Integrated Studies

God-centred curriculum: the integrated study of the creation, the Bible and God himself

The Hebrew model

	Science, literacy, history, mathematics, art, music were all centred around God and the study of the Scriptures.
	Learning is unified around God and the Bible.
	God first rather than man first.

The Greek model

	Science, literacy, mathematics, art, music were all centred around man and his abilities
	Every subject in its own separate box.
	Man-centred, leading to pride.

Why use the Hebrew approach?

	We gain God’s perspective on the world around us.
	God reveals to us His Divine purposes.
	It requires submission to God.
	Learning is centred on God’s ideas rather than on man’s ideas.

How do I place God at the centre of the curriculum?

Get to know God’s character and nature.

Ask:

1. "What aspect of God’s character or nature can apply to my topic?"

2. ‘Which Bible verses or passages apply to my area of learning?"

Examples: (Secondary education)

	A study of geography and people groups can remind us about sharing God’s love, the servanthood required to meet the needs of people groups, and trust in God’s provision to meet those needs.
	A study of history can help us identify with servants of God who have shown the servanthood and love of Jesus.
	A study of the human body can reveal the marvels of creation as well as the personal God who knows us intimately.
	A study of literature can give us opportunity to weigh up people and events in the light of God’s character.

Example: (Primary education)

	Take ‘God is Provider’ as a starting point for learning.
	Science: make a study of plants
	Maths: measure and graph plant growth rates; measure the area of leaves
	Art: make plant designs; leaf prints
	Health: make a study of plant foods for good health
	Literacy: read Bible stories on God’s provision
	Music: songs about God’s provision
	Character development: appreciation of plant resource and wise use of the environment

Example: (Primary education)

	Take ‘God is Protector’
	Science: heredity, genetics – the family of Noah and God’s protection for them
	History: families of olden days – how they lived
	Character development: appreciation of my own family; family relationships; immediate and extended family
	Maths: heights/growth rates of members of my family
	Art: make a family shield
	Literacy" God’s protection of families; Biblical families: families who worked for God.

What are some of the aspects of God’s character/nature that we need to study?

God is:

Creator

Love

Wisdom

Protector

Truth

Purity/Holiness

Patience

Servanthood

Provision

Redeemer

Others: forgiving; gracious; merciful; just; the light; shepherd; humble; healer; Lord/King; Father; personal; kind/gentle; faithful; peace; joy

Why is getting to know God’s character/nature so important in developing our own character?

God is creator – we are special to Him; we know we are valued

God is love – we need to show love and kindness to others

God is wise – we need to ask, "What would Jesus do?"

God is protector – trust God to take care of us.

God is truth – we must be open and honest in all we do.

God is pure – Our hearts must be pure and we must obey God’s word.

God is patient – God wants us to be patient with ourselves and others.

God is a servant – We must have the attitude of a servant.

God is provider – Be grateful for all God has provided and trust in Him.

God is Redeemer – Make peace with God, repent and live as Jesus would have you live.