Great Christian Classics (Curriculum Pack)

Jonathan Edwards said, “There are two ways of representing and recommending true religion and virtue to the world, which God hath made use of: the one is by doctrine and precept; the other is by instance and example. Both are abundantly used in holy Scriptures.”
Studying literature just for the sake of literature has never appealed to us as something worth taking our childrens’ valuable time for - and knowing that they will be shaped by the thought and life patterns of the authors (as Kevin Swanson states in the introduction of this volume) - raises great caution when it comes to many of the classics that are frequently studied. But to sit at the feet of great Christian leaders in history and witness the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives fleshes out what Psalm 78:4 describes, telling “the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.” The growth of the Church stems from the experiences and ministries of individual Christians, and studying the experiences and ministries of past Christians inspires us to imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7). I am therefore excited about the spiritual as well as literary benefits of this study course!
The textbook is a compilation of five narratives, with brief introductions to each: Augustine’s Confessions, Patrick’s Confessions, John Knox’s History of the Reformation in Scotland, John Bunyan’s Grace Abounding, and John Paton’s Autobiography. The wide margins offer great opportunity for note-taking and personal interaction with the text. The workbook has a schedule laid out in the front so it’s easy to implement in a school year, and vocabulary exercises, Scripture study, and probing questions which help the students delve deeper into the texts and also apply what they are reading. This is an excellent course for developing literary skills while growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Great Christian Classics is a wonderful course that challenges the high school student. The course highlights the works of Bunyan, Augustine, Paton, Knox and Patrick of Ireland. The chosen vocabulary words are challenging unusual, older words. The format of the course worksheets will get your student thinking about their worldview as well as application of that worldview in today's world. The worksheets have vocab, short answer, and critical thinking questions that will challenge them. After each classic the student is to write an in depth essay on one of the provided topics. The essay topics are thought provoking and encourage the student to dig into their beliefs as well as why they believe what they believe. Exams are provided after each classic to allow for assessment of their growth through the course. The teacher guide has both a 1 year and 2 year schedule option making it flexible and life proof during the busy high school years. The teacher guide provides an answer key for all worksheets and exams as well as a grading criteria worksheet for the essays. This format makes it easy for the homeschool mom to either grade the work herself or have her student review it.

My two favorite parts of this course are the prayer at the end of each exam with ideas for the student to pray on based on the life of the evangelist and the Bible reference look up where the student also has to write down the verse(s). This will imprint the verses on them and helps with verse memorization/knowledge which is key for defending your faith in this fallen world.

I highly recommend this course for all high schoolers as it will build their faith and prepare them for life after high school whether that is a job or college.

Great Christian Classics Vol. 1 is a great book for teenagers to learn about important Christian writings. It explains classic Christian books in a simple way and helps readers understand their faith better. This book is also perfect for using as part of a homeschool or church curriculum. It teaches important lessons about God, history, and Christian living. A great choice for teens who want to grow in their faith!

Great Christian Classic Teacher’s guide is well structured. Starting with the suggested daily schedule is very easy to follow and saves me time from having to schedule my children’s schoolwork. The worksheets are made in such a way that the teenager will not get bored or frustrated, but at the same time it challenges the student to think deeper. It also includes many Bible verses to copy and memorize.

This high school-level course is well laid out. It is divided into 180 days, with occasional catch-up days, exams, essays, and activities. This course is rich not only in reading about these five men's works. Students learn tons of vocabulary and a deeper understanding of the culture at the time. The student text has many side notes explaining historical meanings and pictures, which I found very helpful. Another highlight is that students are prompted to write bible verses as part of their work. This course is an excellent addition to my teens' high school education.

Great Christian Classics is a thought-provoking text that covers the stories of five different men and their impact on the church over the last 1,500 years. The stories cover the personal life, struggles and work of these five men in first person narrative, frequently including challenging language. The side notes are very useful to the reader in providing context and brief explanations.

The teachers guide provides worksheets that help the reader grapple with the text, including regular vocabulary studies and short answer questions. Although the answers in the teacher’s guide allow this course to easily be done independently by the student, the content of these stories would lend itself to great discussions with a small group or with a parent.

Overall, this book is an inspiring account of the lives and sacrifices of five frequently overlooked men who made it their aim to spread Christianity centuries ago.

Great Christian Classics, Volume 1 is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore the intellectual history of Christianity. This compilation offers timeless wisdom, deep devotional insights, and a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Christian theology and spirituality. By providing access to some of the most profound Christian writings throughout history, the volume takes readers on a journey through various periods of Christian thought, from the early church to the Reformation and beyond. Many of the texts focus on practical aspects of living out the Christian faith, pursuing holiness, and engaging with the world. The authors featured have left a lasting imprint on Christianity, and their influence continues to shape Christian thought today. Reading these classics offers modern believers a richer understanding of their faith’s origins and a broader perspective on its teachings. The Teacher Guide is a well-structured and highly organized resource, offering a clear approach to each of the classic works featured in the volume. It includes helpful outlines, concise summaries, and key themes for each text, allowing teachers or independent students to engage with the material with ease. The guide also incorporates insightful discussion questions and practical activities that foster deeper engagement with the texts. These prompts encourage critical thinking and reflection, enabling students to connect the timeless teachings of the classics to their own faith and personal experiences.

This high school literature course covers the life narratives of five influential men of the early church: Augustine, Patrick, John Knox, John Bunyan and John Paton. Having all five of these writings compiled into one volume is very convenient. There are helpful notes scattered throughout the margins, providing extra details and context. The occasional use of art and images also adds interest. Pairing this volume with the teacher guide gives students a robust and thoughtful look at the lives of these great men. The large volume may look intimidating, but the teacher’s guide provides a manageable and flexible schedule.

Great Christian Classics: Vol. 1 Teacher Guide
The Great Christian Classics: Vol. 1 Teacher Guide is a great companion to Great Christan Classics: Vol. 1, guiding students through a thoughtful study of Augustine, Patrick, John Knox, John Bunyan and John Paton.
As is customary for Masterbooks curriculum, the schedule clearly lays out assignments for 180 days. Catch up days are also built into the schedule, allowing for more flexibility. There is also an alternative schedule at the back of the book if you prefer to complete this course over two years.
Some days the student will just read a portion from the literature passage. Other days there is a worksheet to complete. The worksheets cycle through working on vocabulary, Bible research, study questions, critical thinking questions, and occasional memorization. After completing each of the five narratives, there is an assignment to write an essay and answer personal application questions. There is also an exam for each of the five narratives. The back of the teacher’s guide includes a glossary for each of the five narratives, as well as an answer key and criteria for grading the essays.

This curriculum is so well done. It encourages reading of some of Christianity's greatest works while also encouraging critical thinking and writing. I'm impressed.

It could easily be modified for a high school student who may want to take additional time to read through a few selections, if needed.

We all know how important it is to expose our students to good Christian classic literature. This course genuinely makes the most of it. Not only are all of the classics scheduled in a n easy to manage way but they are all conveniently in one book! Aside from that the review questions are of excellent quality and I particularly love that they are not only expected to know the definitions of new vocabulary but also show true comprehension by using it in a sentence of their own. This is something I feel a lot of curriculum lack. There is a huge difference between memorising a definition and actually being able to apply that knowledge practically. In my opinion this is an excellent curriculum that any high schooler should work through before graduation!