Biblical Classical Discussions

Biblical Classical discussions aren’t Socratic or the Dialectical Process in nature. Rather, they are Didactic in nature. Didactic discussions are adapted to teaching with Biblical methods.

Biblical Classical Education focuses on what God says about issues of life because we acknowledge that God is sovereign. He understands human nature best and decided how to reconcile man to Him. Additionally, He is the One who has given us instructions to benefit us in life and to bring Him glory.

The Nature of Didactic Discussions

Didactic discussions are adapted to Biblical teaching methods in the following ways:

• preceptive
• principles
• intended to instruct

These discussions are far from boring. In fact, they are apart of each subject and real-life issues and events. They involve discussions on the True, Good, and Beautiful and Biblical Classical literature studies.

God’s Word is alive. It’s timeless and relevant to the world in which we live.

Students learn to identify:

• the cause (based on the internal) to effect (the outward expression of the internal)
• when God’s principles are being honored or violated

Lessons and discussions become meaningful when they see that there are Biblical solutions to the issues of life.

Preceptive Discussions

This aspect involves learning from Scripture about precepts or commands for the regulation of moral conduct. It has to do with governmental thinking and that entails Christian self-government. For further understanding, Christian self-government means learning how to govern oneself under God, with the internal help of Jesus Christ.

The Bible is the standard and from where we learn of moral conduct and directions for life.

Biblical Classical teachers teach students Christ-like character with the aid of a T-Chart graphic organizer. Students label one side of the T-Chart as Internal Qualities and the other as External Qualities. Teachers may also teach through preceptive poetry contained in the Bible.

Reasoning from Principles

God’s Word guides us— it’s a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). God has given us the ability to think and reason. The gift of His Word gives us the ability to think and reason Biblically. Didactic discussions involve reasoning from the Truths of God’s Word.

Students learn how to deduce principles from God’s Word. A principle is the cause, source, or origin of any thing. It may also be a general truth. Absolute truth found in God’s Word is what guides us in life and learning.

Two Ways

Didactic discussions can happen formally during lessons involving notebook work. However, they can also happen informally during daily activities. The wisdom of Deuteronomy 6 is at the heart in either instance.

There are Answers

The Bible has the answers regarding the human condition without Christ and with Christ. Didactic discussions are based on reflection and reasoning questions that involve considering General Revelation and Revealed Law.