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Biblical Worldview Scope for Writing & Grammar 10

Introduction: This document is an attempt to answer the question, “What must a tenth-grade student comprehend and value in order to use English effectively from a biblical perspective?” What follows is a list of the themes that we believe are essential for students to understand and internalize. We anticipate that early in the course students will be asked to recall and explain these themes. However, as these themes recur, students will also evaluate ideas, formulate a Christian understanding, and apply what they have learned to real-life situations. High levels of internalization result when students apply their learning.

1. Identity: How do my values reflect my identity?

Being God’s image bearer entails imitating God in what He values.

 

People are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26–28), a fact which entails accurately reflecting His character. Doing so includes embracing both righteousness and creativity. Though God allows for variation from individual to individual, all writing must be presented in a way that reflects what He values (making that which is attractive to God attractive to the reader). Writers who do this well have their identity shaped by loving what God loves and hating what God hates. The writer who imitates God also employs writing styles appropriately.

 

The world wants us to celebrate and promote what it values.

The world peddles a false alternative to imitating God. No longer content to represent God, writers operate on the assumption that identity is a matter of individual choice and pressure others to do the same (Rom. 1:32). Individuals are encouraged to “follow your heart” and “be true to yourself.” People are free to be whoever they want to be, even if that identity contradicts nature, reason, or revelation. In this spirit, the interpretation of written material is also seen as completely subjective. Freedom of expression is untethered from God’s character, for God is considered irrelevant. Both the content and the irreverent style of writing is geared toward making sin look attractive and righteousness appear boring and blasé, a universal invitation to reject God’s purpose.

Representing the character of Christ in an idolatrous world is challenging yet rewarding.

Christ has provided a perfect example for man to follow. Though Christians still experience the temptation to find their identity outside of Christ, they must put away sin and live as new creations in Him (Eph. 4:17–24). In order to represent Christ in writing, Christians need greater knowledge and deeper admiration of Christ—His person and His character. The juxtaposition of such traits as strength and tenderness; justice and grace; truth and patience; and boldness and humility are beautifully joined in Christ. Instead of embracing autonomous individualism and self-expression, and instead of belittling or avoiding truth, God’s people pursue Christlikeness. Christian writers declare God’s truth in their own voice, like different instruments in an orchestra singing one song of praise. Students should appropriate His values and imitate His character in their writing.

Sample Objectives:

• 11.1 Explain the significance and effects of word choice.
• 147.2 Infer the writing craft of a persuasive speech from the chapter mentor text.
• 70–71.2 Craft sentences using absolute phrases.
• 92.2 Revise previously written compositions to include effective metaphors.

 

2. Logic: How do I construct an argument for the good of my neighbor?

 

Logic is a gift of God, a tool by which we love our neighbor.

Information is only intelligible with organization (1 Cor. 14:9–11). To enable understanding, God has lovingly gifted man with the ability to think logically. And since man is so equipped, God has communicated His word logically that it may be understood. When used as a tool for serving the good of people with the truth, logic functions as God intended. Writers should utilize logic to this end. Organization of text and clarity of expression are composed with the good of the reader in mind.

Logic is now used as a tool to serve error, which harms our neighbor.

Logic is a valuable tool, but like other tools it can also be used for evil (e.g., Matt. 4:5–6). Using logic to lure people away from God and reality is always harmful. An argument can be valid but untrue, which can give false worldviews and ideas an air of respectability. Inversely, an argument can be logically fallacious yet true. Whether this error is intentional or the result of laziness, it discredits the truth.

Many readers are unaware they are being manipulated by an abuse of logic. Such manipulative use of logic makes the irrationality of sin appear rational. Logic is often weaponized to diminish, defeat, or embarrass others. Organization of the text and word choice are intended to make a point which may be false, even if the writer does not believe this to be his intention.

Christians should use logic to lead people to the truth.

Christians bear a responsibility to use logic in a way consistent with God’s revelation. While this is made more difficult in the context of the Fall, the urgency of serving one’s neighbor requires believers to develop skill in the proper use of logic. Christians can use logic to show people how their use of logic is fallacious. They can also use logic to show people that worldly conclusions are false because they begin with untrue premises. The right use of logic adds persuasiveness that befits the truth (Acts 18:4). The goal of Christian writers should be dismantling opponents’ arguments for their good.

Sample Objectives:

• 55.1 Explain the importance of identifying the underlying assumptions in an argument.
• 124.1 Describe ways in which incorrect punctuation could lead to confusion.
• 10.3 Evaluate the truth and validity of arguments.
• 112.2 Suggest ways to restate an argument to avoid the fallacy of begging the question.

 

3. Integrity: How do I clearly and fairly present another person’s view?

 

Gracious writing includes respect for others.

God’s creation is vast and variegated. That is especially true among humans, who display great diversity in genetics, past experience, and personal preference. This design allows for everyone to imitate God in a unique way. As people do this they present different facets of God’s character, and as others recognize this it brings Him greater glory.

Because variety is good, people must learn to respect fellow image-bearers of God through gracious engagement with one another. This includes making every effort to understand another person’s point of view and recognizing that there are multiple valid ways to communicate an idea. Writers must not insist on their own way in dictating how to communicate (1 Cor. 13:5). They must respect their neighbors by clearly and fairly presenting their neighbors’ views, including sources found in research.

The world uses disagreement as an excuse to refuse to be gracious.

Most people are impatient with understanding another person’s point of view. They may cleverly set up a straw man because their goal is to win the argument, fabricating or obfuscating in order to make their case. This follows the example set for them by the Father of Lies, who is the god of this world (John 8:44, 2 Cor. 4:4). Ungraciousness toward others is prevalent in a fallen world, where differences are no longer a matter of variety in imitating the true God but rather different ways of seeing reality. Writers who have already made up their minds before a fair hearing often fail to adequately research the matter and instead import their own misinformation or half truths into their work. They also tend to use disrespectful rhetoric toward those with whom they disagree. These practices show a disregard for truth, its divine Source, and those created in His image.

Resist the impulse to return evil for evil and instead strive for a gracious presentation.

Christians are commanded to reflect Christ, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). They are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who is called “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:7). And they are governed by the Word of God, which is truth (John 17:7). Therefore, Christians must painstakingly pursue honesty and challenge falsehood. Yet they must do this with the utmost respect for others, even those whose point of view arises from a false worldview. Respect for a person does not equal agreement. By clearly and fairly presenting an opposing view (addressing its best arguments), a writer is in a better position to defend the truth. Writers who are confident that God’s truth will prevail do not have to resort to mischaracterization or lies.

Sample Objectives:

• 25.1 Identify ways to avoid plagiarism.
• 23.3 Evaluate the credibility of sources.
• 105.3 Change straw-man arguments into steel-man arguments.
• 82.2 Explain lessons learned from the writing and video assignments.

 

4. Judgment: How do I ensure that my judgments are authentically biblical? (from cognition to conviction)

Internalize God’s revelation and apply it to your judgment.

 

Adam and Eve were called to remain faithful to God’s Word (Gen. 2:16–17). God’s revelation to them was clear and sufficient to counter Satan’s lie. When confronted with a competing standard, they were supposed to formulate their judgment based on inward affection for God and His Word. The temptation in the Garden provided them with an occasion for showing their love and faithfulness to God. God expects all people to base their judgments on divine revelation. Doing so enables writers to authentically communicate the truth.

There is the temptation to adjust biblical principles because secular society ridicules them.

In a post-Genesis 3 world, people have internalized the world’s standard for making judgments. Though God provided additional revelation to guide fallen man, it has been largely rejected and ridiculed as intellectually naïve and morally reprehensible. Subjective human judgment is accepted as the ultimate source of wisdom, despite God’s Word and human experience proving otherwise (Gen. 6:5, Prov. 14:12, Rom. 1:18–21). Christians are constantly pressured to abandon their commitment to God’s Word and to give in to the desires of the flesh. When they remain faithful to Scripture, their writing will not be considered authentic or relevant. It may even be considered hateful or evil.

Remain faithful to biblical principles in the face of opposition (Romans 12:2).

Wise judgment comes only by remaining faithful to biblical principles (Prov. 1:7). Christians must resist their own sinful nature as well as the secular culture to maintain this commitment. They must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in wisdom and understanding (John 14:12–14, Rom. 8:5–8).

The more Christians internalize biblical principles, the more effectively they can communicate the truth. This involves a three-step process: determining the biblical principles, considering possible outcomes, and assessing one’s motivation for embracing those principles. Internalizing these principles conforms Christians to the image of Christ and enables them to communicate with true authenticity as children of God.

Sample Objectives:

• 84.1 Explain the value of storytelling.
• 28.3 Identify the benefits and problems that result from becoming notable by publishing information on the internet.
• 136.1 Contrast the slippery slope fallacy with warning others of potential consequences.
• 61.3 Explain appropriate ways to use satire.