Christian Studies IV

Name: Christian Studies IV
Brand: Memoria Press

by Memoria Press

Religious_studiesGrades 7–8

Christian Studies IV: Classical Biblical Survey for Middle School

Christian Studies IV is a 25-lesson biblical survey course designed for grades 7-8 that provides a chronological overview of the Bible. This Memoria Press homeschool curriculum serves as either a review course for students who completed the previous three levels or a standalone introduction to biblical content.

Best for

Homeschool families using Memoria Press curriculum who want a classical approach to biblical survey, particularly students with prior biblical familiarity or those completing the Christian Studies sequence

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 concerns · 2 neutral

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum includes explicit vocabulary instruction through key terms sections and requires students to learn some Latin theological terms. Each lesson systematically covers key people, terms, and ideas.

Students fill in blanks about 'key people, key terms, and key ideas' and must know terms like 'ex nihilo in Latin' and 'Via Dolorosa'

Primary Text EngagementStrength

The curriculum requires students to use the Bible directly for answering drill questions and looking up scripture references. Students engage with actual biblical text through reference work and memorization of key passages.

Students 'look up answers for the rest in their Bible' and work with 'key scripture passages' for memorization, with each drill question showing scripture references

Teacher TrainingConcern

Teacher support is minimal, consisting primarily of answer keys and brief instructions. The curriculum lacks comprehensive professional development or background information for teachers.

Teacher manual has 'the same pages as those in the student guide, but with overprinted answers' and only 'very brief instructions'

Direct InstructionConcern

The teacher manual provides minimal guidance with only 'very brief instructions' for course delivery. The structure suggests more independent work than explicit teacher-led instruction.

Teacher manual has 'very brief instructions at the front' and 'suggests discussing and filling in the blanks with students' but lacks detailed instructional guidance

Historical ContextNeutral

The curriculum provides chronological structure and acknowledges denominational differences in biblical canons. However, the review suggests limited historical-critical context beyond basic chronological arrangement.

Course offers 'chronological overview of the Bible' and 'discusses the different numbers of books in the Old Testament recognized by Protestants, Catholics, and the Orthodox'

Theological KnowledgeNeutral

The course builds systematic biblical knowledge through chronological survey and key concepts but focuses more on factual content than deep theological exploration. It covers major biblical themes like the Messiah promise while avoiding denominational doctrines.

Course presents 'the story of the Bible and many key concepts, such as the promise of the Messiah' and is described as 'a factual survey of what the Bible says rather than a Bible study that advances denominational doctrines'

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com