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Great Christian Classics - Volume 1
There is a wealth of great literature to study in the history of man, some written by Christians and some by non-Christians. While it is important to survey the writings produced in both the city of man and the city of God, the Christian student should direct special attention to literature produced in the city of God. The empires of man will always crumble and fall, but the kingdom of Jesus Christ will continue forever. This study guide covers five of the greatest life narratives of all time. A thorough study of these great books will help the student understand the life, theology, and worldview of some of the greatest Christian men in church history. This textbook covers Augustine'sConfessions, Patrick's Confessions, Knox's History of the Reformation in Scotland, Bunyan's Grace Abounding, and Paton's missionary Autobiography.
633 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2017
5 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Swanson
92 books55 followersKevin Swanson is a husband, father, pastor, radio-host, and national speaker. Kevin is the pastor of Reformation Church in Elizabeth, Colorado (ReformationChurch.com).
He also serves as the Director of Generations; a ministry he founded to strengthen Christian families around the country. As a father who wants to leave a godly heritage for his five children, Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come.
For the last 13 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program--Generations Radio-- that reaches families across the U.S. and in over 100 countries.
He also serves as the Director of Generations; a ministry he founded to strengthen Christian families around the country. As a father who wants to leave a godly heritage for his five children, Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come.
For the last 13 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program--Generations Radio-- that reaches families across the U.S. and in over 100 countries.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 17, 2025
This is a beautiful course. Kevin Swanson did a fantastic job compiling these works in a meaningful manner. Writings from Augustine, Saint Patrick, John Patton, John Bunyan, and John Knox are included. Reading these and analyzing them pushes one toward self-reflection and deeper faith.
The reading is broken into digestible portions. The amount is sufficient without being overwhelming. It can easily be completed in the 30–45-minute timeframe that is estimated a student will spend daily on this course. Alternately, there is a schedule to utilize this as a two-year course in the back of the teacher’s guide. This could be helpful for a student who desires to take this course but has a heavy course load or for one who wishes to go at a slower pace to meditate more deeply on the content. There is a glossary of vocabulary words in the back of the teacher’s guide, and there are notes in the margins that clarify the content.
One of my favorite features of this course is the application of scripture to the literature that is being studied. The student is assigned applicable scriptures to copy for each section. I believe this helps reinforce a biblical worldview and develop the habit of comparing the writings of various authors to the standard of scripture. The other one of my favorite features is the closing prayer at the end of each exam. What a meaningful way to end each segment! Another beautiful inclusion is Patrick’s Breastplate, which is a beautiful poem/prayer. I think it would be a wonderful thing to memorize a portion of it.
The essay assignments are meant to help the students think deeper about the literature they’ve read. In my opinion, the questions are thoughtfully planned out to help the student gain a better understanding of the concepts contained within these texts. The essays are 500 words (about 2 pages if you prefer double-spaced). I appreciate the guide for grading the assigned essays. So much of the grading can be subjective, so I find the guide helpful.
In my opinion, this is a great course for high school students who enjoy literature or who may need to reinforce their worldview foundation.
The reading is broken into digestible portions. The amount is sufficient without being overwhelming. It can easily be completed in the 30–45-minute timeframe that is estimated a student will spend daily on this course. Alternately, there is a schedule to utilize this as a two-year course in the back of the teacher’s guide. This could be helpful for a student who desires to take this course but has a heavy course load or for one who wishes to go at a slower pace to meditate more deeply on the content. There is a glossary of vocabulary words in the back of the teacher’s guide, and there are notes in the margins that clarify the content.
One of my favorite features of this course is the application of scripture to the literature that is being studied. The student is assigned applicable scriptures to copy for each section. I believe this helps reinforce a biblical worldview and develop the habit of comparing the writings of various authors to the standard of scripture. The other one of my favorite features is the closing prayer at the end of each exam. What a meaningful way to end each segment! Another beautiful inclusion is Patrick’s Breastplate, which is a beautiful poem/prayer. I think it would be a wonderful thing to memorize a portion of it.
The essay assignments are meant to help the students think deeper about the literature they’ve read. In my opinion, the questions are thoughtfully planned out to help the student gain a better understanding of the concepts contained within these texts. The essays are 500 words (about 2 pages if you prefer double-spaced). I appreciate the guide for grading the assigned essays. So much of the grading can be subjective, so I find the guide helpful.
In my opinion, this is a great course for high school students who enjoy literature or who may need to reinforce their worldview foundation.
March 10, 2025
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. While reading the textbook on its own will be enjoyable and profitable for older students and adults, the workbook (sold separately) is a wonderful tool for deeper study with a schedule laid out in the front so it’s easy to implement in a school year, 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!
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. While reading the textbook on its own will be enjoyable and profitable for older students and adults, the workbook (sold separately) is a wonderful tool for deeper study with a schedule laid out in the front so it’s easy to implement in a school year, 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!
February 27, 2025
This beautiful high school course explores selections of writings from five great men: Augustine, Bunyan, Saint Patrick, John Knox, and John Payton. I highly recommend this course, there is enrichment to be gained for everyone from these timeless writings. The curriculum is straightforward and easy for independent students to follow. The reading selections feature side notes to further explain themes and content within the writings. The teachers guide walks the student through various exercises to draw greater understanding and in depth analysis of these important preserved texts. A week in a glance follows the routine of: Reading, Vocabulary, Bible Research, Study Questions, Critical Thinking Questions, and various Essay Assignments. The Exams each feature a unique Closing Prayer time. Our 13 year old is working through parts of this course, he has a keen interest in Bunyan and coincides neatly with his Language Lessons for a Living 9 “The Pilgrims Progress” course, and also with his other reading interests. This one year course is flexible, he will complete it over several years as there is brief material that has a more mature theme best suited for high school age. Included is a one or two year schedule. This is a wonderful introduction to these great-greats - the giants of Christian Theology. How thrilling to have this available for our children to study.
February 28, 2025
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.
February 27, 2025
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 guide provides a manageable and flexible schedule.
February 19, 2025
These classics were really inspiring, and much easier to read than I anticipated. The narrative format of each kept me interested in each person's journey and I found myself realizing that the same God moving in the lives of these classics is moving in hearts today. It was encouraging and challenging. I'd recommend it to any adult or high schooler. I think it would be easy to modify this book as a course (with the teacher's guide) if you didn't want to read all the selections for a single year course.
February 28, 2025
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.
February 28, 2025
Great Christian Classics Vol. 1 by Kevin Swanson 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!
February 20, 2025
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. I highly recommend you get the teacher's guide too.
February 25, 2025
Really good compilation of Christian Classics. Highly recommend this course for highschoolers! Such a great opportunity to study good classics.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews