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People often homeschool because they desire to provide their children with a distinctively Christian education. This is a good thing. Although proper curriculum and a balanced schedule are a big piece of the puzzle, parents often fail to pay enough attention to girding themselves with a strong theological and philosophical base. Consequently, they may overlook areas or subjects in their own background and experience that aren't biblical in orientation. It is important to re-evaluate the categories in which you think, ensuring that they are biblical categories and not humanistic ones.

Let me give you an example. This past week I purchased a supplemental biology program called Biology 101: Biology According to the Days of Creation. Here is a brief description:

Biology 101 is a complete overview of the world of biology from a Biblical perspective, in a set of 4 DVDs. Their short film "From Genesis to Genes" was the first-place winner in the "Creation Category" at the 2004 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, sponsored by Vision Forum Ministries. The film generated a lot of excitement at the Festival, and their much-anticipated full version (over 4 hours) is now available, entitled "Biology 101."

Taking God's word as the starting point, this DVD course divides all life according to the days of creation. An exciting, visually rich experience, it is designed specifically for ages 15 years old and up. Filmed in locations throughout America's beautiful Northwest, Biology 101 is full of accurate and fascinating information supported by hundreds of captivating visuals and graphics. The 4 DVD set is accompanied by a printable (pdf) guidebook, allowing the student to easily review all the information covered in the film. Each guidebook segment includes a multiple choice quiz and discussion questions. A 12-page "Course Accreditation Program" booklet is included for those families who want a year-long biology course.

Biology 101 was developed and hosted by Wes Olson, Multnomah Bible College graduate, veteran filmmaker of 15 years, and homeschooling father. Wes guides you through the world of "biological science," unraveling and decoding terms and ideas. This DVD course of study will help you fully integrate the world of biology into an accurate Biblical worldview.

This new program challenged and corrected me in the very first segment. Keep in mind that I've been homeschooling for 25 years and have never embraced the evolutionary mindset in teaching science; yet, this product quickly unearthed a premise I hadn't challenged in all those years. Simply put, it is erroneous to classify human beings in the same taxonomic "kingdom" as the animals. By subconsciously accepting this classification structure, I had given credence to the false teaching man is just an "advanced" animal. In teaching my older two children, I never fully challenged the taxonomic classification that I had been taught during my years in school. Genesis clearly states that man is categorically different from the animals, however similar some structures may be. I had failed to filter biological classifications through the lens of Scripture.

Homeschooling parents should make a concentrated effort to examine ALL the presuppositions that they hold in all areas to see if they inadvertently hold a view that doesn't have agreement with the Holy Word of God. Not sure where to start? Well, Chalcedon's materials, including its bimonthly magazine Faith for All of Life is a good place to start, as are the biblical worldview materials from American Vision and Vision Forum

Don't put off or abandon homeschooling until you are totally in line with the Bible in all areas. Learn alongside your children, and take advantage of the head-start you have on them, as you organize their education in a categorically biblical fashion. As the Proverb 3:5-6 promises:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.