The Whole Truth

by Mark Eckel

The Whole Truth

Genres: Education

220 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2003

Reviews

[Kiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eckel accomplishes and fails where so many have done before and after him. A 2003 publication it smacks of a particular evangelical tone deafness. Early in the book he diagnoses both the need and obstacles to biblical integration pretty well. Christian education obviously has a mandate to do it well, yet so often comes up short. From here Eckel takes a turn I often see, which is to jam pack every category of philosophy and systematic theology into bite sized, proof texted bits and shove them into nooks and crannies of curriculum, then call it Christian worldview formation. The simple fact is you can’t do integration well without having subject matter expertise in your content area, the Bible, and honestly in global Christian history as well. It is a giant task, but until it’s taken seriously Christian education will continue to be plagued by inculturated, truncated, and incomplete Christian thought and outcomes. 220 pages of relevant observations and a little help for Christian educators.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is Easter weekend. I haven't had a truly restful day in a few months, which I won't try to justify. And I'm at the inlaws, which means lots of talking (about faith, family, church, and the like). Since I had time to spare in-between talking, eating and drinking coffee, I read the whole book from 9AM to 3PM. Now that you know my mindset and context, let's review.

Mark Eckel is a Christian education superstar. He knows the Christian education world like the back of his hand: the lingo, the culture, and the people. Because of this, I think, many of the ideas in the book, feel bromidic, which sometimes annoyed me. As the adage goes, let a sentence be a sentence, a chapter a chapter, and a book a book--some of the chapters felt like they should have been sentences.

Eckel gives clear, practical ways to actually apply a biblical worldview to lessons and units. And his idea of wholeness is commendable. God is the creator of all. Nothing is beyond him. Therefore, his word needs to come to bear on everything. However, as my mind thought of Easter, the resurrection, and my Savior, I was struck by how little Jesus and his resurrection plays into biblical worldview literature.

Maybe it is my emotions and the moment that make me feel this way. But it felt like the Gospel was assumed, and it felt like Christ was assumed. I really believe my primary aim as an educator is to magnify Christ and to make him known. So I don't want to become distracted by "worldview" if that makes me lose Christ. Right thinking should not be a substitute for rightful worshipping, believing, and following.

This is less a critique of Eckel and more of the movement. "Worldview" is a new idea, and if it is our aim instead of Christ, the enemy has won.

Is the Bible primarily for critiquing culture? How much should we focus dissecting unbiblical ideas? Can a teacher who has never heard of "worldview" follow Christ in the classroom?

B. Grizenko

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark does a great job showing the need for teachers to incorporate God's truth into their lessons and training of children. He gives great examples and several lesson plans that are detailed.

"It is said that everyone who plants a tree believes in the future."

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a required read for teaching cert. for work. I took a lot of notes and enjoyed reading this and pondering the ideas presented in the book. It stuck with me and taught me how to have a Biblical view mindset in the classroom.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thought provoking book. Every Christian educator and even parent should read it!

[Maria Sprunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good practical guide to Christian Education. Specifically focused on those already teaching in a Christian school.