that “God can’t be too important since He isn’t mentioned
anywhere in this scholarly work”? Here Christian textbooks
can effectively combat an anti-Christian worldview.
Christian textbooks emphasize the characteristics of
God and principles of godly living. They recognize for each
branch of study the traits of God that it manifests. A writing
textbook reflects a God of creativity and beauty, a science
book reflects a God of infinity and order, and a Christian
history text presents world history not as a series of random
acts but as events planned by an omniscient, omnipotent
God. Students understand the conflict between righteous-
ness and unrighteousness, how it is played out, and how
truth and righteousness ultimately triumph. They read
real-life examples of the principles of sowing and reaping
and of the providence of God. Their text illustrates that God
knows and plans the beginning, middle, and end (Hebrews
4:12–14; Colossians 1:16–18) and that His ways are perfect
(Psalm 18:30).
Christian textbooks further support and equip Christian
students by encouraging discernment. Far from being
merely a “lock-step” series of exercises, Christian textbooks
go beyond the presentation of facts to give students the tools
necessary to detect the differences in the wisdom that is from
above and that which is earthly (Proverbs 1:7). The books
encourage analyzing content, using biblical principles rather
than blindly accepting anything presented. For example, in
a Christian literature text students are asked to compare and
contrast Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales with various
biblical accounts. The book also examines scriptural prin-
ciples governing the consequences of Macbeth’s actions and
evaluates the advice of Sir Francis Bacon’s essays in light of
God’s Word. In effect, the text itself encourages students to
discriminate between the good and the bad (or between the
excellent and the merely good) and to choose the one over
the other.
How can we best counter the philosophies that stunt our
children spiritually and prepare them for nothing nobler
than an increase in this world’s wisdom? With God’s help,
we can use Christian texts to give our children access to a
higher wisdom. But Christian textbooks, even excellent
ones, are not the lone answer to our educational woes. For
that, we must look to Christ alone: “For there is one God,
and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5–6).
He is still the best answer—still our only Hope. Why use a
textbook that undermines that Hope, subtly or not?
Your Gift to support
Renewanation will:
provide children with scholarships to receive
Christian worldview education
help start new Christian education ministries:
Christian schools, homeschools, and ministries
reaching public school students
provide resources to encourage parents to enroll
their children in Christian worldview education
spread the word about the great need for people
to join the cause of Christian worldview education
Visit renewanation.org/donate or
call toll-free 1-855-TO-RENEW.
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