What's Happening in Class ?
 >> Book reView Information:
An important part of our understanding a Biblical Worldview is to "read widely". Please choose a book from the "Book Review Format" handout below. This project will count as a UNIT TEST Grade and is due on Friday, March 7th.
reView DBW - Book Review Format
>>What's the Difference Project:
The "What's the Difference" Project is designed to give students the opportunity to investigate a religion/cult/belief system of their choice, comparing it to Biblical Christianity. Download the project overview and rubric below. This group project will count as a UNIT TEST Grade and is due on Monday, April 28th. *NOTE - Groups that are ready to present with visuals, etc., on Wednesday, April 23rd, will receive an additional 10 points on the project. All visuals are due on April 23rd or April 28th at 7:45am in the New Life Christian Fellowship Chapel (the room in which we have our class).
DBW - Whats the Difference Group Project Overview DBW - Whats the Difference Project Rubric
The following websites may prove helpful for this project :
ReligionFacts - includes links to a religion/cult's "official" website (if applicable)
4Truth - Apologetics - solid, factual site including how to witness to different groups
Probe - Cults and World Religions Page
:: Week of April 28th, 2008
- Monday through Friday of this week, students will be presenting their "What's the Difference" Projects in the classroom. We will complete this on the last day of class, Friday!
:: Week of April 21st, 2008
Theism
“ The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'"
David, in Psalm 53:1 niv
Monday, April 21st & Tuesday, April 22nd:
- On these days, we'll examine logical reasons for belief in the existence of God (cosmological, teleological, etc.) . We'll discover that rational thinking supports Psalm 53:1.
- Download the PowerPoint file and Note Sheet below. If absent, make sure to cross-reference notes from the PowerPoint with notes taken in class!
reView DBW - Theism reView DBW - Theism Student Notes
Wednesday, April 23rd:
- Today, we will begin presenting our "What's the Difference?" Group Projects. NOTE: Students who present today will have an additional 10pts. added to their grades!
Friday, April 25th:
- Jostens - Graduation announcements delivered in the NLCF Chapel!
:: Week of April 14th, 2008
Monday, April 14th :
- Today, students will receive Searching for Truth, a short, comparative study between Christianity and world religions.
- The objective of today’s assignment is for students to read over one of the religions/cults, and then, based on that information, write a 2 paragraph (5-6 sentences each) essay. Due at the end of the period.
- “Setting: Imagine that you have just arrived in your dorm room or campus apartment. You have heard about your future roommate, you have even spoken with them on the phone once to get to know them a little bit. When your roommate arrives, you strike up a conversation with him/her politely and, in the course of your discussion, he/she asks you about your beliefs. Your discussion turns to spiritual matters, where it becomes very apparent that they believe and live by something entirely different from Biblical Christianity.”
“Assignment: Write a two paragraph essay based on the following: 1st Paragraph—Detail what you are finding out about this new roommate’s belief system. Choose ONE from Searching for Truth that you just received and explain what you are finding out about what this person truly believes about God, Jesus, and the world. 2nd Paragraph – Explain how you would go about helping your new roommate see the Truth. How would you go about sharing your own faith and helping them cross the line into a relationship with Jesus?”
Tuesday, April 15th :
- Today , we'll complete our observation of key ideas behind this popular worldview (monism, the "new spirituality", re-incarnation, etc.). Download the PowerPoint file and Note Sheet below from March 26th. If absent, make sure to cross-reference notes from the PowerPoint with notes taken in class!
- Today, we'll take some time to go over the "What's the Difference" Project that students will complete in small groups as the final component of the course. See information above under "What's Happening in Class" for details.
- Students will receive their copy of "Searching for Truth", a booklet summarizing the main different religions of the world and comparing them with Christianity.
Wednesday, April 16th :
- Today in class, students will have the distinguished OPPORTUNITY to evaluate their knowledge of what's been presented in class on the subject of Naturalism. This will include our notesheet/powerpoint on the subject as well as the teaching segment from Dr. Brown.
- Any make-up for this "opportunity" must be completed by Friday, April 18th!
Friday, April 18th :
- Today, students will spend their class time in the Upper School Media Center researching for the "What's the Difference" Project with their small groups.
:: Week of April 7th, 2008
Monday, April 7th & Wednesday, April 9th :
- On these days , we'll continue our observation of key ideas behind this popular worldview (monism, the "new spirituality", re-incarnation, etc.). Download the PowerPoint file and Note Sheet below from March 26th. If absent, make sure to cross-reference notes from the PowerPoint with notes taken in class!
Friday, April 11th :
- It's great to hear from our Providence alumni about their own experiences in surviving and succeeding in the "post-Providence" world. Today, we have Providence alumnus Trey Gardenhire, who is currently enrolled as a junior at Lee University. It will be interesting to get Trey's take on "if I knew then what I know now, what would I have done differently." No assignment given.
:: Week of March 31st, 2008
Monday, March 31st:
- Today in class, students will have the distinguished OPPORTUNITY to evaluate their knowledge of what's been presented in class on the subject of Naturalism. This will include our notesheet/powerpoint on the subject as well as the teaching segment from Dr. Brown.
- Any make-up for this "opportunity" must be completed by Friday, April 4th!
Tuesday, April 1st:
- Today, we evalued and graded together our "opportunity" from yesterday. No assignment given.
Wednesday, April 2nd & Friday, April 4th:
- For these class sessions, we will be analyzing a video produced by Deepak Chopra (Transcendentalist guru) entitled How to Know God. Students will examine the transcendentalist theology that is presented and contrast that with a distinctly Biblical worldview.
- Assignment: Watch the video excerpt "How to Know God", taking notes on what is being presented about God. Due on Monday, April 7th. In paragraph form, answer the following questions based on your impressions from what you've seen:
- How does Deepak Chopra present Christianity and belief in Christ?
- Describe your impressions of Deepak's "theology". What does he say about the character and nature of God?
- What seems to be Deepak's "bottom line"? According to him, how does one, in fact, get to "know God"?
- Give a Biblical response to Chopra's theology.
:: Week of March 24th, 2008
Monday, March 24th:
- Today in class, after observing the importance of personal accountability as believers (the NY Spitzer case being a non-example), students got together with others who read the same book for the "Book reView" project and discussed what has changed about their understanding of life as a Christ-follower.
- Assignment: If absent, download the file below and answer the questions in paragraph form.
Download - Book reView Discussion Transcendentalism
Sound familiar?
“No path to God is more direct than any other path. No religion is the ‘one true religion’ . . .
Neale Donald Walsch author of Conversations with God
Tuesday, March 25th:
- Today in class, we'll begin our discussion on Transcendentalism by viewing the short film entitled Reset produced by Cedarville University. Students will also take notes on the "Teaching Segment" on Transcendentalism by Dr. Bill Brown.
- Assignment: Answer the discussion questions related to the film Check. Take notes on the "Teaching Segment" on Naturalism and turn in at the end of the period.
Teaching Segment Notes Blank- Transcendentalism reView_05_Handout_ResetFilmQuestions
Wednesday, March 26th & Friday, March 28th:
- On these days, we'll take a more detailed look at Transcendentalism, observing key ideas behind this popular worldview (monism, the New Age Movement, re-incarnation, etc.). Download the PowerPoint file and Note Sheet below. If absent, make sure to cross-reference notes from the PowerPoint with notes taken in class!
reView DBW - Transcendentalism Student Notes reView DBW - Transcendentalism PowerPoint
:: Week of March 3rd, 2008
Monday, March 4th & Tuesday, March 5th: 
- "Is Earth merely a speck of dust lost without significance in the universe? Or, is our planet the product of intelligent design? Today, scientific evidence indicates that the many factors that make Earth suitable for complex life also provide the best conditions for astronomical discovery. The Privileged Planet explores this intriguing correlation and its implications on our understanding of the origin and purpose of the cosmos.
In this video documentary we will explore a striking feature of the natural world. A feature as widely grounded in the evidence of nature as it is wide-ranging in its implications: the conditions that allow for intelligent life on Earth also make it strangely well suited for viewing and analyzing the universe. The fact that our atmosphere is clear; that our moon is just the right size and distance from Earth, and that its gravity stabilizes the Earth’s rotation; that our position in our galaxy is just so; that our sun is its precise mass and composition: all of these factors (and many more), are not only necessary for Earth’s habitability; they also have been surprisingly crucial for scientists to measure and make discoveries about the universe." (www.truthortradition.com)
- Assignment: Speaking of Jesus Christ, Acts 1:3 says, "
After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." This could only mean that it is right to consider logical and tangible evidence of the claims of the Bible.View this facinating presentation and "consider the evidence". Choose (3) "convincing proofs" [per viewing day] that really present compelling arguments for special creation vs. evolutionary theory. These should be well-worded and carefully thought-through, as if you were going to present these to a naturalist in person. DUE on Tuesday at the end of the period.
Wednesday, March 5th: US MEDIA CENTER
- Today, students will complete the "Exegete" Scripture Observation project. Due at END of period. [See Monday, Feb. 25th instructions below for detailed information on this project.]
Friday, March 7th:
- Today, students will turn in their Book reViews, as well as discuss their findings and discoveries about Biblical living gained through their reading project. Book reView due at BEGINNING of period. [See above for Book reView information and format.]
:: Week of February 25th, 2008
Monday - Wednesday, February 25th - 27th:
How do I Grasp a Biblical Worldview?
At the core of a "Biblical Worldview" is a dynamic and transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone of understanding God, ourselves, and the world around us. This part of our class focuses on both the concepts behind "thinking like a Christ-follower ". We begin to think like Him when we know what He's thinking.
- Have you ever read a passage in the Bible that didn't quite make sense? OR have you ever read your "daily reading", then put your Bible away only to discover that you remembered NOTHING of what you just read? What's the solution? Become a true STUDENT of the Word as opposed to just a READER of the Word.
- This week, we'll take down some tips on "Scripture Observation" (Download note sheet and PowerPoint presentation below for notes), and begin to learn what it means to "Exegete" (Download worksheet below). This is a tremendous secret in the transformational life of the Christ-follower.
- Assignment: Students will search the Scriptures for a 2 to 4 verse passage that they would like to investigate further. Write the verses out (not just the reference) and give a 2 sentence explanation of why that particular passage was chosen. DUE Friday upon completion.
- Download Microsoft PowerPoint file below as well as the note sheet.
reView Exegete Passage Study - General
reView DBW - Scripture Observation Student Notes
reView DBW - Grasp a Biblical Worldview-Observation PowerPoint
Friday, February 22nd:
- [fiesta]. Groups will complete their presentations confronting naturalist objections. Today, students will discuss with the instructor issues related to their grades. No assignment given!
:: Week of February 19th, 2008
Tuesday, February 19th:
- Today, we'll take a more detailed look at Naturalism, observing strategies atheists use to "prove" their faith as well as reasons why some choose to disbelieve God. Download the PowerPoint file and Note Sheet below. If absent, make sure to cross-reference notes from the PowerPoint with notes taken in class!
reView DBW - Naturalism PowerPoint reView DBW - Naturalism Student Notes
Wednesday, February 20th:
- Today, students will actively pursue 1 Peter 3:15-16, "giving a defense" for their hope in Christ.
- Assignment: Choose ONE of the (4) reasons some choose to disbelieve God, and show the rationality of Christian beliefs given a theistic worldview. In other words, how would you speak to a close friend who gave this particular reason for disbelief?
Paragraph 1 = In your first paragraph, explain the naturalist’s viewpoint for your chosen reason.
Paragraph 2 = In your second paragraph, show how this particular reason for unbelief is illogical or inconsistent.
Paragraph 3 = In your third paragraph, explain the Biblical viewpoint and demonstrate how a Biblical worldview in this area makes sense.
- NOTE: If present, this will be done in the context of a small group working together. If absent, this will be a well-organized, 3 paragraph essay, DUE upon return to class.
Friday, February 22nd:
- Have you ever read a passage in the Bible that didn't quite make sense? OR have you ever read your "daily reading", then put your Bible away only to discover that you remembered NOTHING of what you just read? What's the solution? Become a true STUDENT of the Word as opposed to just a READER of the Word.
- Today, students will learn a few critical techniques when it comes to observing and interpreting Scripture. Download the PowerPoint file and note-sheet below.
reView DBW - Scripture Observation Student Notes
reView DBW - Grasp a Biblical Worldview-Observation PowerPoint
:: Week of February 11th, 2008
Monday, February 11th:
Tuesday, February 12th:
Segment 4: Naturalism
“We find insufficient evidence for belief in the existence of the supernatural; it is either meaningless or irrelevant to the question of the survival and fulfillment of the human race. As non-theists, we begin with humans not God, nature not deity.” Humanist Manifesto II
- Today in class, we'll begin our discussion on Naturalism by viewing the short film entitled Check produced by Cedarville University. Students will also take notes on the "Teaching Segment" on Naturalism by Dr. Bill Brown.
- Assignment: Answer the discussion questions related to the film Check. Take notes on the "Teaching Segment" on Naturalism and turn in at the end of the period.
Teaching Segment Notes Blank- Naturalism reView_04_Handout_CheckFilmQuestions
Wednesday, February 13th & Tuesday, February 19th:
- On these days, we'll take a more detailed look at Naturalism, observing strategies atheists use to "prove" their faith as well as reasons why some choose to disbelieve God. Download the PowerPoint file and Note Sheet below. If absent, make sure to cross-reference notes from the PowerPoint with notes taken in class!
reView DBW - Naturalism PowerPoint reView DBW - Naturalism Student Notes
:: Week of February 4th, 2008
Monday, February 4th and Tuesday, February 5th:
- Today, we will observe the fact that Absolute Truth is not something that one must squeeze into a cultural mold to make relevant--God's Word simply is relevant. Throughout history, mankind has faced the same kinds of temptations, the same types of struggles, and the same sorts of issues. We will brainstorm with the entire class, the different struggles that are faced by today's students; then we will examine what Scripture has to say about these issues.
- Assignment: Download the project sheet below and follow the directions presented (using your concordance).
reView - A Relevant Project
Wednesday, February 6th:
Friday, February 8th: No class, DRESS DOWN for '08!!
:: Week of January 28th, 2008
Segment 3: "Worldviews". The following is a synopsis of the information and assignment.
“A WORLDVIEW is any ideology, philosophy, theology, movement, or religion that provides an overarching approach to understanding God, the world, and the relationship of people to God and the world.
The three MAIN worldviews that exist are naturalism, transcendentalism, and theism.
Monday, January 28th:
- Today, students completed the "Ultimate Questions--Stated Vs. Control Beliefs" assigment from Friday, January 25th. This was turned in at the end of class and counts as an "opportunity" grade.
Tuesday, January 30th:
- Today, we viewed the short film entitled "Swear", observing that the same "ultimate questions" of life are answered in a multitude of different ways. These answers are equivalent to worldviews: a category of consistent answers to the four ultimate questions.
- In reading Matthew 7:13-23, we observed the "wide and broad"--the path that many take of worldviews based on foundations other than Christ; we also observed the "gate"--that is Jesus Christ Himself. It was stated that worldviews matter because we always act upon what we TRULY believe.
- Assignment: Watch the film "Swear" and the teaching segment by Dr. Bill Brown, president of Cedarville University. If absent, you are responsible to copy the notes from a reliable student. Take detailed notes and be prepared for an "opportunity" TOMORROW.
Wednesday, January 31st:
- Today, we will have an excellent opportunity to evaluate our listening and analysis skills--based on the teaching by Dr. Bill Brown on "Worldviews".
- Today in class, we also observed additional introductory information as we begin our study of "Worldviews". Download the following PowerPoint file below for note-taking purposes. Remember, it is always good to compare notes with someone who was in class if you happen to be absent.
review DBW - Worldviews
Friday, February 1st:
- Book reView: Today, students will bring in their choice of book for the "Book reView" project. Students will have about 30 minutes to kick off their reading for this project.
- Assignment: Submit on 3X5 card the title of the book to be reviewed, as well as a short explanation of why that particular book was chosen.
We also observed the categories of information that will be on the "What's the Deal with Worldviews"
Unit Test 1:
Recite and explain Romans 12:2 J.B. Phillips Translation • Explain of the “tree” illustration. • Identify the “Ultimate Questions.” • Define and explain the concept of “Worldview.” • Explain the [2] main ways that worldviews function in our lives. • Explain the difference between “condemnation” and “conviction.” • Explain the difference between “stated belief” and “control belief.” • Match the worldview questions with their “disciplines.” • Identify the [3] things that culture is targeting.
:: Week of January 22nd, 2008
Segment 2: "The Ultimate Questions". The following is a synopsis of the information and assignment.
The Four "Ultimate Questions":
- Origins: Where did we come from?
- Meaning: What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose?
- Morality: Who decides what is right and wrong? How do I choose?
- Destination: What happens when I die?
- Not only does CULTURE seek to answer these ‘ultimate questions’, but you and I are also answering these every day. Our behavior (not our mental affirmation) is the true test of our beliefs. We ALWAYS act from what we truly believe, rather than what we say we believe. Unfortunately, there is too often a disconnect between what we say we believe and what we truly believe as evidenced in our practice.
Tuesday, January 22nd & Wednesday, January 23rd:
- Today in class, we will discuss the "Pop Culture Examples" brought in by Seniors--discerning how each of these examples in media answers the four "ultimate questions." (See assignment from Wednesday, January 16th, which is DUE TODAY).
- In addition, we will observe key points and additional pop culture examples on the "Ultimate Questions". Download and take notees on the PowerPoint presentation (below); cross-reference notes with a student who was present. review DBW - Ultimate Questions
Friday, January 25th:
- Today in class, we will observe the difference between a "stated" and "control" belief:
STATED BELIEF: what a person says they believe; typically known through what a person says or writes.
CONTROL BELIEF: what a person truly believes; known through what a person does and doesn’t do.
- Assignment: Fold a seperate sheet of paper in half vertically. On the left side of the page, answer each of the aforementioned "Ultimate Questions" for yourself (as seen in the example below). That is your stated belief. On the right side of the page, answer honestly and reflectively on how your actions reflect your beliefs. These are your control beliefs. DUE MONDAY at END of CLASS.
"Stated Beliefs "
What do I believe about these Ultimate Questions? |
"Control Beliefs"
How do my actions reflect these beliefs?
Reflective questions: |
| Origins: Where did we come from? |
If I believe that man was made in the "image of God", then how do I treat others who are made in God's image?
If God created me, then I am accountable to Him. Do I live with this in mind? |
| Meaning: What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose? |
How does my schedule, my priorities, and my energies support or not support my belief aobut my purpose in life? |
| Morality: Who decides what is right and wrong? How do I choose? |
Have you made life choices that appear to please those in authority?
You feel most satisfied when ________ is pleased with you. (This person is the one who dictates what is right or wrong for you to do.) |
Destination: What happens when I die? How will God evaluate your life at teh judgment seat of Christ? |
Think of your recent schedule. On which did you spend the most time: things that matter for today, or things that matter for eternity? Is there an imbalance? If so, write down one thing you can do to correct this. |
:: Week of January 14th, 2008
Monday, January 14th:
- Today in class, we observed an the lesson of Don Rabbit from Blue Like Jazz. We also completed the "Worldview Assessment Survey--What's Your Worldview" assignment (download from last week). Due at the end of class.
Tuesday, January 15th:
- Today, we discussed implications from the "Teaching Segment: Culture" by Dr. Bill Brown of Cedarville University. We also observed PowerPoint discussion on the effects of pop culture on how we believe, what we value, and how we behave. Download and take notees on the PowerPoint presentation (below); cross-reference notes with a student who was present. reView DBW - Culture PowerPoint
Wednesday, January 16th:
- Today, we watched and discussed both the short film "Signs" and the "Teaching Segment: Ultimate Questions" by Dr. Bill Brown, answering the questions presented in class. If absent, please schedule a viewing of these short clips for cumulative content purposes, as well as to answer questions on the handout: reView_02_Handout_SignFilmQuestions
- Completed "CultureWatch" assignment. Assignment: Download the "Popular Culture Examples" handout below and find an example of how popular cuture (A collection of values, themes, ideas, and behavior that is popularized mainly through media and technology) seeks to answer EACH of the ultimate questions. DUE TUESDAY.
reView_02_Handout_PopularCultureExamples
Friday, January 18th:
Open-Mic Friday!
- Today, students will share honestly and openly about the dangers of "letting the world around you squeeze you into it's own mold." We will discuss students' "pop culture examples" assignment from Wednesday.
:: Week of January 7th, 2008
Monday, January 7th - Friday, January 11th.
Segment 1: "Cuture". There are times when we simply glide through life, ignorant of the things that influence us on a daily basis. "Culture" surrounds us, we are influenced by it, and we can't escape it. It is continually out to influence our behavior, our values, and our beliefs. A fundamental component of this course is to become aware of the fact that we are, indeed, influenced by the "outside world", as well as to begin to allow God to shape us from within. The following is a synopsis of the information and assignments that will take place during this week.
- Complete the "Pre-Study Survey". Assignment: Download the survey below, and give honest answers. DO NOT put your name on the sheet.
reView_00_PreStudySurvey
|
"Developing a Biblical Worldview"
engaging culture with timeless TRUTH
Providence Seniors
>> If unable to view Microsoft PowerPoint files, download PowerPoint Viewer below:
PowerPoint Viewer Installation File
Verse to Remember [1]:
“Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”
Romans 12:2 J.B. Phillips Translation
Verse to Remember [2]:
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”
1 Peter 3:15-16 nkjv
Verse to Remember [3]:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 nkjv
Verse to Remember [4]:
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 2:6-7 nkjv
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