Justin from WTM Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 (edited) Hi, I’m Justin Moore, executive editor at Olive Branch Books. Some of you may have received an email that’s been making the rounds of homeschool groups, warning about “a new, evolution-based curriculum from Susan Wise Bauer” or words to that effect. We’ve addressed some aspects of this erroneous message in previous threads, but since the email hasn’t gone away, and since some of you have contacted us about it, I want to set the record straight and offer some additional clarification. Olive Branch Books, the new religious-education imprint of Peace Hill Press, has published a Bible curriculum, Telling God’s Story. It is not by Susan Wise Bauer; it is by Peter Enns. It is not “evolution-based.” It is not, despite what some emails have said, a science curriculum. It is a Bible curriculum, intended for the use of Christian parents and teachers, which helps them understand the Bible’s message so that they may love its Author better, and may teach their children its message more effectively. It’s also—if I may speak immodestly—a really really excellent set of books, which is why I’m saddened and angered when it is condemned sight unseen. Grade One of the "Telling God's Story" curriculum (the only grade that’s available right now) is about the life of Jesus, as depicted in the Four Gospels. There's nothing at all about evolution in the first grade curriculum. The only references to origins are where Jesus’ miracles show that he has his Father's power over creation. Dr. Enns affirms multiple times that God is the sole Creator and that he alone has power over the universe. The curriculum is Biblical and orthodox, and it enthusiastically affirms and celebrates Jesus' miracles, virgin birth, divine authority, atoning death, and resurrection. The "how-to" book ("Telling God's Story: A Parents' Guide to Teaching the Bible"), which explains the whole curriculum from grade 1 to grade 12, likewise affirms that God is the omnipotent, sole Creator. It devotes a chapter to discussing the Genesis creation account, the six days in Genesis 1, etc. The word "evolution" is not even mentioned anywhere in this book. Dr. Enns talks about using the Bible for its intended purpose, and not as a gun with which to shoot at scientific or political opponents. The web article which inspired the “Parents Beware!” email forwards is problematic. Though I was in contact with the author of that article, and though we sent him a complete copy of the first grade textbook and numerous samples of the other books, he chose not to cite ANY errors in our curriculum, not a single page. In fact, he told parents to “Beware!” before he had even received the review copies. I asked to speak with him on the phone; I was refused. I have asked him and his organization to provide actual citations so that we can know which aspects of our curriculum he finds so problematic; to date, he has not done so. We have tried to leave polite explanatory comments on a website which reprints his articles (since his own site doesn’t allow comments); the comments have not been accepted or published. This is not responsible journalism. This is dishonest scaremongering and invincible ignorance. I strongly encourage you not to trust any curriculum, from us or from Peace Hill Press or from any publisher, without reading it first. Likewise, I strongly encourage you not to believe any articles which give no evidence of having read the book they are discussing. If you’re curious about Telling God’s Story, we welcome you to see samples of the various books and activity books at olivebranchbooks.net. We think you’ll love them. In addition, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page on that site, and the explanatory videos we’re posting on YouTube. Thanks for your time! Justin Moore Executive Editor, Olive Branch Books Edited January 11, 2011 by Justin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danybug Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 This is actually the first I have heard about this curriculum or the controversy. But it is sad to hear of condemnation before the product was even viewed. Anyway, I think it seems great. I am always looking for more Bible resources and curriculum. I am going to request a catalog. But what grades will be available and when? Thanks and best of luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 But what grades will be available and when? Thanks and best of luck! Hi Danielle: thanks for your well-wishes. Presently, grade 1 is available. We will be releasing Grade 2 in January 2012, barring any unforeseen delays. It may be available before then in PDF form, but should be in print/bound form by 1/2012. By then we'll be hard at work on Grade 3, and we hope to accelerate the pace...at some point we may be able to put out two a year, but our goal is at LEAST one a year. I know that may be too late for some of your children, but it'll take time to build the curriculum. In the meantime, even if your grade levels aren't available, you may benefit from looking at the "how-to" book, the overview of our approach and of the Bible itself: Telling God's Story: A Parents' Guide to Teaching the Bible. Justin M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeniseF Posted January 11, 2011 Share Posted January 11, 2011 I just happened to be on this site this morning and wandered into this controversy as I was searching for a Bible curriculum to use with my first grader. I've read the materials on the Olive Branch site, including the sample pages of the student book and the explananatory book to parents. I liked the curriculum and especially the way the author addresses the problem with the traditional approach of introducing bible stories and giving pat answers, with the potential down the road for kids to walk away from the faith because the explanations are childish and inadequate. Thanks for your clarifying comments. I've just ordered the student and teacher text, and parent introduction, but will wait for reviews before ordering the activity book since I'm not a fan of coloring page, I'll wait to hear what others have to say about the crafts/activities. p.s. I wasn't able to link to some of the FAQ answers, I got the message that the links were broken, but that could be a problem with my browser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 dforsythe, We're so glad to hear that you like the books! Some of those FAQ links were briefly broken this afternoon, but they should all be working now, at this address: http://olivebranchbooks.net/faq.html. And we'll be adding more in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 A short google makes me think this is about money and smacking anything that might keep a dime from their (them, not you!) pocket with tar. Not that I'll read any of the books, but I'm sorry it is so ugly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnllj7 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 It seems to me, that when something new comes out about teaching God. Satan gets involved and tries to ruin it. But we all know who is the winner!!!!! Look at the criticism as Satan wanting to squelch this and it is something very Good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwilliams Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Hi Justin, I just wanted to say that I appreciate the availability of these books. I have struggled for a long-time over how to approach the bible with my son with the fear of doing more harm than good. I feel confident that this text will be accurate and well-written, just as all the texts from Peace Hill Press I have used. I too feel saddened and angered by some of the responses I have read or heard about. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I really appreciate the hard work and effort behind the high qualilty unbiased products PHP provides. It seems that when one tries to do the most good they are the most vulnerable for attack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 I look forward to looking this over at convention this year, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macrina Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 As someone who is a conservative Orthodox Christian from a Protestant background and who has also READ the book I completely conquer with Justin's comments. It is a very simple (no deep theological edge) and it is actually rather NON conversational which is frustratingly ironic given it's controversy. It's too bad people are being deterred from it via online rumors. You really need to see the books for yourselves to see how well the curriculum is designed. I think PHP has hit one out of the park with TGS and I hope people will give it a chance. Well written post, Justin, I am glad you spoke up, it must be very frustrating for you guys to be slammed so unjustly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Thanks for the heads up. I have seen the samples of this curriculum, and I really like the way it begins with JESUS. So many Bible courses for children begin with Creation (again and again, it seems). How refreshing to begin with Christ! Good decision, and we may look into it for our homeschool line-up in 2012. Right now, our plate is full enough for first grade and pre-K. ;) When our twins are old enough to handle something closer to a first grade course, we probably will work through the Olive Branch course. Hope you have great success with this "branch" of PHP! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiseOwlKnits Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 I appreciate you posting this! I'll definitely be looking at it this year at our convention! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janelless Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 These books look wonderful. Just read the sample excerpts from all. Just what I need for my first grader. Really truly bummed right now that my hubby is unemployed otherwise I'd order them right away. I hadn't heard about them until this post. I really like the look of them and will definitely order as soon as I can! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 I have to wonder if the issue isn't with the books but rather with the Alarmist's issue with the author, as Peter Enns' views were the subject of some controversy awhile back. So basically, a witchhunt, a simple broadbrushed smear of his works, etc. (I have only heard good things from his former students though...I had asked one about him when I heard about the controversy) Whatever happened to judging the work for what it is rather than assuming because you disagree with the author on one corner of a topic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlefurfamily Posted January 16, 2011 Share Posted January 16, 2011 If you've seen the curriculum....it is called Year One and people are calling it "first grade". Would it still be useful for a 2nd/3rd grade student? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 If you've seen the curriculum....it is called Year One and people are calling it "first grade". Would it still be useful for a 2nd/3rd grade student? Littlefurfamily: Yes, the Year One curriculum is aimed at students in the "first grade" age range. We are planning to publish Year Two in January 2012 (though it COULD be available earlier). However, as with many of the Peace Hill Press products (and any textbook), these grade levels are approximations. Most of the content would be suitable for a 2nd grader. And you could adjust the difficulty level of each lesson. For instance, if the child's reading level is more advanced (3rd grade?) you could perhaps have the child, rather than the teacher, read the Scripture passage that introduces the lesson. Let us know if you have other questions. Justin from Olive Branch Books Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3peasinapod Posted January 25, 2011 Share Posted January 25, 2011 Littlefurfamily: Yes, the Year One curriculum is aimed at students in the "first grade" age range. We are planning to publish Year Two in January 2012 (though it COULD be available earlier). However, as with many of the Peace Hill Press products (and any textbook), these grade levels are approximations. Most of the content would be suitable for a 2nd grader. And you could adjust the difficulty level of each lesson. For instance, if the child's reading level is more advanced (3rd grade?) you could perhaps have the child, rather than the teacher, read the Scripture passage that introduces the lesson. Let us know if you have other questions. Justin from Olive Branch Books This was exactly what I came on here for, to ask about age. I had not heard about this Bible curriculum, and I will have a 2nd and 3rd grader next year. Are the activities more for a 1st grader? There's such a wide range of understanding for children at these ages, actually similar in 1-3, but that's just from my experience with ours. It seems my current 2nd grader would like this too. I read the samples, and I loved how the wording wasn't dumbed down with pat answers. I want to have meaningful discussions about Christ even with our young children, and this seems to fit the bill. Checking into it further and I will be the reading samples with interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirch Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I'm sorry you've had to deal with the controversy, but I'm glad you posted--I hadn't heard about this curriculum, and from what I've seen so far, it may be just what I'm looking for. And like the previous poster said, it's refreshing to see an early elementary Bible course that doesn't start with Creation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy2BaMom Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Dr. Enns talks about using the Bible for its intended purpose, and not as a gun with which to shoot at scientific or political opponents. Unfortunately, this is largely what the Bible has become, at least in the eyes of the public, and (most unfortunately) in the eyes of some conservative activists. I am REALLY looking forward to seeing the curriculum, especially one that focuses on using the Bible for its intended purpose, (which, in my mind at least) is to teach us about God and Jesus. So sorry you all got caught in the cross-hairs..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lulabelle Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 Justin, Can you tell me when this will be available through Amazon? I preordered all three books back in June when you first started publicizing this. I'm curious when it will be available there since it appears it's been available through OBB for a little while now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted February 5, 2011 Author Share Posted February 5, 2011 Justin,Can you tell me when this will be available through Amazon? I preordered all three books back in June when you first started publicizing this. I'm curious when it will be available there since it appears it's been available through OBB for a little while now. Lulabelle, The books arrived in Amazon's warehouses weeks ago, so really they should be able to send them. But they still list them as shipping on February 22nd, even though we had signed up for a 2/2/11 release date. We have emailed Norton and Amazon to see what the holdup is, and will post updates on our Twitter & Facebook pages when we find out more...or we can post here if you'd prefer. We're eager to get them to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Justin, I'm sorry that this has happened. I'd like to encourage you, the Olive Branch Book folks, and the Peace Hill staff as well. I've reviewed it for a "How to Homeschool class" I teach once per year at our church. I love it, and I have HIGHLY recommended it to the moms and dads who attend the class. I hope this rumor mongering quickly runs its course. Faith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 Justin, I'm sorry that this has happened. I'd like to encourage you, the Olive Branch Book folks, and the Peace Hill staff as well. I've reviewed it for a "How to Homeschool class" I teach once per year at our church. I love it, and I have HIGHLY recommended it to the moms and dads who attend the class. I hope this rumor mongering quickly runs its course. Faith Faith, this is so encouraging to hear! Thanks so much for recommending our curriculum to the folks at your church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I bought a copy of the parent's guide, and have started reading it. Enns is making me think about things in ways I would never have considered before. His way of teaching the Bible makes much more sense to me, than doing character studies or theme studies, which I never really could get into anyway, because those types of studies always made me feel as though I had to measure up to another Christian's view on how Christians should think/behave. I am so DONE with that way of thinking. Which is another reason why I love WTM and PHP's products that help me to learn to think for myself and teach my kids to do the same!!!!!!!!!! And my husband gobbled up the book in two evenings. He loved it. I've already told one friend about it, and will spread the word as opportunity comes up. Oh, and I now want to buy Enns' book that caused all the controversy in 2005. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalphs Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Hi, I’m Justin Moore, executive editor at Olive Branch Books. Some of you may have received an email that’s been making the rounds of homeschool groups, warning about “a new, evolution-based curriculum from Susan Wise Bauer†or words to that effect. We’ve addressed some aspects of this erroneous message in previous threads, but since the email hasn’t gone away, and since some of you have contacted us about it, I want to set the record straight and offer some additional clarification. Olive Branch Books, the new religious-education imprint of Peace Hill Press, has published a Bible curriculum, Telling God’s Story. It is not by Susan Wise Bauer; it is by Peter Enns. It is not “evolution-based.†It is not, despite what some emails have said, a science curriculum. It is a Bible curriculum, intended for the use of Christian parents and teachers, which helps them understand the Bible’s message so that they may love its Author better, and may teach their children its message more effectively. It’s also—if I may speak immodestly—a really really excellent set of books, which is why I’m saddened and angered when it is condemned sight unseen. Grade One of the "Telling God's Story" curriculum (the only grade that’s available right now) is about the life of Jesus, as depicted in the Four Gospels. There's nothing at all about evolution in the first grade curriculum. The only references to origins are where Jesus’ miracles show that he has his Father's power over creation. Dr. Enns affirms multiple times that God is the sole Creator and that he alone has power over the universe. The curriculum is Biblical and orthodox, and it enthusiastically affirms and celebrates Jesus' miracles, virgin birth, divine authority, atoning death, and resurrection. The "how-to" book ("Telling God's Story: A Parents' Guide to Teaching the Bible"), which explains the whole curriculum from grade 1 to grade 12, likewise affirms that God is the omnipotent, sole Creator. It devotes a chapter to discussing the Genesis creation account, the six days in Genesis 1, etc. The word "evolution" is not even mentioned anywhere in this book. Dr. Enns talks about using the Bible for its intended purpose, and not as a gun with which to shoot at scientific or political opponents. The web article which inspired the “Parents Beware!†email forwards is problematic. Though I was in contact with the author of that article, and though we sent him a complete copy of the first grade textbook and numerous samples of the other books, he chose not to cite ANY errors in our curriculum, not a single page. In fact, he told parents to “Beware!†before he had even received the review copies. I asked to speak with him on the phone; I was refused. I have asked him and his organization to provide actual citations so that we can know which aspects of our curriculum he finds so problematic; to date, he has not done so. We have tried to leave polite explanatory comments on a website which reprints his articles (since his own site doesn’t allow comments); the comments have not been accepted or published. This is not responsible journalism. This is dishonest scaremongering and invincible ignorance. I strongly encourage you not to trust any curriculum, from us or from Peace Hill Press or from any publisher, without reading it first. Likewise, I strongly encourage you not to believe any articles which give no evidence of having read the book they are discussing. If you’re curious about Telling God’s Story, we welcome you to see samples of the various books and activity books at olivebranchbooks.net. We think you’ll love them. In addition, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page on that site, and the explanatory videos we’re posting on YouTube. Thanks for your time! Justin Moore Executive Editor, Olive Branch Books Thank you for posting Justin! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Literary Mom Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I have to wonder if the issue isn't with the books but rather with the Alarmist's issue with the author, as Peter Enns' views were the subject of some controversy awhile back. So basically, a witchhunt, a simple broadbrushed smear of his works, etc. (I have only heard good things from his former students though...I had asked one about him when I heard about the controversy) Whatever happened to judging the work for what it is rather than assuming because you disagree with the author on one corner of a topic? I agree with you...and yet, because we take the Bible as a whole, if someone interprets one section of it (in this case, the first chapters of Genesis) as non-literal, it does throw into question how they treat other passages. Of course the only way to find out is to read the book in question, which btw, does sound great. But to be perfectly honest, I am grappling with the whole creation vs. evolution debate, so finding out that the author (I went to his website, linked from Olive Branch) is part of BioLogos did give me a sinking feeling. I have yet to read his articles but from what I've read on their site before, they hold to a sort of theistic evolution. I have not concluded (don't know if I ever will, since I'm not sure when I'll have the time to properly research all this) what kind of impact that has on one's reading of Scripture and how that would (or wouldn't) affect other theological issues. This is no trivial subject and I for one would appreciate an outright statement (or interview, etc.) of the author's view on Genesis/origins and how that connects with his overall theology, rather than just hearing that it doesn't matter since he's only going through the gospels - that contradicts the whollistic approach to the Bible that this curriculum is supposed to be using. For that matter, it would be helpful to know his view of Scripture - e.g. inerrancy, inspiration, etc. (perhaps I missed that somewhere?). I alway appreciate dialogue, so thanks for raising this topic here, and I hope it's okay for me to raise these questions, which are part of my honest inquiry, not any attempt to fuel controversy. In fact, I don't appreciate the attitudes/approaches of prominent young earth creationists, much the same way I'm embarrassed to be represented politically by the likes of Sarah Palin, so my bent is toward unity amongst believers and a spirit of ecumenicalism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbysfriend Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I am saddened that any comments that attempted to discuss the specific concerns of this curriculum were scrubbed from the site, effectively removing any opportunity for dialog. Only cheerleading is allowed. I would think anyone wanting to take an intellectually honest look at the book would be willing to hear the perspectives of others. Who is really being the intolerant then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katnorman Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I am saddened that any comments that attempted to discuss the specific concerns of this curriculum were scrubbed from the site, effectively removing any opportunity for dialog. Only cheerleading is allowed. I would think anyone wanting to take an intellectually honest look at the book would be willing to hear the perspectives of others. Who is really being the intolerant then? I feel the same way :001_huh: I was taking a serious look at getting this curriculum for my 1st grader in the fall, but now am not so sure. It makes me think twice when we aren't even "allowed" to discuss everything about it, only the "good". :glare: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicA Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I am curious if the negative comments were from people who had not actually read the books. Maybe that is why they were taken down. I personally only want to hear comments from people who have actually taken the time to read the books for themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Check out the sticky at the top of the page if you have questions about the curriculum. Olive Branch Books has made the first book in Telling God's Story free to read at Scribd for a limited time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I am curious if the negative comments were from people who had not actually read the books. Maybe that is why they were taken down. I personally only want to hear comments from people who have actually taken the time to read the books for themselves.Did you see the sticky at the top of the K8 board? You can view the entire contents of the first grade TM online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Check out the sticky at the top of the page if you have questions about the curriculum. Olive Branch Books has made the first book in Telling God's Story free to read at Scribd for a limited time.Cross post. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Check out the sticky at the top of the page if you have questions about the curriculum. Olive Branch Books has made the first book in Telling God's Story free to read at Scribd for a limited time. Thank you for posting this :). I might not have noticed it otherwise. Off to check it out :auto:. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcelmer Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 What is Mr. Enns view on creation and Genesis as a factual record? Shouldn't that be part of the conversation? :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 What is Mr. Enns view on creation and Genesis as a factual record? Shouldn't that be part of the conversation? :confused: Did you see the sticky that MrsBasil spoke about? Here's a link to it if you didn't. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=257558 This should help you decide for yourself. Read through the entire thread as Justin has two posts with links, post #1 and the one that may answer your questions more specifically, post # 15. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts