Self-Education Path for Christian Worldview Science

[HSMom2One]

After hs'ing for six years, I'm going to be sending my dd off to high school now. It's occurred to me recently that I can actually take some time for my own self-education now, and although I'm very passionate about the arts, I'm also very interested in literature, history and some areas of science. I'm looking around to see what choices there are for me and have discovered that there really aren't many options for a creation based science course for an adult that's already been to college and graduated with an art degree. :huh:  So I've been thinking about going back to hs elementary courses, such as Apologia, and studying them for my own enrichment, and then move on up to the high school level. I honestly never thought I'd be interested in science courses until my own dd was at home and I was introduced to Christian courses that are creation based. I've found it to be so fascinating and would love to learn more just for myself.

 

Is this something that anyone else has done, or something similar? Any suggestions for me at all?

 

Thanks for any tips or experiences you may have to share.

 

Blessings,

Lucinda

[Renaissance Mom]

Hi,

 

I know you are looking for study resources, but this little book by Dr. Jay Wile does a great job of setting the stage and giving you some concrete examples in various science disciplines. (Reasonable Faith: The Scientific Case for Christianity) http://www.christianbook.com/reasonable-faith-scientific-case-for-christianity/jay-wile/9780965629409/pd/29406?item_code=WW&netp_id=249126&event=ESRCG&view=details

 

For actually learning the science, you could use high school texts from Apologia or BJU, or you could explore things topically with resources from Master Books, Answers in Genesis, or the Creation Institute. I would not use the Apologia elementary books for self study. They are fun and very good when you do them with kids, but aren't geared to the adult learning model.

 

I applaud your decision to further investigate this. I went down this road many years ago in response to a comment by a friend who expressed belief in old earth evolution. I set out to find out for myself how I could possibly reconcile biblical teaching with all the science I had had in school and what I read in the media. I started with Jay Wile's little book and just kept reading other resources and asking questions. By the time my kids were old enough to be learning science, I was firmly convinced that science did indeed reinforce the inerrancy of Scripture. (No flames here, please, this is just my personal journey and not a judgment of other beliefs.). Our whole family enjoys all aspects of science, and we all feel quite equipped to ask questions about what we see in museums or read in the media. We know we don't need to accept what we read at face value (from any viewpoint) but can question and examine much for ourselves. After all, isn't that what science is?

 

Again, I know the are many on this board who have differing views. I am not starting a dialogue on who is right and who isn't. I am encouraging the op to further investigate for herself.

 

:)

[HSMom2One]

Thank you both for your input. I think that the one course I'd choose from the elementary level is on anatomy, but after reading your posts I think I should compare the anatomy for grammar stage with the high school level anatomy and physiology books side by side. I'll also take a look at BJU to see what they have, but  as you can see my major interest in science is the human body. I'm just fascinated by God's design and how our bodies function! Anatomy specifically in addition to biology would be wonderful. I don't know how far I'd want to go since I'd need a microscope and lab area in addition to my painting studio, but one never knows until they begin - right?

 

I am also a fan of Dr. Wile and read his blog, Proslogion, from time to time. I hadn't thought about reading the book you've mentioned, Monica, so thank you. And as to math, yes I agree about that. Thank God for Khan's Academy!

 

Monica, I will keep my thoughts and opinion on Biblical accuracy to myself. :gnorsi: Thank you for your other input as I do value that.

 

Blessings,

Lucinda

[Mom22ns]

You really don't need a microscope and lab. If you just go through Apologia Biology and Advanced Biology you'll be getting what you are looking for. For anything they say to view under a microscope, google it and you'll find a far better image than what you would have seen. You can also see videos of every lab if you search for them. The only reason to do them yourself is if you are going to go on to college and need to learn some lab skills. If you just want to learn what is taught in the lab, you can use virtual labs through online resources.

 

I personally prefer BJU science to Apologia, but I have a science degree. Try reading both and use whichever one is easier for YOU to understand. BJU Biology covers most of the same material that the two Apologia books cover. 

[Julie in MN]

I am finding myself fascinated by a college course my son will be taking this fall, called BioEthics.  Taught from a Christian perspective (Christian college), I talked to the professor a bit (she was a homeschool mom in the past, and we met at a book sale LOL) and she mentioned how the course evolved out of her interest in researching various ethical issues that have come up of late, digging into what they actually mean in biological terms, actually dissecting the organs being discussed, working with DNA a bit, etc etc, including her need to make decisions about whether to even order some supplies that could add clarity but conflict with some values. 

 

I don't know any more than that, so not giving you anything concrete, but just a spark of an idea that intrigued me -- studying science by digging deeply into topics of interest.  I thought of all the times I read something in a science text and wanted to know more, wanted to know what foundation a particular theory was built on, what conflicting theories were out there, etc.  Apologia did that for me a couple of times, e.g. pointing out that all theories about the layers of the earth are theoretical because no one, not with the best equipment out there, has ever seen under the earth's crust.  I found myself wanting to know more about how those theories came together.  I think that *I* learn better that way because I'm motivated to understand.

 

Julie

[CourtneyBrooke]

My daughter will be taking a course from Answers in Genesis next spring:

 

APO 101: Foundations in Creation Apologetics

This 12-week online class will give you a firm foundation in the fundamental ideas of creation apologetics, and help you understand the battle between the authority of Scripture and the authority of man in modern culture.

The course will arm you with knowledge and resources to help you engage the culture with the truth of Scripture, and will review the scriptural foundation that refutes those who compromise Scripture by espousing ideas like progressive creation and theistic evolution.

In addition, you will study important concepts in biology and geology to become better able to provide answers “to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.†(1 Peter 3:15)

If you go to their website, http://www.answersingenesis.org/cec/courses/, they offer many options from Junior High through College/Adult. I receive their magazine and it is excellent- an education in itself. That might interest you as well- and your daughter could read it after school :)