What does an AP course with a distinctly Christian worldview look like? Today on Home School Heartbeat, HSLDA President Mike Smith and PHC Prep Academy professor Frank Guliuzza examine the practical integration of a Christian worldview and excellent academics.
Mike Smith:
Today, Dr. Frank Guliuzza joins me on the program. Frank is a professor of government at Patrick Henry College, and he has developed the first course offered by the PHC Prep Academy. Frank, welcome to the program!
Frank Guliuzza:
Mike, it’s a pleasure to be here!
Mike:
Frank, this spring you’re teaching U.S. Government and Politics, PHC Prep Academy’s first AP course. Can you give our listeners a practical look at how you’ve integrated a Christ-centered worldview with the AP learning objectives?
Frank:
Well, Mike, the primary purpose of the course is obviously to make sure that students are prepared to get their very best score on the AP exam. But what makes this course unique is that it’s taught with an undergirding of a Biblical worldview. In other words, I take the principles that make up the worldview at Patrick Henry College and apply them to this course. Further, in the course lectures, the supplemental readings, we look what it means to be a Christian studying politics. We also consider what it means for a Christian to have a dedicated Christ-centered message in the public square.
Rather to abandon the secular public square and concentrate on the next world, or to take up arms against the government to try to reestablish God’s throne on earth, or simply to passively resist when they see injustices, I believe that Christians can use all the rights available to American citizens to persuade policy makers and voters to do what's right. In this course we help to prepare young Christian citizens to step into that role.
Mike Smith:
Frank, that sounds like a course that homeschool families will find invaluable. Thank you for joining us today. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
