason from Biblical principles
3. Biblical Classical students reflect on the Biblical principles in relation to the subject or area of life that they’re studying. During this reflection, they think through the principles application to life.
Biblical Classical Approach to Map Work
Furthermore, we use map work that helps us to see what was happening over the course of time:
- Who or what is in control?
- What is their form of government and belief system?
- How does that affect the people?
- What will have happen if certain nations take claim?
- How does God move the Gospel westward?
- We ask these kinds of questions as we observe the story while we study maps.
As I say, Geography is the handmade of History. In my How to Study History article I share several questions that we ask when we study His story. Also, you can read through my article on The Principle Approach in Geography to learn more of this element.
The Biblical Classical Lens
Besides that, we look at the internal-to-external qualities of individuals and nations and their cause to effect as we study History. Actually, we also do that in literature; as we apply Word Studies in literature, we’re able to find Bible principles in our character studies.
Furthermore, we look at life, events, and individuals through a Providential lens. It’s kind of like how Corrie Ten Boom saw things—good, bad, ugly, whatever—it was about God’s Hand and what He was doing. Of note, she didn’t see some of what He was doing in individuals and in a nation until years down the road.
In Conclusion
All of these elements—and some others not listed here—are used together for whole learning in a Biblical Classical education. So, even though they are all important independently, application of each needs to be done for a complete Biblical Classical education. This is how we develop the eyes to see life with a Providential-Biblical worldview.
