Introduction to Worldviews
An introduction to the core concepts of worldviews. A concise discussion of key terms, the four categories all worldviews fall into, the myth of secular/sacred dualism, that ideas have consequences and the truth compass of God's Word.
Critical Thinking
Introduces students to common logical fallacies, and encourages them to think well with regard to defining terms, recognizing cause and effect relationships, etc. Video interviews with Atheists, New Agers, and Humanists are used to illustrate the logical pitfalls of worldly thinking.
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Introduction to Christian Worldview (2 hours)
Helps students understand the radical difference between Christianity and other worldviews, and the fact that Christianity is defensible and true.
What Kind of Monster Are You?
This basic comparison of Christianity with other worldviews starts with the various worldviews' assumptions about the nature of man and draws the logical conclusions. Based on an analogy between Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein's monster, and the two possible beliefs about the nature of man; this lecture demonstrates the uniqueness of Christianity and the bankruptcy of political, legal, and ethical systems based on the assumption that man is inherently perfectible.
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Preeminence of Scripture
An introduction to epistemology: students learn that everyone relies on authorities for some of their knowledge, and that for the Christian the Bible is the highest authority.
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Systematic Comparison of Christianity with Other Major Worldviews (2 hours)
Compares Christian view of origins, human nature, sociology, physical sciences, etc. with New Age, secularist, Muslim views.
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Cults
A Christian critique of pseudo-Christian cults, including Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses.
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Islam
This course takes an in-depth look at the Islamic worldview. Students are introduced to the basic tenets of Islam and given biblical tools to help them respond to this rapidly growing worldview.
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Pop Culture and Worldviews
Surveys the kinds of worldview assumptions generally promoted by pop culture today, and suggests methods for positively impacting pop culture by using things "common to their culture" to help others see the truth of Christianity.
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Night at the Movies
Students learn to discern the worldviews promoted by various popular films. Clips from popular movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and First Knight are used to test the students ability to identify worldviews.
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Worldview Practicum
Students are given the opportunity to respond to differing worldviews by debating a faculty member in class.
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Blind Faith
Every worldview is fundamentally religious. Although secularists like to behave as though some worldviews require faith and some are purely rational, the fact remains that everyone makes faith assumptions. This lecture explores the faith required to embrace atheism, and asks the question, "Who has the most reasonable faith?"
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Christianity and the Arts
This discussion encourages students to cast aside the "artistic relativism" taught in most schools, and to recognize that God is either pleased or displeased with specific works of art (Philippians 4:8). Students seek to discover God's definition of art, and then apply that to all fields: music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, etc. Concepts such as cultural literacy and the role of the art consumer are discussed.
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Generals in the War of Ideas (2 hours)
Introduces students to the leading proponents of various worldviews--the names and ideas they will encounter on the college campus and in the general culture.
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Creation vs. Evolution (2 hours)
Surveys both the scientific and philosophical underpinnings of the creation and evolution camps. Emphasizes why assumptions about origins matter so much, rather than how to win arguments.
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Biblical Roots of Order
By an examination of scripture students learn that God has established a divine order for society. The institutions of the family, church, and civil government are considered in detail with an emphasis on how they relate to one another. This course explains basic principles like republic vs. democracy, Lex Rex, jurisdiction, etc.
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Law
Compares natural law with positive law. Provides in-depth discussion of church and state issues.
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Economics
Critiques socialism and communism, while explaining biblical basis for free market. Church has jurisdiction over "welfare," which should be described as philanthropy.
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The Ways of the Wizards
The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road we can have it all--a brain, a heart and courage. The wizards even promise us a way home. However--"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) These wizards include evolutionists, new agers, atheists and sincere followers of false religions. The wise man, on the other hand, knows the right path to follow and to whom he should listen. Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15)
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New Age Man
Students learn to defend their faith by discussing worldviews with a New Age proponent (obviously, they also learn more about the New Age).
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Creationist Zoo Tour
An in-depth tour through a local zoo to examine the evidences of creation through design, form, and order in nature. A fascinating look at the improbability of chance in the creation of the animal kingdom.
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Evangelism
Students learn why evangelism is important, and some basic techniques for sharing the gospel.
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Evangelism Practicum
Students travel to a nearby campus or park to witness to people about Christ.
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Servant Leadership
Our culture is in dire need of direction. Christians are called and equipped to provide Christ-like leadership. This course presents a biblical approach to leadership which is timeless and applicable. The five pillars of leadership are the foundation of this presentation and provide the students with fresh insights from God's Word.
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How to Have a Quiet Time
Emphasizes the importance of a quiet time, and suggests various methods. Students are encouraged and given opportunity each morning to develop this important discipline.
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Edify.com
Communication is the conduit through which the truth of God's Word flows. In this presentation Randy Sims discusses practical techniques to insure intended meaning is perceived, levels of communication, the "FAD" principles of effective listening, and a call to biblical empathy.
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Real Life Top Ten List (2 hours)
Everyone faces these ten decisions in life; the people following Christ will prioritize them properly and choose rightly--and their lives will cause others to want to follow Christ.
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The Driven Leader
Everyone as a leader is driven by one of two powerful motivations: charisma or character. This presentation looks at the leader's "sphere of influence", the five areas in which to evaluate your driving force, and the biblical and historical examples of each.
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Leadership Practicum
Students learn servant leadership through a variety of activities.
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Additional Hours
Worldview Exam
This exam is administered late in the week, to measure how much the students have absorbed during the week. This provides some incentive to take good notes in class, but it also provides a measure of how effective our faculty has been.
In addition to these lectures, Worldview Academy Leadership Camps will offer optional courses such as Great Books, Choosing a College, etc.
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