by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 24, 2020 | Education Materials
(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).
For the past several weeks, my son and I have been using the cool Math Galaxy math program. The reason I chose to add Math Galaxy to my son's math program was to add some fun to his ordinary routine. I also wanted to try a new way to reinforce some of the math concepts he struggles with. Since Math Galaxy offers all levels of math, from kindergarten to 12th grade, I knew it would be a good choice. And it was.
For example, one of the super cool things about Math Galaxy is that you can choose from several different options. For example, all levels of the program are available in printable pdf format e-books. In addition to e-books, inexpensive apps ($4.99 to be exact) are available through iPhone, iPad, and Android stores.
The main purpose of Math Galaxy products is to reinforce and “tutor” kids who struggle with math concepts. In other words, it is designed to be a supplementary math tool to enhance learning. However, it can stand alone, in my opinion, because of the supplementary videos provided through the apps and through the main website.
And the price is definitely right.
For example, the entire 5 ebook set of Algebra concepts is just $10.00. Also, if you are looking for a simpler level, you can get the entire set of whole numbers for just $22.00. When you do visit the Math Galaxy website, I recommend clicking on “Guided Tour.” It’s the red button in the upper left side of the screen.
My son hates math. However, he was able to complete the puzzles on his own once we went through a couple of problems together. For example, the Algebra Properties and Operations e-book. This e-book includes a review of the properties of Algebra. For example,
- Commutative Property of Addition (and Multiplication)
- Multiplicative Inverse
- Associative Property of Multiplication (and Addition)
- Multiplicative Property of Equality (and Addition)
- And more.
At first, I didn't remember which was which. However, after we worked on a sheet together, we both were able to more easily remember what those TOTALLY ABSTRACT terms meant. What helps with these riddles is that the answers are limited. So, like I told my son. When you complete a page like this, pick the ones you definitely know first and then that narrows it down. We both found these riddle sheets to be an effective way of reinforcing the properties of Algebra. Knowing these properties is essential to being successful in Algebra and beyond.
We chose to review the Algebra Math Puzzles. However, we also used the Pre-Algebra Math Puzzles as well as two different apps:
- Pre-Algebra Fundamentals
- Algebra Fundamentals
These apps are perfect for kids (like mine) who hate math OR hate writing down the answers. Of course, kids who like computer games are also the perfect people to use this app for.
When we use the apps, the math is super easy to figure out. This is because there are step-by-step instructions, and lots of levels to choose from. As you play, you earn “robots” which can be used to play the games. Since we use both the pre-algebra and algebra math games, we have noticed that they are not exactly the same. In other words, if I tell you which game we play in Algebra, you may not get that same game in addition and subtraction. But you will get some kind of game. The really good news about the robots is that your child will earn robots even if he or she doesn't get the answer correct. Plus, as they are learning, children will be told why the answer is wrong, for future reference. The apps also contain full video explanations of the various concepts taught in the app.
Math Galaxy Math Games
Links for apps can be found at the Math Galaxy website.
Math Galaxy Math Games Google slides are also available for the following levels:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Fractions
Below is an example of what a slide looks like in google drive.
As you can see, I have one of the h's selected. When you select the box with the ? mark, you simply replace it with the correct letter. You figure out the letter based on the correct answer of each math problem. There is a matching answer for each. And once you know which letter goes with a certain answer/number, then you add that letter to each box with the corresponding number as is shown in the example.
Make sure to check out this super cool math program, Math Galaxy here.
Don't forget to check out the other reviews by Awesome Homeschool Review Crew members here or click the image below.
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 14, 2020 | Nutrition and Health
Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic in the world today. This is because very few people understand how important it is. This is also because most people aren't getting enough through their diet or through sun exposure. There are at least 10 reasons why vitamin D is important to the overall health of you and your kids (Post contains affiliate links).
Vitamin D is important for bones and helps prevent rickets
Rickets is a disease of the bones that most people recognize as related to vitamin D deficiency. This disease causes bowed legs and soft bones. Prior to fortification of cow's milk, rickets was much more common. Since many people drink non-dairy milk substitutes, it should be a relief to know that most non-dairy milks today are also fortified with vitamin D. As a result of fortification, rickets is rare in developing countries, such as the US.
In addition to Rickets, Vitamin D is important for treating and preventing an enormous amount of other health issues. These diseases include, but are not limited to acne, autism, eczema, multiple sclerosis, various cancers, both Type I and II Diabetes, the flu (influenza), respiratory infections, and depression.
Vitamin D and Acne
Evidence abounds that vitamin D has a therapeutic effect on the severity of acne. For example, a study in 2016 showed that vitamin D treatment of 1000 IU/day significantly decreased the acne severity of the participants. Furthermore, when vitamin D levels were checked, nearly 50% of the participants (those with acne) were vitamin D deficient prior to the start of the study, compared to only 22% of the controls (those without acne).
https://www.hncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27560161
Founder and Medical Director of the Vitamin D Council, Dr. John Cannell, wrote,
“When I was a teen, my acne almost disappeared in the summer. I thought it was the salty water I swam in-but not so. It improved in the summer regardless of any saltwater exposure.”
As a result of professional experience with patients with acne, Dr. Cannell at the Vitamin D Council website recommends the following:
“If you are a teenager or adult with acne, the Vitamin D Council recommends supplementing with 5,000 IU (125 mcg) to 10,000 IU (250 mcg)/day of vitamin D, depending on your weight (higher weight individuals may require more vitamin D). In 2 months, have your vitamin D levels tested. If your levels are below 60 ng/ml, increase your vitamin D intake by small increments until your vitamin D blood level is around 70 ng/ml. It may take about 2-3 months to begin to experience an improvement. However, maximum improvement may not occur for 5-6 months.”
Reduced Risk of Autism
Because of the increased incidence of autism in the past 20 years, much research is being done. Some of the research done is specifically to determine if there is a connection between low vitamin D levels and autism. This research has shown interesting results.
For example, several studies going back to 2008 have shown connections including:
- Low maternal blood levels of vitamin D are associated with children developing autism by 8 years old.
- Children diagnosed with autism tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin D
- Therapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and after been shown to be effective for both mother and child.
- Vitamin D reduces oxidative stress associated with autism.
For further research on vitamin D and autism, see the following articles and visit the Vitamin D Council Website.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25511123
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24494055
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27868194
Vitamin D and Eczema
Eczema, also known as, “atopic dermatitis,” is associated with low vitamin D levels. There are many studies showing a relationship between low vitamin D levels and eczema. Though not many of these studies have researched the role of vitamin D in the prevention of eczema, many have shown a role of vitamin in reducing the severity of symptoms.
Part of the reason for this is that vitamin D is important for a healthy immune system, and eczema is associated with impaired immunity.
The most common groups of people who develop eczema are infants and young children, though adults develop it as well. 10-25% of children and about 3% of adults develop eczema.
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-basics#1
In fact, a study published in 2012 in Australia showed the following:
- As many as one-third of infants born have some form of eczema.
- Vitamin D levels at birth were lowest in infants who developed eczema in their first year of life.
- Every 4 ng/ml increase in vitamin D levels in the newborns was linked to a 13% lower risk of developing eczema.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21087229
Much more has been written on the subject of vitamin D and eczema. For now, let me just say that there is overwhelming evidence that healthy vitamin D levels reduce the risk of eczema.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
When a person develops MS, the immune system attacks the nerves in the spinal cord and the brain. Studies have been unclear about the role of vitamin D in the development of MS. However, epidemiological studies have shown a connection.
Epidemiological studies are studies that compare 2 groups of people who are alike except for one factor. For example, people who have MS, are female, and are Caucasian, but who have a history of low versus high vitamin D status.
These types of studies show a relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of developing MS. Other epidemiological studies have shown that persons with the highest exposure to sun are the least likely to develop MS. These studies show promise. However, by themselves, are not conclusive.
Various Cancers
Breast, endometrial, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, renal, and gastric cancer, and other cancers are all positively related to low vitamin D status. This means that the lower your vitamin D levels, the higher the likelihood you will develop some form of cancer in your lifetime. You can check the Vitamin D Society website for more discussion and references related to specific cancers.
Type 1 and 2 Diabetes (DM)
Type 1 diabetes is an immune disorder. When a person develops diabetes, the immune system attacks cells that are involved in the production of the hormone insulin. As a result of the immune system attacking, a person with type 1 diabetes eventually cannot make their own insulin. Thus, they must take insulin as medicine to digest carbohydrates properly.
There appears to be a connection between low vitamin D levels the first year of life and developing type 1 diabetes, but more research is needed.
The connection between vitamin D and diabetes type 2 appears to be related to insulin sensitivity. People who are type 2 diabetics have reduced insulin sensitivity. This means that when they eat a candy bar, insulin doesn't respond as well as it should, and their blood sugar stays higher for a longer period.
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and is more common in adults over 40. (As opposed to type 1 diabetes which is usually seen in childhood). Some research is showing that adequate vitamin D levels may help to increase insulin sensitivity for people susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. This means that people who have adequate vitamin D levels in childhood and early adulthood may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More research is needed, however.
Influenza (Flu) (and other Infectious Illnesses)
Numerous studies show the benefits of vitamin D for preventing both colds and flu. The vitamin D council recommends 5,000 to 10,000 IU for adults every day, and 100 IU/kg/day for children to reduce the risk of the flu. Remember the amount of vitamin D considered safe is controversial. So, it is always a good idea to check with your own medical doctor before taking or giving your children therapeutic doses of vitamin D.
With the global pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) sweeping the world, it is particularly important to remember that Vitamin D strengthens the immune system and is the main reason it reduces risk of contagious diseases. So, if you are living in an area where you can't get direct sunlight, it is necessary for you to supplement with the active form of vitamin D (D3).
This is what my family uses. I take 6000 IU per day; my son gets 2000 IU every other day and my husband takes 2000 IU every day. This has NOT resulted in vitamin D toxicity despite years of taking these doses.
Note that with the doses we use, the drops last about 6 months.
Asthma
Eight people die from Asthma every day worldwide. Some studies have shown short term relief from severe asthma symptoms. Again, more research is needed.
Vitamin D and Depression
Results are mixed on this one. However, I have had personal experience with the amazing effects of consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D improves mood. For example, when my son was in 1st grade, I spoke with a lady who worked at the public school where he was attending. She stated that at one time her husband was suicidal. They tried everything and nothing worked. Until they tested his vitamin D levels as a last resort. His levels were indeed low. So, his doctor prescribed vitamin D. His depression completely disappeared.
It wasn't until sometime later that I too was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. My doctor put me on a 2000 IU dose. I am not kidding you when I say that within 3 days, I could feel a difference. My levels weren't that low, but they were below 30 ng/ml. Like I said in my other post, this doctor wanted my levels above 50 ng/ml, so she put me on 6,000 IU/day during the sunnier times of year and recommended 10,000 IU a day during the winter months. I still take 6,000 IU/day, even with my new doctor, and my last test was slightly below 50 ng/ml.
There are quite a few other diseases that may be improved by sufficient vitamin D or by therapeutic vitamin D doses. Some of these diseases that I didn't discuss include Tuberculosis, COPD, Leukemia, Sepsis/Septicemia (infection of blood), and more.
The vitamin D Council is the best site I have found on the subject: Vitamin D Society
You can find tons of cross references to the research on their site, and the articles are written by medical doctors.
Other articles by Homeschooling Dietitian Mom:
Diet and ADHD
Why Exercise Beats the Winter Blues
10 Foods to Eat When You Are Pregnant
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 11, 2020 | Creation Education Resources
(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).
I do love a good missionary adventure! This is why when I saw that “Venturing with God in Congo,” by Conjurske Publications was available to review, I jumped at the opportunity. And I can tell you, I was not disappointed. I think every person alive today should read at least one missionary book. And this book is a great one to start with.
Let's face it, most of us will never go on a long-term missionary trip.
Thus, we will never fully understand the extent of spiritual darkness many people live in throughout the world.
I think that most people, especially in the United States, take their standard of living for granted. And most of us have no idea how rich we truly are.
“Venturing with God in Congo” was written by Darrell Champlain. It was published in 2017 but is based on mostly first hand accounts of the Champlins’ experiences in Nkole, Nkema, Congo during the mid-1950s to early 1960s. During this period, Congo was governed by Belgium.
One of the major things I got out of this book was the simplistic way the natives lived.
The inhabitants of the area lived in mud and stick huts with thatched roofs. And so did the Champlins for many years. When I say mud and stick hut, I mean:
“The house was built of poles cut in the forest, sharpened on one end and driven into the ground forming the outline of the floor plan. Reeds were then tied on both sides of the poles with the tough outer skin of a jungle vine called nkodi. The house was literally tied together with vines. Chunks of mud were then stuffed between the reeds, filling the pole frame from top to bottom.
“Long poles across the top secured the walls in place. The pole rafters were constructed on top of the walls, and wide raffia palm leaf thatch was tied to the frame, again with “jungle nails,” the nkodi vine.
“Rough-sawn hardwood boards were nailed into place as window and door frames. The house was plastered with the same mud which had filled the walls, and clay was tamped into place. A clay veranda was filled in between a row of stakes driven into the ground and the outer walls of the house to form a walkway under the overhang of the thick thatch roof. Voila, our dwelling…”
“Inside, reed mats woven by local women covered the clay floor and served as a roof for the millions of termites that protested against our walking on their ceiling by knocking their heads against the mats….the house had free standing closets for our clothing, but we had to be careful not to let anything touch the mud walls, or the next morning the termites would have eaten a sleeve off a shirt or some such damage.” (pp 33-34)
No Windows or Doors to Shut Them Out
The following direct quote from the book provides a shocking account of what living in the houses was like:
“Since the house had no windows or doors that could be shut, just holes in the wall, it was possible for anything to be in the house at any time. In fact, two snakes came and went regularly. We looked them over pretty well and decided they were non-poisonous and more dangerous to the mice, rats, cockroaches, centipedes, tarantulas, and scorpions that frequented the house than they were to us, so we let them live.” (page 35)
I agree with the author when he said, “Unimaginable by American standards.”
There are many incredible stories in this book. One of the stories that I found the most interesting, if not a bit disturbing, was the one about the “Rogue Elephant.” This elephant had been injured by a gun and was rejected by its herd. As a result he wrecked havoc on the village where the Champlins were living.
I never realized that elephants were so smart OR so devious!
As a result of the danger the elephant posed to the villagers, Darrell and a couple other men from the village decided they had to take him down. Once they succeeded (and this is a fascinating story in and of itself), the elephant was used for food. (The villagers ate anything they caught; leopards, monkeys, elephant, hippo, YOU NAME IT. They ate it)!
And the way that Darrell Champlin described the process the men went through once the elephant was killed as well as how they gathered the meat from the animal was shocking. For example, the men literally walked inside the rib cage of the dead elephant, like they would have walked inside a small hut, and gathered the meat. (pp 57-66)
Darrell Champlin with an Elephant Skull
Another thing I found shocking was that the natives never took a bath! Now sit back and imagine that for a minute! That's right, even after they butchered an elephant or a leopard or a monkey. Even after they smeared themselves with whatever dung they used so that the animal they were hunting didn't smell them. They still didn't take a bath! Seriously!!!
There are many other amazing (and shocking) stories to read in this enthralling book. However, I don't want to ruin it for you. You will just have to read it yourself!
I will say one thing though. I am amazed at what the Champlins endured and for how long they endured it.
But it was obviously the eternal value of what these missionaries did and that God was providing graciously for their needs that kept them going.
For example, “Lulu Bekanga, Miracle of a Murderer.” When Champlin first came to the village to preach the gospel (there were many villages in the area), the man Lulu, who was a witch doctor, warned the people,
“The first person in this village who believes in this Jesus, I personally will bury.”
Lulu meant every word. And he had a reputation which told others he would do it.
However, the first person to trust in Jesus was his nephew and tradition forbade him to kill a relative. Lulu was the second person and HE WAS NEVER THE SAME AGAIN. (pp 47-50) To read more, you will have to get the book!
A Witch Doctor
Another example is the amazing transformation of one village, named Ongo.
Ongo went from completely rejecting the gospel (pp 103-106) to wholeheartedly accepting it. This is the fruit of a faithful missionary family, “who didn't give up despite being spurned, cursed, and treated like dogs.” (pp 107-110)
The above examples are just a few samples of the sorts of adventures you will come across while reading this book. Everyone is individual in their ideas of what younger members of the family are ready for. Thus, I would suggest, if you have children under 13, reading through the book first before reading it out loud.
I read a few of the chapters to my son, who is 14, this morning. I was surprised to realize he didn't think they were real stories. So, I emphasized the point that these are real people, and that these are real experiences.
As far as my overall impression of the book?
For example, it was easy to read, easy to follow, and interesting right from the beginning.
There's only one thing that would have improved “Venturing with God in Congo” for me. I would love to see a large print edition, because I found the words to be a bit small for my aging eyes. My eyesight has gotten really bad over the last few years. Thus, I struggled a bit while reading. So, I think that having a large print edition available would be awesome and would allow for more people to be able to read it.
Click here to find out more about “Venturing with God in Congo.”
To read more reviews by the Homeschool Review Crew, click here or click the image below.
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 10, 2020 | Education Materials
(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).
“What is living history?” Living history is “any of various activities involving the re-enactment of historical events or the recreation of living conditions of the past.” I think this is a good definition and helps to explain what your child will experience when he or she reads a book from the Carole P. Roman's assorted series, including her fun History Series – “If you were me and lived in…”
Carole P. Roman has written and published over 50 books for children. All of her books are educational, and a large percentage of them would qualify as “living history.” Living history takes you back into a time period and makes it much more memorable because it goes beyond facts and figures by including experiences.
For example, the book, “If you were me and lived in Renaissance Italy,” (see picture below), takes the reader on a guided journey to discover what it would be like to live during the Renaissance in the city of Florence, Italy.
Some of the highlights of the “If You Were Me and Lived in…Renaissance Italy” book include:
- A simple map showing the location of Florence, Italy.
- A a print of a painting created during the Renaissance period compared to a photo taken in modern Florence. And lots of other interesting pictures throughout.
- A short history lesson is provided with the picture of the main city as the backdrop.
- The book discusses the changes that took place during the switch from the Medieval Period (also known as Middle Ages). For example, during the Middle Ages, most people were poor, farmed for others; most children didn't go to school, towns were isolated, and disease was rampant. But the Renaissance changed much of that.
- Another really interesting thing I enjoyed learning about is what basic living quarters would have been like. A simple drawing of the type a building of a well to do family would look like on the inside, complete with the location of the “bathroom.” (Not even close to what we are used to today. 😉)
- Differences in fashion are illustrated for both boys and girls.
- Things we don't think about today such as the weight of clothing, the expectations of how children should behave, how kitchen accessories were used, and many other interesting things are discussed.
- And much more! (I can't tell you too much, because I don't want to spoil the fun of the book for you)!
The back of the book contains important information sections (sort of like an Appendix, though it's not called that because it's a children's book) that tells about:
- Why the Renaissance was such an important part of art.
- Brief synopses of 12 famous people who lived during this period.
- A glossary that includes a pronunciation guide. By the way, a pronunciation guide is included in the text as well, and I really appreciated that. When I am reading, I often don't know how to properly pronounce words, and when I am reading aloud, I prefer to be sure of how to say things correctly. Also, I believe having a pronunciation increases learning and comprehension for children as well.
It's amazing how much information Carole P. Roman included into this 50-page children's book.
I obviously enjoyed the book. 😉 But my son did as well.
I think “If You Were Me and Lived in…RENAISSANCE ITALY” serves as an excellent introduction to the study of ancient civilizations, or as a history review as well.
For my son, who is 14, it was a review, which I think is truly important. For example, he learned some of the facts when he was in 4th and 5th grade. However, reinforcement is good thing, because he didn't remember most of them. Plus, he learned new facts as well (and so did I)! 🙂
This is one of the things I love the most about teaching. I'm always learning something new!
“If You Were Me and Lived on…Mars”
“If You Were Me and Lived on…Mars” was my son's favorite. Mars is not an example of “What is Living History.” It is instead a science book, and this is okay because science is my son's favorite subject.
My son is 14 and on the Autism Spectrum, so I really couldn't get him to tell me much other than this was his favorite book. So, I'll tell what I liked about it. 🙂
I really liked the specific numbers and facts she included (temperatures, for example). The author went into detail the impossibility (in my opinion) of humans (or any life form) living on Mars. There would be tremendous hurdles.
For example, how long it takes to go back and forth between Earth and Mars. So everything you could possibly need would have to be brought from Earth if you decided to move to Mars. This is because there’s virtually nothing on Mars that would help with life. In fact, the conditions on Mars work against life. For example, you can't go outside without a special suit, the extreme temperatures, the fact that the air is toxic to breathe, and much more.
“If You Were Me and Lived in…Norway”
Lots of cool facts, including new words to learn, as well as nicknames of Norway, interesting landmarks, and important holidays and celebrations. As with all of Carole P. Roman books, a pronunciation guide is provided in the text as well as in the Glossary at the end of the book.
As you can see in the examples, the pictures are kid-friendly, At the same time, the facts provided aren’t everyday “something everyone would already know” types of facts. Trivia but not trivial.
“If You Were Me and Lived in…Cuba”
This book was just as fun as the rest. There was just one thing missing that I would have liked to see. I would like to see the type of government Cuba has, which is Communism. Cubans don't have freedom because they live under a dictator.
Under communism, Christians and other minority religions are restricted and persecuted because they are seen as a threat to the powers in charge. As a result, there is a lot of hardship experienced in Cuba, which I think is important for kids to understand.
In summary, I think the Carole P. Roman “If You Were Me and Lived in…” are super cute books. They are easy (and fun) to read and fact filled. I think it's a great way to teach kids. In fact, your kids might not even realize they are learning or are in “school.” 😉
Be sure to check the other reviews by the Homeschool Review Crew here.
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Feb 26, 2020 | Creation Education Resources
(Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way).
I have had a long-term interest in Apologetics. In fact, as many of you know, I attended the ICR Graduate School from 1997-1999. I studied Biology and Christian Apologetics during this period. This is one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to review The Unbreakable Faith Course from Pilgrim's Rock, LLC.
The other reason was that I was hoping to reinforce my son's faith as well.
The Unbreakable Faith Course from Pilgrim's Rock, LLC, is an Online Christian Apologetics Curriculum
This faith-building course also includes 2 Textbooks, “God the Reason” and “The Box,” both which are written by Craig Biehl.
Unbreakable Faith is geared toward high school students. Not only that, but it will satisfy one full elective credit toward high school graduation. Unbreakable Faith can also be enjoyed and utilized by adults as well as younger children, depending on the maturity of the specific child.
For the review, I am the main person working through this curriculum. I chose to do this because my son is not quite at the level to totally get the most out of it. Plus he needs my support as he's learning. So, I'm reading and watching the videos so that I may better teach him the lessons.
I do want to point out that I am reading “The Box” to him. Also, we have been watching the videos together. Of course, the curriculum is a year long. So, we are still working through the curriculum as I write this.
There are 6 Parts to the video series, with several videos for each part. I just completed the quiz for Part 1 (I got 100%)! The quiz for each section must be completed before the student can move on. I know I learned a lot! And I have no doubt that my 14-year-old son's faith and my faith are increasing.
In fact, one of the things I like the most about the course is the online videos.
For example, the videos provide visuals as well as Bible Verses to support the author’s point. Also, the videos do an excellent job of reinforcing what is discussed in the books. Having the reinforcement of the videos along with the books obviously will increase the amount of information that the student is able to retain overtime.
This is especially important because “God the Reason” is rather deep and involved philosophically and may be challenging to some readers. Thus, you can watch the videos to better understand the points the author, Craig Biehl, is making in the book itself.
One of my favorite videos discusses the best way to answer the multiple questions asked by unbelievers. He provides a compelling analogy and visual (see images below).
The first image shows how most Christians deal with questions–one at a time.
The second image shows the importance of having a strong foundation. Thus, if we start with the Bible, the Christian's one sure foundation. It will much easier for us to answer questions from unbelievers.
Starting with the Bible, we have our foundation. Thus, we don't need to have a PhD to answer a PhD!
Here are just a few of the statements made by Biehl which I found particularly thought-provoking:
- “The key is to CHALLENGE THE FOUNDATION OF UNBELIEVING THOUGHTS.”
- “Unbelief has nothing to do with the evidence. It has everything to do with the heart.”
- “God's existence is not dependent on what man thinks about Him.”
- God has always existed
- The reality of who God is is not affected by how human’s perceive truth.
The book, “The Box,” includes conversations between Mr. C and Mr. A.
The focus is on helping readers see the irrational beliefs that sometimes underlie their belief systems. The Box ties in with the overall theme of the course.
The goal of the author, Craig Biehl, is to help readers become more aware of “God’s Infinite Excellence.”
Biehl wants to show the reader how little a finite human being can know about the infinite God apart from God’s Revelation.
In the book, Mr. A represents the Atheist in the beginning of the book and later the Agnostic.
1. The Atheist
Mr. A. at the beginning of the book, believes there is no God and that there is no evidence whatsoever for the existence of God–but can't predict what is in Mr. C's garage or antique box.
2. The Agnostic
Mr. A at this point has changed his mind about what he believes and now calls himself an Agnostic. Mr. A. now states that he doesn't know enough to claim whether God exists or not. However, he still believes there is no evidence for the existence of God.
By the end of the book, Mr. A has made progress, but still hasn’t reached the point of believing.
Which reminds me of a very important point:
No matter how logical, rational, or awesome our arguments are. No matter how many Bible verses we can quote or how perfect of a model we are, it’s still going to take God‘s Holy Spirit to reveal to the unbeliever who He is.
Though that does not mean we shouldn’t take into consideration peoples’ uniqueness or that we shouldn’t remember the importance of loving the unbelievers in our lives. Just not at the expense of truth.
The conversations and the logic in “The Box,” are easy to follow and are successful in driving home the point the author is making. Also, the wording of the text is easy to follow. The one thing that could make the book even better would be to shorten some of the sentences.
The length of the sentences made reading out loud to my son a bit cumbersome. However, despite this one weakness, I still believe Beihl was successful at keeping my son, who is 14 and is on the Autism spectrum, interested.
I believe he was also successful at driving home his main point:
“The truly rational person is the one who believes in God.”
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