NOT OFFERED 2023-24

Divine Viewpoint Framework And The Ancient World

A Multi-credit Western Civilization course covering a thorough study of the biblical framework for history applied to the ancient period from the beginning through Roman history. Includes such topics as man’s purpose, the Divine Institutions (marriage, family, etc.) and numerous other topics applied to the ancient period of history in a thoroughly biblical model. See below for further examples. Outstanding Christian world view foundation. This is the most important history course offered. Recommended for all ages this is the foundational principles course for all history studies.

Required text under $20.

The class time involves interacting with material from the textbook and lectures on God’s Divine Viewpoint (worldview) principles of life and society from a Christian perspective with their application to human society.

History 102 class meets in two 1½ -hour sessions a week.

This course is part of the God’s Tapestry Multi-Credit curriculum and the student receives 3½ credits: Bible; Western Civilization, Ancient period; English Literature and a ½ Credit in Art History.

Teacher: Byron Clark. For a complete list of our teachers and their biographies click here.

Required Textbook: Streams of Civilization, Volume One by Mary Stanton and Albert Hyma, published by Christian Liberty Press, copyright 1976. NOTE: I have loaner copies of the text so you will not need to purchase it.  You may also have a copy of this in your home-school library since this has been a popular book over the years.

Literature materials may be found in the public library and new or used bookstores.

See Class Schedule for dates, time, and costs for the current year.

Below is a sample of just a few of the scores of biblical topics presented and discussed in class:

INTRODUCTION- UNDERSTANDING THE GOAL OF HISTORY
How do we determine what is important in history? History has purpose and direction. It is impossible to understand the purpose and direction of history without divine revelation. Divine View Point requires revelation of God’s purpose for history

Principles approach to history


GOD HAS CHOSEN TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO MAN
Epistemology- Different ways of knowing; Begins with the fact that we do know things.Prophets, false and true. How do we know the Bible is God’s Word? We know by revelation and illumination. We understand by analogy. He is revealed through His creation and cosmic structure. He is revealed through His activities in history. He is revealed through the advent of His Son, the very image of the Father. He reveals Himself through illumination of His people to understand the revealed Word, especially to the wise. He reveals Himself through the spiritually wise He is revealed through the Bible, His inerrant Word- the only thing in all of history which God has called inspired.

Contrast: Knowing through forbidden knowledge. Living in darkness and calling it light.


THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD IS AN INFINITE, PERSONAL CREATOR GOD
• The essence God, Divinity – He is the infinite person
• Nature of God
• Twelve key attributes of God.


GOD CREATED THE WORLD, IT DID NOT EVOLVE
• Arguments for creation and against evolution

GOD CREATED THE WORLD AS AN ORDERED COSMOS