Justin from WTM Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 We know some of you have questions about the Telling God's Story curriculum published by Olive Branch Books, and we'd like to give you a chance to see the entire Instructor's Guide for Year 1. For a limited time, you can read the whole book for free on Scribd. We always welcome reviews of our books, but a number of the reviews that have been posted online about this curriculum contain serious inaccuracies. Quotes have been taken out of context; incorrect assumptions have made about what's in (and not in) the book; and it has even been implied that the book contains pictures of the evolutionary process (none of our books have such illustrations). We would prefer that parents read the curriculum themselves, rather than simply accepting and repeating what others say about it. But we know you're on a budget. So we'd like to give you a chance to read its first book for yourself. This Instructor Text (Telling God's Story, Year One: Meeting Jesus) is the most central and important part of the Telling God's Story curriculum for Year One. Samples of the Activity Book that accompanies it can be seen at olivebranchbooks.net, peacehillpress.com and also on Scribd and GoogleBooks. The “how and why†book Telling God's Story: A Parent's Guide to Teaching the Bible (that’s the one with a tree on the cover, if you’re getting confused!) outlines a suggested sequence for teaching the Bible over all twelve years of education and explains why the curriculum begins with the Gospel. That book is helpful, but you don't absolutely need it in order to use the program. We hope you enjoy the introduction to Jesus and His work. Justin Moore Editor, Olive Branch Books Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooblink Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thank you, so much, for this. I'll definitely read it. I like what I've heard, so far. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Wow! PHP/OBB rocks. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmith Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Wow, thanks! I've been wanting to evaluate this for use with my special needs son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Justin, thank you. I just sat down and read the intro and first lesson. By the end of the first lesson, I realized I was smiling. I plan to read the rest of the book, but I believe I'm going to like this. I'm not home schooling for religious reasons, but, so far, this looks like something I could really see - and enjoy - using with my dd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xuzi Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Justin, thank you. I just sat down and read the intro and first lesson. By the end of the first lesson, I realized I was smiling. I plan to read the rest of the book, but I believe I'm going to like this. I'm not home schooling for religious reasons, but, so far, this looks like something I could really see - and enjoy - using with my dd. I agree (although I read a different lesson, not the first one). Amazing. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EJCMom Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thank you so much. I was already planning on adding this to our schedule next year, but now, being able to see even more of the lessons, I'm even more excited. It is my sincere hope that those who would form their opinions about this book based off of what is written in blogs will read through this book and form their own opinion before spreading rumors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvnlattes Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Wow! Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michele B Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Wow! That is generous! You could not be any more open about what the program teaches than this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorganClassicalPrep Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thank you for offering this! I was hoping to add this in next year, but was waffling because I didn't want to spend the money and end up not using it. Off to read... :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELaurie Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dulcimeramy Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 (edited) edited: I had a problem with reading this at scribd. Mozilla Firefox showed everything as gibberish. I just tried it with Google Chrome and it is perfectly readable. Edited March 25, 2011 by Dulcimeramy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Dulcimeramy: Thanks for letting us know...Scribd seems to work fine in Internet Explorer, and in our version of Firefox (the recently updated edition). I'm glad Google Chrome worked for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest followingHim Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Admittedly, I am not very familiar with this curriculum but it seems the controversy has been more over the author's interpretation of the OT (for instance Adam and the fall.) In my opinion, this is not a very good choic of an example of the author's writings because the question is not about his belief in the bible's account of Jesus. If you want to give the readers an idea of his true beliefs, give away free his writings on the book of Genesis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted March 25, 2011 Author Share Posted March 25, 2011 Admittedly, I am not very familiar with this curriculum but it seems the controversy has been more over the author's interpretation of the OT (for instance Adam and the fall.) In my opinion, this is not a very good choic of an example of the author's writings because the question is not about his belief in the bible's account of Jesus. If you want to give the readers an idea of his true beliefs, give away free his writings on the book of Genesis. Hi FollowingHim: Good point. We already did that, starting a few months ago. If you go to http://olivebranchbooks.net/ct.html and (near the bottom) click on "Read an excerpt HERE" you'll go to a sample from the "how to" book. Included in that free PDF sample (pages 13-19 of the sample), is pretty much the whole chapter on Creation from that book. I hope that's helpful! Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xuzi Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Edit. I was wrong. :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Wow! That is generous! You could not be any more open about what the program teaches than this! I agree. Thank you. I am looking forward to reading this tonight. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abreakfromlife Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I was already planning on buying this, this summer, and now I definitely am. I am very impressed with how you're handling this. I'm really excited to order this. Thanks for letting us look through it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abreakfromlife Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I wanted to add, too, that just b/c some people may not like this curriculum, I am so so so glad there is something out there that does approach the Bible in a different way, and that not everyone wants a traditionally conservative curriculum. I hope for every person that decides this isn't for them, more people decide that it is, and you guys are able to continue publishing the curriculum. When I read one of the 'reviews', whether or not it was out of context, I found myself agreeing with every excerpt they pulled out, and completely disagreeing with the reviewer's pov. It seems really hard to find non-traditional Bible curriculum, so keep up the good work :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danybug Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thanks for sharing this! I have been going back and forth about if I want to purchase the set. I will be reading this tonight. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Wow! PHP/OBB rocks. :001_smile: :iagree: I already own and love all 3 books and hearing the inaccurate reviews was getting really tiresome and frustrating. I'm so glad people will be able to *read for themselves* and see what a fabulous program it is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I think this is a great idea and I am sorry it has to come to this. I am not a christian and this whole controversy (?) has been an eye opener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalphs Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thank you! :D I've read the first chapters and I like what I am reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 Very generous! Thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehogs4 Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 This is a very generous offer, and I truly appreciate you making it. I have been really saddened and torn by this controversy, but this and the sample of Enns' work addressing God's intentions for Genesis has brought me far in resolving those issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simka2 Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Thank you! I look forward to reading it, and I have high hopes ;). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsBasil Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 What an incredibly gracious and generous offer. Thank you very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 (edited) . Edited May 2, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 (edited) . Edited May 2, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdalley Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I've spent this morning reading it and reading it to my mother - who LOVES it. (FTR my mother is very picky about Bible curriculum and teachings.) Thank you for putting this out there. The answers to many questions are in this text - so far as it pertains to the questions about this curriculum and its author. We don't need a Bible curriculum at the moment but if I had young ones it would be on my shopping list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcelmer Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Is the PARENTS guide to Telling God's story available to read? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 This Instructor Text (Telling God's Story, Year One: Meeting Jesus) is the most central and important part of the Telling God's Story curriculum for Year One. Samples of the Activity Book that accompanies it can be seen at olivebranchbooks.net, peacehillpress.com and also on Scribd and GoogleBooks. The “how and why†book Telling God's Story: A Parent's Guide to Teaching the Bible (that’s the one with a tree on the cover, if you’re getting confused!) outlines a suggested sequence for teaching the Bible over all twelve years of education and explains why the curriculum begins with the Gospel. That book is helpful, but you don't absolutely need it in order to use the program. We hope you enjoy the introduction to Jesus and His work. Justin Moore Editor, Olive Branch Books The full text online is the text that the parent uses. Substantial samples of both the Activity Guide and the overall plan for all twelve years can be seen at peacehillpress.com, Scribd, and also through Google Books. Moderator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Is the PARENTS guide to Telling God's story available to read? No, but there's an excerpt on the OBB site. I have the book and it is *awesome.* I think Peter Enns' approach to teaching the Bible to children makes a lot of sense. I appreciated the section where he compared his approach to the Bible Story, Character Study, and other typical approaches. And I absolutely love that it starts with Jesus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcelmer Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 The full text online is the text that the parent uses. Substantial samples of both the Activity Guide and the overall plan for all twelve years can be seen at peacehillpress.com, Scribd, and also through Google Books. Moderator As far as I can tell, the only book available through the links you have posted is the instructors text & guide, not the parents guide... there are 3 books to the set, correct? *Telling God’s Story, Year One: Instructor Text and Teaching Guide (online) *Telling God’s Story, Year One Activity Book: Student Guide and Activity Pages *Telling God’s Story: A Parents’ Guide to Teaching the Bible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 :chillpill: :chillpill: :chillpill: :chillpill: :chillpill: As far as I can tell, the only book available through the links you have posted is the instructors text & guide, not the parents guide... there are 3 books to the set, correct? *Telling God’s Story, Year One: Instructor Text and Teaching Guide (online) *Telling God’s Story, Year One Activity Book: Student Guide and Activity Pages *Telling God’s Story: A Parents’ Guide to Teaching the Bible From the OP (bolding mine): This Instructor Text (Telling God's Story, Year One: Meeting Jesus) is the most central and important part of the Telling God's Story curriculum for Year One. Samples of the Activity Book that accompanies it can be seen at olivebranchbooks.net, peacehillpress.com and also on Scribd and GoogleBooks. The “how and why” book Telling God's Story: A Parent's Guide to Teaching the Bible (that’s the one with a tree on the cover, if you’re getting confused!) outlines a suggested sequence for teaching the Bible over all twelve years of education and explains why the curriculum begins with the Gospel. That book [the Parents' Guide] is helpful, but you don't absolutely need it in order to use the program. The publisher is being very generous in making the TM available for viewing, and was under no obligation to you to do so. If you don't think the theology/views of the program and/or the author jives with yours, and this matters to you, you are in the position of the vast majority of the people of faith (and with none) on this board wrt at least some other programs. What's the big deal? You don't even have to research the issue; it's perfectly acceptable to decide its not worth your time and leave it at that... if it's really about the curriculum, that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcelmer Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 nmoira The bolding was just what happened when I copied the titles in from the PHP site. I hope that wasn't what upset you. :) I was in fact getting confused about the 3 different books with very similar titles, and did find the answer from the mod a tad confusing, so was just trying to restate and understand which of the three the online book is. The answer from shinyhappypeople was more helpful, but I didn't see it before I posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Hope it makes sense now! Thank you for your interest. Moderator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 That was a great proactive move. If you would, could you please make sure that scribd isn't selling your book through a third party? They have a sneaky habit of doing that with their freebies. And then once the free preview time is over, check and make sure they still aren't selling it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kchara Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Thank you! I love how transparent PHP and OBB is being with all of this mess. I might not agree with Dr. Enns theologically, but it does make me feel more as a sister in Christ to him, if that makes any sense. Thank you so much for what you're doing to restore unity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seal Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 wow! i haven't looked at this yet, so i don't know if it's something we can use or not, but i'm just so impressed with how open PHP and OB is being with letting us review the book before purchase! that is incredible and makes me definitely want to do business with them, if not with this book, with others!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Hi FollowingHim: Good point. We already did that, starting a few months ago. If you go to http://olivebranchbooks.net/ct.html and (near the bottom) click on "Read an excerpt HERE" you'll go to a sample from the "how to" book. Included in that free PDF sample (pages 13-19 of the sample), is pretty much the whole chapter on Creation from that book. I hope that's helpful! Justin Thank you for this too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 (edited) . Edited May 2, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin from WTM Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 A couple of quick questions, not sure if they have been addressed already. First I wanted to ask when Year 2 is expected to come out and second if someone jumps into the series at Year 2 for example (if we decide to follow the 12 year program as it is coming out), would we be missing anything from the previous year(s)? My son will be in grade 2 next year and if Year 2 will be out by then I am interested. The curriculum seems to meet what I am looking for (and have been looking for for a long time). Thank you in advance for any input :) Hi 4evercanucks: First, we expect Year 2 to be released in Jan/Feb 2012. It's tough to predict printing timelines, that far away, but we are fairly confident we can do it. We MIGHT (perhaps) be able to sell PDF versions even earlier than that. We'll continue to post updates on facebook, twitter, etc. Second: You could easily start in Year 2. You wouldn't miss too much. Let me know if you need more detail. Thanks for your interest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 (edited) . Edited May 2, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GardenGirl639 Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Thank you! What a generous thing to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yslek Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 I already own and love all 3 books and hearing the inaccurate reviews was getting really tiresome and frustrating. I'm so glad people will be able to *read for themselves* and see what a fabulous program it is! :iagree::iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LidiyaDawn Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Am I missing something? The link in the original post just seems to go to the main page of this "Scribd" website...I don't see anything? :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 The link works as of now. The actual address is: http://www.scribd.com/doc/51538077/Telling-God-s-Story-Year-One-Instructor-Text-and-Teaching-Guide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LidiyaDawn Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 The link works as of now. The actual address is: http://www.scribd.com/doc/51538077/Telling-God-s-Story-Year-One-Instructor-Text-and-Teaching-Guide Okay weird. It does indeed work now! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 (edited) . Edited May 2, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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