8th Grade Bible Curriculum Spiritual and Cultural Studies
The overall goal of our 8th grade curriculum is to prepare the students for academic and spiritual success in high school. We help equip them to be able to think critically and independently, develop their own convictions about moral character, work with others and build friendships, and have a sense of their leadership potential. To this end, our course of study challenges them to resist conformity by being servant leaders. We also take up intellectual challenges by teaching reasoning skills and evidence for faith. The year ends with a look at economic matters from a spiritual perspective.
Month
Topic/Unit
Objectives
September
UNIT #1
Spiritual Leadership & Social Pressures
Students will be challenged to lead rather than follow, to be people of conviction rather than convenience. They will be introduced to the diversity of leadership styles and be able to identity their own style.
Students will be able to discern the counterfeit values of the world system & the two paths of wisdom & foolishness in Proverbs
1st half of October
UNIT #2
Critical Thinking
Students will develop reasoning skills and be able to spot common flaws in logic.
2nd half of October
through November
UNIT #3
Evaluating Popular Culture
Students will understand the biases of a technological society & advertising schemesStudents will examine the causes and cures of boredom
December
UNIT #4
Spiritual & Moral Themes in The Lord of the Rings
Students will understand how a fantasy story like Tolkien's can describe reality. Themes like courage, loyalty, and the nature of evil will be discussed.
January through mid February
UNIT #5
Revelation
Students will understand the structure and themes of the Book of Revelation and be able to apply principles to their lives
Mid February through March
UNIT #6
Critical Thinking & Apologetics
Students will understand the basics of defending their faith with a focus on the Creation-Evolution debateStudents will understand the causes of and helps for doubt
Early April
UNIT #7
Evil
Students will understand the depths of evil humans are capable of and one man's efforts to resist evil through watching the critically acclaimed film Schindler's List
Mid April-June
Students will be able to make economic decisions from a spiritual and eternal perspective. They will be challenged about superficial and selfish thinking about wealth and urged to be sacrificial stewards of their resources.