Slow Schooling Chapter 16: Teaching History, Science, and Math

Important because of what they teach about the world and about God.

You can’t sew an award winning apron without good math skills!

65 Sheets of Cardstock...

Thursday, August 9, 2007 02:54

...and 158 staples (minus a few dozen mishaps) later, we finally have our timeline on the wall. I’ve been wanting to do this for years, and I took the opportunity today to just do it while a video babysat my 3yo and dreams played upon my wee one’s naptime.

History, science, and math are blatant proclaimers of worldview. Depending on the foundation an instructor may attempt to construct, a child might learn that world history is millions of years old. Or that his ancestor was an ape. Or that history is measured in political and geographical upheavals, and that science is supposedly at odds with religion and mathematics is a tool of oppression (1). Truth is presented in many history books in the measure and flavors of whomever the publishing house wishes to market to, and science books speak of evolution as fact, even though the very essence of science is based on the repeatable and observable. Science has become the god of our day, even though it is never going to be able to give a once and final answer to anything at all.

Thankfully, homeschooling allows our students to be honest about their starting points, their presuppositions. If a child knows the Bible as the infallible Word of God, then of course history, archeology, and science will confirm it faithfully. If a child is in rebellion to the obvious and clear proofs all around him that God exists, then he will seek out every theory and premise that attacks what the Bible says, no matter how outlandish. Space aliens birthing the human race? Of course! Dinosaurs dying out millions of years ago? Naturally! And as promised in the Bible, this sort of dishonesty is rooted well in the sinful man who will not repent, and he will move yet further and further from the light of truth and come up with even more fantastic ideas.

Both subjects are steeped (or ought to be) in the pursuit of truth and in an honest assessment of what has transpired before, and what we can observe in the here and now. Understanding at least some history and science (these are truly lifelong pursuits) helps a person to understand the world a little better, and to understand his or her place in it. And, obviously, God wants us to know history because the Bible is so full of historical references, places and people, and because He shows Himself in relation to those events and people in many ways. God also wants us to know science because we can see clearly so many evidences of His design. When we study history or science or even mathematics, we are really studying His hand in all of everything and everyone for all time.

Clearly, the best history book is the Bible. The Bible is full of historical, geographical, and economical accounts and lessons. It teaches what is wise, and what is foolish, government and it lays out the foundation for social justice and human prospering. It not only also teaches about social institutions such as church and family, it addresses social problems and how to show compassion and provide solutions. It is not surprising to see such pain in the world with such a low view of Scripture alongside it.

Certainly, there are many books both for children and adults that add value to history studies, but none will surpass the study and understanding of the Bible. Biographies, textbooks, and even historical fiction may bring many interesting and relevant insights, but understanding the timeline of history as brought forth by the Bible will give every student a permanent footing in the subject. We have appreciated Beautiful Feet Books for matching literature with history studies.

Likewise, there is no shortage of science in the Bible! The Bible touches on many topics: astronomy, earth science, physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, human biology and life sciences (2). Many of these subjects can be pursued as interested throughout the homeschooling years, with various textbooks, lab work and field trips. As students gain in maturity and study skills, they can study these topics more in depth with a trusted resource that not only does not deny the obvious truth of God and His creation, but honors the academic pursuits of excellence. Our family has used and appreciated Apologia Science and Answers in Genesis for their outstanding curriculums, but we have also used books such as Botany in a Day (giving room to discuss the evolutionary bias in it) and Comstock’s Nature Study as textbooks. In addition, we are thankful for the teachers we have paid to teach advanced courses with lab work. Homeschooling does not mean a parent needs to know everything or teach everything!

Mathematics is important as it also shows, for example, the handiwork of God, how orderly and dependable He is, and how concerned He is with right measurements. How interesting it is to see college students today on campus seeking engineering degrees arguing how two plus two could possibly equal seven, should you think that is right (and who are we to say anything is wrong?) (3) Our family has used many mathematic curriculums and helps: general workbooks for our youngers, Teaching Textbooks for our middles, and Life of Fred for our olders. We have also used Math U See for other students in our household. Every child learns differently; part of the beauty of homeschooling is having the freedom to discover what works best.

These subjects are clearly important, but not because of how they might further a career or the pursuit of collegiate degrees. They are important because of what they teach about the world and about God. And once a child or even an adult gets a good taste of how good the Lord is in even these subjects, blessed will that person be!

1. 4/10/2020 https://www.theblaze.com/news/seattle-schools-plan-course-showing-how-math-is-a-tool-of-racial-oppression

2. See Encyclopedia of Bible Truths by Ruth C. Haycock for valuable resources in understanding the truth and relevance of the Bible in each school subject.

3. See the video series Untethered by Wretched Radio to hear the current post-modern thinking infecting college campuses in our day.

If you’re looking for a simpler, more purposeful life outside of the rule of technology, perhaps you can glean from my experimentations in seeking a more present life. Learn more about the book (and how to get it) by clicking on its image.