Post by Scott Ritsema on Apr 30, 2008 9:07:24 GMT -5
We began the year looking at the Core Biblical Truths of the Social Studies department. In doing so, we pointed out that the subject of Government is not a “secular” subject, since everything is spiritual. Most importantly, we acknowledged that all truth is God’s truth, seeing that several biblical truths can serve as the core of all Social Science truth.
One of the central truths for this course has been:
“Man is totally depraved and his sinful nature is seen throughout history. Law and government were established to restrain this depravity in the governors as well as the governed.”
In other words: 1) Man is inherently sinful, 2) Therefore we need government to punish certain actions to keep law and order, and 3) Governments are also made up of men, and so restraints must be placed on the governors as well—namely, the rule of law.
Your final essay assignment is to re-visit this CBT and to answer this question: How did you see this CBT illustrated in the lessons you have learned this semester?
I am asking you to recognize how the curricular truths you have learned fit into this core truth. In other words, explain the truthfulness of the content you’ve learned in light of this CBT.
1. Begin with man’s depravity, but don’t spend too much time here—simply use a couple Bible verses and an anecdotal point or two from the history of governments or the history of man in general.
2. Address why we need government—to restrain depravity in the governed. But, what does this mean exactly? Should government try to legislate righteousness? What is purpose of government? What would society be like without government?
3. Address how America’s Constitutional system restrains depravity in the governors. Spend the most time on this part of your essay. A lot of your notes will apply here (the Constitution fill-in-the-blank notes, all 3 branches of government, the notes on the media, and the notes on rights.) Keep in mind that you’re only addressing how our founding fathers INTENDED our government to be. What sorts of restraints are there on government and how do they work to prevent tyranny? What does it mean to have a constitutional republic with a rule of law? Why do we have federalism (state and federal governments separated)? How does having 3 branches of government and having a Bill of Rights come in to play? Do elections, media, and civic activism play a role?
Your assignment is due Thursday, May 29.
About 4-5 pages typed
Double-spaced
Times New Roman size 12.
This is worth 10% of your final grade.
One of the central truths for this course has been:
“Man is totally depraved and his sinful nature is seen throughout history. Law and government were established to restrain this depravity in the governors as well as the governed.”
In other words: 1) Man is inherently sinful, 2) Therefore we need government to punish certain actions to keep law and order, and 3) Governments are also made up of men, and so restraints must be placed on the governors as well—namely, the rule of law.
Your final essay assignment is to re-visit this CBT and to answer this question: How did you see this CBT illustrated in the lessons you have learned this semester?
I am asking you to recognize how the curricular truths you have learned fit into this core truth. In other words, explain the truthfulness of the content you’ve learned in light of this CBT.
1. Begin with man’s depravity, but don’t spend too much time here—simply use a couple Bible verses and an anecdotal point or two from the history of governments or the history of man in general.
2. Address why we need government—to restrain depravity in the governed. But, what does this mean exactly? Should government try to legislate righteousness? What is purpose of government? What would society be like without government?
3. Address how America’s Constitutional system restrains depravity in the governors. Spend the most time on this part of your essay. A lot of your notes will apply here (the Constitution fill-in-the-blank notes, all 3 branches of government, the notes on the media, and the notes on rights.) Keep in mind that you’re only addressing how our founding fathers INTENDED our government to be. What sorts of restraints are there on government and how do they work to prevent tyranny? What does it mean to have a constitutional republic with a rule of law? Why do we have federalism (state and federal governments separated)? How does having 3 branches of government and having a Bill of Rights come in to play? Do elections, media, and civic activism play a role?
Your assignment is due Thursday, May 29.
About 4-5 pages typed
Double-spaced
Times New Roman size 12.
This is worth 10% of your final grade.