What is Biblical Literacy?
I asked this question to a friend of mine some years ago. Like me, she had taught Sunday school for a long time, and was very committed to teaching God’s word to every child she came in contact with. Her immediate response was “Biblical literacy, is knowing the Bible”. Her response was satisfactory then, however I began to ponder on it on my way home. What did she mean by knowing.
Knowledge is power.
The more you know.
These are familiar phrases, we’ve said them ourselves many times. But what do we mean by know?
Are we referring to factual or applicable knowledge?
There’s a difference.
From the moment we start schooling our kids, we spend a great deal of time teaching them facts. Important dates in history, math facts, science facts, language facts, Biblical facts.
After all, we want them to be ready for the future.
However if we truly strive for Biblical literacy in our homeschools, it’s important we focus on how Biblical knowledge is applicable to everyday life.
Biblical literacy doesn’t imply focus on the number of Jacob’s sons, on the size of the original temple, or on the 66 books of the Bible. This is factual knowledge.
Instead, Biblical literacy requires we spend time learning Biblical doctrines, gleaning spiritual knowledge, and learning why we believe, what we believe. Biblical literacy calls for a deeper knowledge of God himself. This is applicable knowledge.
The Importance of Biblical Literacy in the Homeschool
In just 5 short years my career as a homeschool mom will come to an end. My youngest will go on to college (or so she plans), and I will be left at home with shelves full of school books and piles of memories.
Perhaps she’ll decide to study at the local university or even study abroad, and all the facts, and dates we learned at home will one day help her academic career. However knowing the God of the Bible through His word will make sure her faith is not shaken when it is questioned.
And believe me friend, it WILL be questioned.
3 Ways to Promote Biblical Literacy in the Homeschool
Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school or high school, there are several ways you can promote Biblical literacy, to prepare them for the future. Here are 3 of the ways we make it a high priority in ours.
1. Read the Bible Chapter By Chapter, Verse by Verse
Seems simple enough, yet a recent study released by the Barna Group indicates that “Adults who use the Bible daily account for 14 percent of the total adult population.” Keep in mind that those surveyed are self-proclaimed believers of Jesus Christ. Why is it, that only 14% of us are spending time in God’s word daily?
Can you imagine what daily reading and discussion of God’s word (in context) would do for today’s families? For your homeschool?
There’s no better place to start, than here.
2. Devotionals are Great, But they Shouldn’t Replace Bible Reading
See point number 1.
Devotional reading, should be in addition to and not instead of your daily scripture reading. It’s crucial we read the Bible in context (just as it was given); to prevent inaccurate interpretations of the text.
3. Teach Your Children How to Defend Their Faith
We moms are fantastic at reminding our children of Christ’s love for them. We teach them songs, read them stories, and love on them like no other human being ever could. However the Bible also calls us to teach them His word.
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NKJV)
And we are not simply called to teach them His word, but to also be prepared to give a defense.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
First Things First
Friend, don’t get so caught up in academic requirement trap, or to fill your calendar with extra curricular activity in sight. Instead, begin your day with prayer, and God’s word, directly from your Bible, in context, and as a family.
Everything else, will surely fall into place.
I’m Tatiana, follower of Jesus, married to my best friend, and mum to one boy and five girls.
My mission is to inspire and encourage moms to raise kids who long to walk with Jesus, by equipping them with the tools to strengthen their faith, and teach their children to stand up for theirs.
I’m a compulsive organizer, lover of books and coffee, and firm supporter of school choice.
To learn more about me, check out my about page, or follow me on Instagram & Twitter @themusingsofmum.
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