Discovering The Bible (DVD course)

Name: Discovering The Bible (DVD course)
Brand: Vision Video

by Vision Video

Religious_studiesGrades 7–12

About This Curriculum

A four-part video series introducing the Bible, exploring its history, development, preservation, and influence through engaging presentations by the Christian History Institute.

What makes it unique: Comprehensive Bible overview course developed in partnership with Christian History Institute, covering the complete story of how the Bible came to be and its impact on civilization.

Discovering The Bible (DVD course): Video-Based Biblical Introduction

A four-part video series by Vision Video and Christian History Institute that introduces students to the Bible's history, development, preservation, and cultural influence. The curriculum includes 30-minute video presentations, student worksheets, and a comprehensive leader's guide for grades 7-12.

Best for

Junior and senior high students (grades 7-12) in homeschool, Christian school, or Sunday school settings seeking an introductory survey of biblical history and development with strong teacher guidance

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingStrength

Excellent teacher support materials including comprehensive lesson plans, background information, and guidance for discussion and activities.

The PDF Leader's Guide 'presents complete lesson plans' and 'includes further background information for the teacher,' and the review recommends teachers 'familiarize themselves with the support materials' beforehand

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides structured direct instruction through video presentations supported by detailed lesson plans and discussion guides.

Features 'complete lesson plans for presenting the videos, guiding discussion' and the Leader's Guide is described as 'well-thought-out,' enabling teachers to provide clear instruction

Historical ContextStrength

Strong emphasis on historical context through biblical development, preservation history, and biographical segments on key reformers.

Explores the Bible's 'history, development, preservation' and includes 'lengthy clips from films about Wycliffe, Tyndale, and Luther' in the fourth segment on historical transmission

Theological KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum builds systematic knowledge about biblical authenticity, historicity, canon formation, and transmission but avoids deeper theological questions.

Covers 'authenticity, historicity, organization, the canon, transmission, conflicts, and impact' but 'does not delve into deeper questions of inerrancy' and functions as an 'introduction' rather than 'in-depth study'

Primary Text EngagementNeutral

The curriculum includes guided Bible study activities but appears to focus more on teaching about the Bible than direct engagement with biblical texts.

The Leader's Guide includes 'directing related Bible study' and the course covers biblical organization and canon, but the review emphasizes learning about the Bible's history rather than reading Scripture directly

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Religious and biblical vocabulary appears to be addressed through the comprehensive materials but specific vocabulary instruction methods are unclear.

The 32-page companion booklet provides 'illustrated summary' content and the Leader's Guide includes 'background information,' suggesting vocabulary support, but explicit vocabulary instruction is not detailed

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com