Nexus Notes – November 17, 2017
A nexus is a series of connections linking two or more things. These notes are dedicated to linking us to great content elsewhere out on the web. Assessment That Comforts – An excellent and intriguing article about the position that assessment has in classical Christian education. Dr. Perrin comments, “Assessing a student can bless and comfort because it is meant to help a child do … Continue reading Nexus Notes – November 17, 2017
Virtue-Free Education—Long Live the Democracy!
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway to make sure we are all on the same page—modern American education is based upon a progressive worldview. This model of education is used almost wholesale in the Government (aka “Public”) schools and appears to be the most prevalent model in private (even Christian private) schools. One important difference in the educational approach … Continue reading Virtue-Free Education—Long Live the Democracy!
Moving Beyond the Bible to Theology (Book Blurbs)
This is one of the better books I have read in the Counterpoints series. Each of the four main contributors present their cases well and give substantive feedback and criticism to each other in their responses. Additionally, the inclusion of reflections by Strauss, Wolters, and Wright are an excellent addition to provide further reflection from various perspectives that are not “defending their own view”. The … Continue reading Moving Beyond the Bible to Theology (Book Blurbs)
Classical Education and Hollywood’s Collapse
By Steve Turley, Tall Oaks Classical School and Eastern University I’m sure by now you’re all familiar with the fall of one of Hollywood’s most powerful players, the film producer and co-founder of Miramax Harvey Weinstein, over mass accusations of sexual assault and misconduct. Both The New York Times and The New Yorker reported originally on the testimonies of over a dozen women who had … Continue reading Classical Education and Hollywood’s Collapse
Solitary Community
It is a sad thought to realize that you have nothing to write about. No ideas that you have been mulling over, no challenging thoughts that you have recently been presented with, or no questions for which you are seeking answers. This blog brought out this emotion in me. Challenged to begin writing for this blog, I quickly realized how little I had to offer … Continue reading Solitary Community
Nexus Notes–November 10, 2017
Top 10 Reasons for Studying Latin Why not study something practical and useful? Like Spanish, for instance. While we agree the study of Spanish is a very good thing, what I propose to show you here is that there is no subject more useful, more practical, and more valuable than Latin. Podcast – Why Memorize the Bible BaseCampLive interviews Karen Moore about why memorizing Scripture is important, … Continue reading Nexus Notes–November 10, 2017
On Running Out of Ink (Mundane Meditations)
One of the more ridiculous confessions of my life came not long ago at a professional development meeting. As I sat in a classroom taking notes, my pen stopped working. This annoyance had happened before, so I knew the proper technique to shake the pen, scribble in the corner, and move on. Yet it didn’t work. I tried again, and again, and sat amazed at … Continue reading On Running Out of Ink (Mundane Meditations)
The Doctrine of the Trinity (Book Blurbs)
Reeves has done a marvelous job of showing the central importance of the doctrine of the Trinity for Christianity. More specifically, it is not the doctrine that is central, but the reality of who God is AS Trinity–Father, Son, and Spirit–that is central to Christianity. Reeves highlights the self-giving, loving nature of the Father, which is magnified by the obedient, loving response of the Son … Continue reading The Doctrine of the Trinity (Book Blurbs)
Tremendous Trifles, Mundane Meditations, and Wonder in the Simple Things of Life (Mundane Meditations Series)
Recently I reflected in my post “‘I’m Bored’ vs. the Cultivation of Wonder” on the first meeting of our newly formed Chesterton Society in Branson, Missouri. In that piece I discussed briefly my own realization, which lies at the heart of Chesterton’s Tremendous Trifles, that our lives should be characterized by making ourselves small and the world big and learning to wonder at the mundane … Continue reading Tremendous Trifles, Mundane Meditations, and Wonder in the Simple Things of Life (Mundane Meditations Series)
Monday Musings (November 6, 2017): Is Education about the Individual?
“What is needed today is a better understanding of the person not just as an individual but as someone who finds his or her true being in communion with God and with others” ~James Torrance, Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace, 38 Torrance’s quote is one I reflect upon often. As a strong advocate for the local church and God’s design for Christian community, … Continue reading Monday Musings (November 6, 2017): Is Education about the Individual?
Nexus Notes–November 3, 2017
The Bible Project This website is a treasure trove of helpful resources for any Bible class. With beautifully created overview videos of each book of the Bible, the Bible Project is helpful and engaging. These videos are accompanied with helpful printed resources for deeper study and understanding. Check this video out on an overview of Genesis 1-11. Against Efficiency: Work Is Not The Point Of … Continue reading Nexus Notes–November 3, 2017
Christians and Culture (Book Blurbs)
Below are brief recommendations for several excellent books on Christian engagement with culture and social issues of our day. Volf provides an excellent primer on Christianity and its role in the public arena. He lays out his argument for Christianity as a prophetic religion that works towards human flourishing while not being coercive. Along the way he critiques several flawed approaches in a helpful and … Continue reading Christians and Culture (Book Blurbs)
The Classical Thistle 