curriculum like that of Torrey would help them understand how to make those arguments in
ways that were biblical sound and faithful.
b. Post-biblical Christian works
Reading the Great Books of the past, in particular the great works of Christianity, enacts
a biblical respect for tradition and the wisdom of the past. Such an approach also reflects a
biblical worldview to the extent that it rejects the modern, secular, "progress"-oriented idea that
new is always better than old. This isn't a matter of ignoring current scholarship, to be sure, but
of not allowing current scholarship to set the agenda for what questions Christians ask and how
they learn.
Scripture can help us understand some of what a college-educated Christian should know
and be equipped to do. He certainly should be able to study and understand the Bible for himself,
and on a more sophisticated level than that of the average Christian (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Tim 3:16-17).
That means, to the extent that this is possible, obtaining the knowledge and understanding the
cultures of the human authors and original readers. To understand Paul at least this must include
a study of the Greek classics.
In addition, Jesus and Paul demonstrate a thorough understanding of the cultures to
which they ministered, including knowledge of the origins of the cultures.
4
Since the vast
majority of our students will be ministering in Western societies, and nearly all of the rest will
minister in lands impacted by the West, they must be prepared to understand the culture and how
it got to where it is. A Great Books program is an excellent way for them to learn how to be salt
and light in their culture (Matt 5:13-14).
4
For example Jesus shows an understanding of the origin of current elements of the law in
Matthew 5 and 19. Paul in Acts 17 shows an understanding of Greek philosophy and religion.