This course explores Christianity alongside other major world religions, providing students with a deeper understanding of the beliefs, practices, and histories that shape different faith traditions. Students will examine the similarities and differences between Christianity and religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, while gaining insights into how faith shapes cultures and societies. Designed for middle school and high school students, the class encourages critical thinking and respectful dialogue, equipping students to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives while deepening their understanding of Christianity’s unique place in the world.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
TBA
t is strongly suggested each student have a physical copy of a Bible, however, there are free versions online that are acceptable (biblegateway.com, etc.). Because of the likelihood of students coming from a diversity of denominational (or non-denominational) backgrounds I do not require a specific version of the bible. Some acceptable versions are KJV, NKJV, NIV, NRSV, RSV, ESV.
Kenneth Bracker is a homeschool graduate having been part of the original first wave of homeschooling pioneered by Raymond and Dorothy Moore in the 1970’s. By age eighteen Kenneth had worked on more than two dozen political campaigns as a full time campaign manager, spent two years working as an intern at the local cable station, and spent four straight summers volunteering at nursing homes and Alzheimer wards. Homeschooling for him involved real life application of the biblical values his parents instilled within him.Â
Kenneth obtained his B.S. in Psychology from Baker College with a focus in Chemical Substance Abuse, and then his Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. For the better part of a decade he was either leading bible studies at the local county jail, or working as a counselor at the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center where he led weekly group counseling sessions as well as one-on-one counseling for the men who lived at the 9-month program facility.Â
Kenneth is a small business owner, and currently works for Saint Andrew’s Theological College and Seminary overseeing their media and web development and is a manuscript editor for books and publications for Saint Andrew’s and the Orthodox Anglican Church.
Reared in the Great Books philosophy of education, Kenneth is an avid reader and having completed the Western Canon of literature decades ago, spends his free time studying theology and church history, as well as playing golf daily with his youngest son who is homeschooled and enrolled in Excelsior Classes.Â
Student B. –
Mr. Bracker has truly provided me with information in this class that has both given me a different outlook on the general subject of religion, and greatly expanded my knowledge on even the most obsolete religions of the world. Everything that I have learned in this class are topics that I can for see being crucial as I now can better understand the perspective that others hold in day-to-day interactions. Not only this, but Mr. Bracker is honestly one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and every single class is both extremely interesting and engaging. 100% recommend.
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Mr. Bracker seeks to evaluate the world not out of a place of judgement, but truly understanding the nuances of how beliefs occur and become cemented in the world and how they affect both the followers and the world at large. I was very grateful to experience a class that promoted critical thinking and assessment of religions including what Christians can admire and find in common with others. All too often my experience has been that in discussing other religions, a tone of scorn and condescension is taken up and they are ridiculed, but in this class it is Mr. Bracker’s goal to do the opposite: to teach understanding and compassion for where others are coming from and differ in opinion. Students will learn about a plethora of religions, and assignments are never overwhelming. Mr. Bracker is more than willing to meet students where they are so that they gain the most out of this course without being stressed. Any level student could take this class and grow hugely from it!
Student P. –
Christianity in Context with Mr. Bracker is truly such an enjoyable course. He’s incredibly warm and welcoming, and puts no pressure on students, while still inviting them to share their perspectives, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share and learn. His lessons are informative, engaging, and extremely captivating making even deeper topics really interesting and engaging. Every class feels very interactive and meaningful, and I always walk away having learned something new. This is my second class with him, and I can honestly say I couldn’t recommend it enough, he’s one of the best teachers I’ve had!
Student B. –
This is my second class I have taken with Mr. Bracker, and he is my favorite teacher through all of the classes I have taken. He brings so much information to the class in a way that is never overwhelming. He is extremely laid back and wants you get something out of every class. He wants you to not only excel academically but also in everyday life. I highly recommend taking any of his classes.
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This was my first experience with Mr. Bracker, and I loved every minute of my time in his class. He makes learning so enjoyable. He’s laid-back and creates a comfortable, welcoming classroom environment, especially for someone new to online classes. This is one of my favorite classes, and I always look forward to it every week. The content of his class is interesting, and I love his teaching style. There’s no pressure to memorize information, because he focuses more on helping us develop an understanding of the world’s different religions. I definitely would recommend this class to any middle/high school student who is interested.
Student L. –
I just started this course. Mr. Bracker is one of, if not my favorite, teachers ive ever had. He’s super fun and laid-back, which makes his classroom really inviting. This is one of the very few classes I look forward to every week. As a student, i truly recommend this to any middle/ schooler!