Why Jesus?
The study Why: 40 Days Pursuing Answers To Life’s Biggest Questions recommends the following books for answering the question, “Why Jesus?”
Christianity and World Religions, by Sir Norman Anderson
Jesus’ Resurrection: Fact or figment?, by Paul Copan and Ronald Tacelli
Jesus The Only Way, Gregory Koukl
Four Views On Salvation In A Pluralistic World, by Dennis Okholm and Timothy Phillips
What Difference Does Jesus Make? Tough Questions, by Garry Poole
The Case For Christ, by Lee Strobel
Jesus Under Fire, by Michael Wilkins and J.P. Moreland
The Challenge of Jesus, by N.T. Wright
The Resurrection and the Son of God, by N.T. Wright
Jesus Among Other Gods, by Ravi Zacharias
Why Is The World So Messed Up?
The study Why: 40 Days Pursuing Answers To Life’s Biggest Questions recommends the following books for answering the question, “Why Is The World So Messed Up?”
Evil and the Cross, by Henri Blocher
Is God to Blame, by Gregory Boyd
Satan And The Problem of Evil, by Gregory Boyd
The Problem of Pain, by C.S. Lewis
How Could God Allow Suffering and Evil? Tough Questions, by Garry Poole
A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss, by Gerald Sittser
Can God Be Trusted?, by John Stackhouse
Why Should I Trust The Bible?
The study Why: 40 Days Pursuing Answers To Life’s Biggest Questions recommends the following books for answering the question, “Why Should I Trust The Bible?”
Is The New Testament Reliable?, by Paul Barnett
The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable, by F.F. Bruce
A General introduction to the Bible, by Norman Geisler and William Nix
The Making of the New Testament, by Arthur Patzia
How Reliable Is the Bible? Tough Questions, by Garry Poole
Is The Bible True?, by Jeffery Sheler
The New Testament Story, by Ben Witherington III
Why Should I Believe In God?
The study Why: 40 Days Pursuing Answers To Life’s Biggest Questions recommends the following books for answering the question, “Why Should I Believe In God in the First Place?”
God? A Debate Between A Christian And An Atheist, by William Lane Craig and Walter Sinnott-Armstrong
Thinking About God, by Gregory Ganssle
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis
How Does Anyone know God Exists? Tough Questions, by Garry Poole
The Case for a Creator, by Lee Strobel
Can Man Live Without God, by Ravi Zacharias
Why I Am Here?
The study Why: 40 Days Pursuing Answers To Life’s Biggest Questions recommends the following books for answering the question, “Why Am I Here?”
To Everyone An Answer: The Case for the Christian Worldview, by Frances Beckwith, William Lane Craig, & J.P. Moreland
Letters From a Skeptic, by Gregory A. Boyd
I’m Glad You Asked, by Ken Boa and Larry Moody
That’s Just Your Interpretation, by Paul Copan
Reasonable Faith, by William Lane Craig
Why I Am A Christian, by Norman Geisler and Paul Hoffman
Give Me An Answer, by Cliffe Knechtle
Pocket Handbook Of Christian Apologetics, by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli
Know Why You Believe, by Paul Little
How To Give Away Your Faith, by Paul Little
Scaling The Secular City, by J.P. Moreland
The Case For Faith, by Lee Strobel
The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren
Christian Worldview Studies
The following books are required reading in the course “Christian Worldview Studies” taught by Dr. Chris Leland at Focus on the Family Institute.
Boa, K. D. (2001). Faith has its reasons: An integrative approach to defending
Christianity. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Colson, C. & Pearcey, N. (1999). How now shall we live? Wheaton, IL: Tyndale
House Publishers, Inc.
Guiness, O. (2000). Time for truth: Living free in a world of lies, hype, & spin.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House Co.
Hunter, J. D. (1991). Culture wars. The struggle to define America. New York, NY:
Basic Books.
Lewis, C.S. (2001). The Abolition of Man. San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins
Publishers, Inc.
Medved, M. (1992). Hollywood vs. America. Popular culture and the war on traditional
values. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.
Moreland, J. P. (1997). Love your God with all your mind. Colorado Springs, CO:
Navpress Publishing Group.
Paine, T. (1989). The age of reason. Lyle Stuart Publishers (paperback ed.).
Postman, N. (1985). Amusing ourselves to death. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Romanowski, W. D. (2001). Eyes wide open. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.
Sanders, J. O. (1994). Spiritual leadership. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishing.
Schaeffer, F. A. (1984). The great evangelical disaster. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Sire, J. W. (2004). The universe next door. A basic worldview catalog (4th ed.).
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
White, H. (2006). Postmodernism 101: A first course for the curious Christian. Grand
Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.
The syllabus describes the course as follows – - –
DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to provide academic instruction on the importance of and ability to communicate God’s truth to others in Christian love. In this course, that means exploring the issues of truth, how we arrive at truth, and what we do with truth. In order to accomplish this, one must (1) believe what it is to have an “ultimate purpose in living,” (2) be able to “know” God, and (3) be willing and able to impact the individuals, families and communities around us. A significant part of this evangelistic perspective is better understanding what we believe and why, as well as knowing what the other, prevailing worldviews in society propose and why. Ultimately, we must be fully prepared to give the world an answer to questions about life and death and truth and love and God, or as the Scriptures say, to “know how you should respond to each person” who asks us about such things (Col. 4:6, NAS trans.).
The Christian Worldview Studies course is designed, therefore, to deepen and broaden the student’s understanding of the core presuppositions of the Christian worldview, and to equip them to evaluate those presuppositions in contrast with other, competing worldviews. The goal is to enable students to think more clearly and critically about the ultimate issues of human existence, so that they may live more purposeful lives and participate more constructively in the larger socio-cultural debate.
The study of worldview constitutes a window through which we can view the nature of man and the nature of his conduct. To that extent, it’s as close as we can get to the core reality or truth of who we are and what we do in life. Knowledge of worldviews is commensurate with acquiring a powerful form of wisdom, that most precious of Biblical commodities that characterized the sons of Issachar, “men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do …” (1 Chron. 12:32, NAS trans.). Thus are we also charged with the privilege of understanding our times, that we might instruct America, in both love and truth, what we all together need to do.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
1. To further enhance students’ awareness of the preeminence of evangelism.
2. To further enhance the students’ understanding of the Christian worldview, especially as it contrasts with the other predominant worldviews of today.
3. To empower the student to effectively communicate with those whose worldview differs from the Christian perspective, especially regarding one’s understanding of Jesus Christ and the meaning of truth in today’s world.
4. To further enhance the students’ inner spiritual life, Christian character, and love relationship with God and others.
TOPICS:
• Worldviews in Conflict
• The Christian Mind
* Worldview Leadership
• Christian Theism
• Classical Deism
• Atheistic Naturalism
• Pagan Mysticism
• The Postmodern Crisis
• Feminization of worldviews
• Counterfeit Gods
• Communicating Effectively
• Mass Media Influences
• Contemporary Strategies
Marriage Studies
The following books are required reading in the course “Marriage Studies” taught by Roc Bottomly at Focus on the Family Institute.
Anderson, N. T. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.
Anderson, N. (1996). The steps to freedom in Christ. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light.
Burkett, L. (1989). The complete financial guide for young couples. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor.
Chapman, G. (1992). The five love languages. Chicago, IL: Northfield.
Dayton, H. (1996). Your money counts. Gainesville, GA: Crown Financial Ministries.
Dillow, L. & Pintus, L. (2002). Gift-wrapped by God. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook.
Eggerichs, E. (2004). Love and respect. Nashville, TN: Integrity.
Elliot, E. (1984). Passion and purity. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell.
Hunt, M. (1996). The financially confident woman. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman.
Nelson, T. (1998). The book of romance. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (1998). Getting ready for the wedding. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (1995). Saving your marriage before it starts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Penner, C., & Penner, J. (1994). Getting your sex life off to a great start. Dallas, TX: Word.
Piper, J. (1990). What’s the difference? Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
Seamands, D. A. (1981). Healing for damaged emotions. Wheaton, IL: Victor.
Smalley, G. & Trent, J. (1990). The two sides of love. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.
Stanley, S., Trathum, D., McCain, S., & Bryan, M. (1998). A lasting promise. San Francisco: Josey-Bass.
Swenson, R. (1992). Margin. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Thomas, G. (2000). Sacred marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Thomas, G. (2004). Sacred parenting. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Waite, L.J. and Gallagher, M. (2000). The case for marriage. New York, NY: Doubleday.
Winner, L.F. (2005). Real sex: The naked truth about chastity. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazo Press.
Wolgemuth, R. and B. & Devries, M. and S. (2003). The most important year in a woman’s/man’s life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
The syllabus describes the course as follows – - –
DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to provide academic instruction on Focus on the Family’s “pillar principle” of the Permanence of Marriage. Many are asking, “How do I build a lasting marriage?” This course provides the basic steps toward a practical, biblical answer. The course is specifically designed to train students in the concepts, attitudes, and skills necessary to build a lasting marriage. Our goal is that each student will recognize the enormous value of a godly marriage, will be able to begin wisely, will have the determination to stay married, and will enjoy the rich rewards of finishing well.
The students study the biblical principles, read current authors, work practical exercises, and write a personal philosophy/preparation plan. The course explores four essentials for building a lasting marriage: understanding God’s design, recognizing the difficulties, building connection, and preparing responsibly.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand God’s design for marriage.
2. Recognize the difficulties all couples must overcome to build a lasting marriage.
3. Develop the life skills vital to building strong connection in marriage.
4. Prepare responsibly for marriage.
TOPICS:
Marriage Purposes
Marriage Responsibilities
Gender Differences
Personality Differences
Effects of Supernatural Evil
Effects of Past Damage
Time Margin
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Money Management
Sexual Intimacy
Having Children
Birth Control
Mate Selection
Courtship
Engagement-Wedding-Honeymoon-First Year
Family Life Studies
The following books are required reading in the course Family Life Studies taught by Sheryl DeWitt, at Focus on the Family Institute.
Arterburn, S. (2000). Every man’s battle. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press.
Arterburn, S. (1998). How will I tell my mother? Nashville, TN: Nelson.
Carroll, Bruce. (1999), Sometimes miracles hide. Howard Publishing.
Clark, Jeramy. (2000), I gave dating a chance. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press.
Cloud H. (1995). The mom factor. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Dallas, J. (1991). Desires in conflict. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.
Dobson, J. (2001). Bringing up boys. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.
Dobson, J. (1983). Love must be tough. Dallas, TX: Word.
Dobson, J. (1984). The strong willed child. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale
Dobson, J. (1989). Preparing for adolescence. Regal Books.
Dobson, J. (1992). The new dare to discipline. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale,
Dobson, J. (1995). Life on the edge. Dallas, TX: Word.
Dobson, J. The new hide and seek. Fleming Revell Company.
Focus on the Family, (1997). Beyond Appearances. Colorado Springs, CO.
Harris, J. (1997). I kissed dating goodbye. Oregon: Multnomah Books.
Haley, M. (2003). 101 Questions about homosexuality,
Hunter, Lynda (1997). Parenting on your own. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Jantz, G. (1995). Hope, help and healing for eating disorders. Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw Publishers.
Lucado, Max. (1997) You are special. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
McDowell, J. and Hostetler, Bob. (1998) The new tolerance. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.
McGee, R. (1993). Father hunger. Ann Arbor, MI: Servant.
McGee, R. (2005). Search for significance. Houston, TX: Rapha
Nelson, T, (1998). The book of romance. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
Reisser, P. (1997). Complete baby and childcare. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.
The syllabus describes the course as follows – - –
DESCRIPTION:
It has been said that a culture’s health can be measured by the ways in which it treats its children. The purpose of this course, therefore, is to enhance students’ appreciation of the value of children, and the sanctity of human life. Students will be exposed to typical problematic issues that most parents are forced to confront as they attempt to raise healthy children. Additionally, students will be exposed to the principles that life is sacred, unique, broken, beautiful, and deserving of love and truth. Biblical teachings, existing research, and current popular techniques will be reviewed, with the goal of aiding each student in their development of a personal strategy for dealing with problematic parenting areas.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
1. To further enhance students’ understanding of the value of children.
2. To help students reflect upon the role that their parents had in shaping their
current understanding of truth and love.
3. To help students develop a personalized strategy for conveying truth and love
as a parent.
4. To help students develop a strategy for dealing with potential parenting
problems.
TOPICS:
• Family of origin
• Parenting and child discipline
• Family planning
• Children and self-esteem
• Children and education
• Parenting teens
• Teen issues
• Teen addictions
• Singleness
• Dating
• Divorce and single parenting
• Disabilities
• Homosexuality
Family Issues In Christian Perspective
The following books are required reading in the course “Family Issues In Christian Perspective” taught by Roc Bottomly, at Focus on the Family Institute.
Anderson, N. T. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.
Anderson, N. T. (1996). The steps to freedom in Christ. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light.
Arterburn. S. (1998). How will I tell my mother? Nashville: Nelson.
Burkett, L. (1989). The complete financial guide for young couples. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor.
Carroll, Bruce. (1999) Sometimes miracles hide. Howard Publishing.
Chapman, G. (1992). The five love languages. Chicago, IL: Northfield.
Cloud, Henry. (1995). The mom factor. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Dallas, J. (1991). Desires in conflict. Eugene, OR: Harvest House.
Dayton, H. (1996). Your money counts. Gainesville, GA: Crown Financial Ministries.
Dillow, L. & Pintus, L. (2002). Gift-wrapped by God. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook.
Dobson, J. (2001). Bringing up boys. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale
Dobson, J. (1983). Love must be tough. Dallas: Word.
Dobson, J. (1989) Preparing for adolescence. Regal Books.
Dobson, J. (1992). The new dare to discipline. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.
Dobson, J. (1995). The new hide and seek. Fleming Revell Company.
Eggerichs, E. (2004). Love and respect. Nashville, TN: Integrity
Elliot, E. (1984). Passion and purity. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell.
Haley, M. (2004). 101 Frequently asked questions about homosexuality. Eugene, OR:
Harvest House.
Hunt, M. (1996). The financially confident woman. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman.
Lucado, Max. (1997). You are special. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
McGee, R. (1993). Father hunger. Ann Arbor, MI: Servant.
Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (1995). Saving your marriage before it starts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (1998). Getting ready for the wedding. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Penner, C., & Penner, J. (1994). Getting your sex life off to a great start. Dallas: Word.
Reisser, P. (1997) Complete baby and childcare. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.
Seamands, D. A. (1981). Healing for damaged emotions. Wheaton, IL: Victor.
Stanley, S., Trathum, D., McCain, S., & Bryan, M. (1998). A lasting promise. San Francisco: Josey-Bass.
Thomas, G. (2000). Sacred marriage. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Winner, L.F. (2005). Real sex: the naked truth about chastity. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazo Press.
Wolgemuth, R. and B. & Devries, M. and S. (2003). The most important year in a
woman’s/man’s life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
The syllabus describes the course as follows – - –
DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course is to equip students with personal strategies for promoting healthy families, by specifically focusing on marriage, parenting, and the sanctity of all human life. Students will be exposed to typical issues that most spouses and parents are forced to confront as they attempt to establish healthy marriages and families. Biblical teachings, existing research, and current popular techniques will be reviewed, with the goal of aiding each student in their development of a personal strategy for dealing with these areas whenever confronted by them.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
1. To further enhance students’ understanding of the value of children.
2. To help students reflect upon the role that their parents had in shaping their current understanding of truth and love.
3. To help students develop a personalized strategy for conveying truth and love as a parent.
4. To further enhance students’ respect for the sanctity of all human life.
5. To equip students to build a lasting marriage by helping them to…
• Understand God’s design for marriage.
• Recognize the difficulties all couples must overcome to build a lasting marriage.
• Build strong connection in marriage.
• Prepare responsibly for marriage.
TOPICS:
• Family of origin
• Family influences and homosexuality
• Parenting and child discipline
• Parenting and self-esteem
• Parenting teens
• Spiritual training of children
• Divorce’s impact on children
• Parenting disabled children
• Marriage purposes
• Marriages responsibilities
• Gender differences
• Personality differences
• Effects of Supernatural evil
• Effects of Past damage
• Communication
• Conflict resolution
• Money management
• Sexual intimacy
• Mate selection
• Courtship and engagement
• Wedding, honeymoon and first year world
Family, Church, and Society Studies
The following books are required reading in the course “Family, Church, & Society Studies” taught by Del Tackett, at Focus on the Family Institute.
Agee, M. C., et al. (1996). The America we seek. National Review. March 25.
Beckwith, F.. J. (1990-1991). Answering arguments for abortion rights. Christian Research Journal.
Bonhoffer, D. (1954). Life together. San Francisco, CA: Harper Collins.
Briner, B. (1993). Roaring lambs: A gentle plan to radically change your world. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
Burtoft, L. (ed.) (2003). Student reflections on the UNC Justice For All outreach.
Colson, C. (2003). Being the body. Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group.
de Tocqueville, Alexis. (1835). Democracy in America, (Vol 1). (Reprinted by Vintage Books, New York, 1990).
Dobson, J. (2004). Marriage under fire. Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Ellis, E. S. (1884). Not yours to give. Philadelphia: Porter & Coates (Reprinted by Conservative Printing, 2003).
George, R. P. and Ponnuru, R. (1996). The new abortion debate. First Things 62.
Grudem, W. (2003). Business for the glory of God. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Kavanaugh, P. 1996. Spiritual lives of the great composers. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Klusendorf, S. (2002). Pro-life 101: Making your case. Signal Hill, CA: Stand to Reason.
Lee, D. (ND). Frequently asked questions. Wichita, KS: Justice For All.
Lee, D. (2002). The use of graphic visuals in pro-life work. Wichita, KS: Justice For All.
Leman, K. and Pentak, W. (2004). The way of the shepherd: 7 ancient secrets to managing productive people. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Minnery, T. (2001). Why you can’t stay silent: A biblical mandate to shape our culture. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Olasky, M. (1998). The American leadership tradition: The inevitable impact of a leader’s faith on a nation’s destiny. Wheaton, IL: Crossways Books.
Parker, K. (2001). Time to say we’re sorry. Chicago Tribune. June 20.
Pollock, J. (1996). William Wilberforce: A man who changed his times. McLean, VA: Trinity Forum.
Schlossberg, H. (1990). Idols for destruction. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Schmidt, A. J. (2001). Under the influence: How Christianity transformed civilization. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
Sowell, T. (1995). The vision of the anointed. New York, NY: Basic Books.
St. Benedict Center. (ND). The fathers speak – for life!
Sullivan, Andrew. (2001). Only human. The New Republic Online.
http://www.tnr.com/073001/trb073001.html
Wolf, N. (1995), Our bodies, our souls. The New Republic. October 16. [R]
The syllabus describes the course as follows – - -
DESCRIPTION:
This is a course in Christian sociological and political thought and leadership action. Students will be challenged to think carefully and deeply concerning their personal leadership role in effecting transformation in every social sphere of life.
The course consists of two concentrations. The first will focus on understanding God’s design for social order and the relationships between the social spheres. This includes the roles, responsibilities, purposes and boundaries of each sphere as God created them. The second will deal with application of this understanding. This includes examination of the pathologies associated with each sphere and the burning issues those pathologies bring to our culture. Students will be challenged with issues ranging from homosexuality to abortion to taxation. This challenge will occur in the classroom and in the field, where they will receive intensive training in “pro-life apologetics”, followed by a two-day outreach on the campus of University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado.
The final application will include a historical study of the key aspects of the founding of the United States of America, with special attention given to the founders’ social vision and their understanding of the relationship between religion, morality and the state. Additionally, this section will help the student defend the existence of objective moral principles against postmodern ethical relativism.
Students will be challenged throughout this course to examine their personal and unique call to leadership roles and responsibilities. The pursuit of that call and its personal application will be considered a critical aspect of the desired outcomes of this area of study.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
• Understand God’s design for social order and the relationships between the social institutions
• Develop a deep sense of compassion for those trapped in the turmoil and destruction of social pathology and a consequential hunger and commitment to become a world changer for Christ.
• Explain the authority structure, roles, responsibilities, purposes and boundaries of each social institution
• Describe current issues and pathologies that are manifested within each social institution
• Articulate the Christian’s personal role in effecting transformation in every social sphere of life
• Explain the historical foundations of the American State
• To equip the students to engage various contemporary social issues with Christ-like compassion and insight, with particular emphasis upon the defense of the existence of objective moral values
• Understand key elements of shepherd leadership
• Give thoughtful consideration to one’s unique leadership role as an agent of change in culture
TOPICS & ACTIVITIES:
• Understanding God’s general design for social order
• Contemplating the triune nature of God in social design
• Intimacy and the divine mark within the family
• Shepherd leadership and God’s delegating call to rule
• Unio Mystica: The awesome reality of being a child of God
• The mystery: Christ and the church
• Understanding the Divine delegation of authority and the design of the state
• Law, politics and the foundations of the American state
• Contemplating Divine creativity and God’s design for labor and the marketplace
• Examining the lost art of community and God’s design to love your neighbor
• Evaluating the burning issues within our culture
• Pro-Life Apologetics
• Pro-Life Outreach at University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
• Risk-takers and world-changers; being “light” and “salt” in a needy world
