Biblical Classical Trivium

Biblical Classical Education embraces the Trivium in its proper, God-given context. Biblical Classical Education views the Trivium in a distinctly different way than other Classical Education models.

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The Trivium is a natural way of learning. Classical education in general cannot claim it. Other Classical models divide Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric into groups based on age ranges. The Biblical Classical model acknowledges that all ages are capable of learning and implementing Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric. Student skill levels mature as students become well-versed in the art and skill of all three.

Grammar

Other Classical models have students memorize the vocabulary and basic ideas of a concept. Additionally, disconnected grammar facts on a history timeline are the memory hooks upon which Logic hang. Connections are made as students wrap back around to grammar during the Logic stage.

Biblical Classical’s Grammar involves learning the Biblical worldview definitions of word as students build their vocabulary. It involves using Webster’s 1828 Dictionary and the Bible for researching Biblical principles. These aid in mastery of the Biblical worldview of each subject. Furthermore, the hooks are Biblical presuppositions, premises and principles. Students learn the context of history as they see the rise and decline of Liberty throughout the history of each subject.

Logic

The dialect is considered logic in other Classical models of education. The dialectic is all about asking questions prefaced with “why” and “how” rather than “what.”

Logic is the art of thinking and reasoning justly. In Biblical Classical Education, students learn to think and reason justly by turning to Biblical premises and principles. This is referred to as the didactic. It is the nature of logic in Biblical Classical Education. It is all about asking:

• “What does God say?”
• “Who or what is in control?”
• “What is the internal to external?”
• “How are God’s principles being honored or violated?”
• “What is the cause to effect?”

Rhetoric

Rhetoric in other Classical models is based on foundational knowledge and by practicing grammar and acquiring understanding by applying dialectic.

The ability to use the art of rhetoric to minister to unbelievers or to win debates depends on the foundation.

Biblical Classical adheres to the Biblical worldview definition of rhetoric: The art of speaking with propriety, with elegance, and with persuasion. Propriety means ownership. All based on the student’s research and Biblical reasoning from God’s principles. The didactic method begins with the absolute truths of God’s Word. Therefore, students are prepared to deliver truth through the art and skill of rhetoric.

Dayspring Christian Academy is a Biblical Classical school and it has excellent examples of rhetoric based on Biblical reasoning in various subjects. See their Headmaster Orations for 2022, 2023, and 2024.

In Summary

Biblical Classical teaching and learning has students learning Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric together at all ages. In General Revelation it is observed that children of all ages develop grammar, can reason, and can articulate. Skill levels vary by individual child and as students become more independent in their research, reflection, and reasoning abilities as they mature. The Bible is the source from which to reason in all of life and learning because truth is outside of us. And it is found inside the inspired Holy Word of God. Biblical Classical education teaches students how to stand on the authority of God’s Word in all of life and learning.