by Bret Capranica | Aug 15, 2006 | Bookreviews
Douglas Wilson has caused me to think about education in a refreshing way. I have heard about so-called “Classical” schools in the recent past, but knew very little about the philosophical basis behind them and what makes them unique. My good friend, Kevin Banks gave me this book four years ago and I am just now getting to it. Why did I wait so long. Wilson does not write as a professional educator. In fact, it appears he has come to his conclusions about education later in his life. He articulates his position well and evaluates not only the public school system but the home schooling movement as well. He is not opposed to home schooling, but notes a number of its weaknesses and challenges parents to consider not merely a private school, but the philosophical underpinnings of the classical system. The book is divided into four sections and contains three helpful appendices. The first section is an evaluation of “The Failure of Modern Secular Education.” The next section provides “An Approach to Distinctively Christian Education.” The third section becomes more specific and describes “An Approach to Distinctively Classical Education.” The final section includes two chapters of “Conclusions,” including an engaging chapter on “The Limits of the State: A Summary.” In essence, Wilson suggests that the Trivinium of the Middle Ages should be a restored approach to education within the context of a Christian school environment. The Trivinium includes educating a student in grammar, dilectics and rhetoric. The basis of teaching students in the archaic approach is to provide them with the tools necessary to learn for themselves (the...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 15, 2006 | Expositions
Jesus Creed » Romans 9-11 Let me readily say that I have not read Wright on Romans 9-11, so I can’t say whether or not Mr. McKnight’s comments tell the whole story behind Wright’s convictions. What I think is interesting is that there is no theological bias that the “Jews” Paul is referring to in Romans 9-11 has spiritually morphed into the church. It’s as if a somewhat literal reading of the text produced a somewhat dispensational sounding approach. I am looking forward to listening to John Piper’s covenental series on Romans 9-11 and based on McKnight’s comments, I may even give Wright a little read as...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 15, 2006 | Ecclesiology
God Change » ABOUT LEAVING A CHURCH Read Wayne Mack’s long letter to a friend who is considering leaving their church for another. Why don’t more church members think this way about church...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 15, 2006 | Christian Living, Church History, Jonathan Edwards
The Shepherd’s Scrapbook » Blog Archive » Building a Blank Bible (part 1) While I really do want to get a copy of Edwards’ Blank Bible, a blogger has promised to teach us all how to make our own. Reading his opening comments, I may just try it. It might be cheaper and have a good personal impact. HT: Caleb...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 15, 2006 | Ecclesiology, Southern Baptist Issues
Together for the Gospel Are you involved in a Southern Baptist Church? You must read Mark Dever’s comments on the mistake we Southern Baptists made in our annual meeting this year – see the above link. As Dever points out quite clearly, keeping so-called members on the roll as a means of “prospects” is a result of a faulty view of the church and no doubt conversion as well. This article is a reason why we need men like Dever in positions of leadership within our...
