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This course seeks to illuminate the profound themes woven throughout the scriptures. In this course, we adopt a pragmatic lens, delving into the historical, literary, and cultural dimensions of the Bible. Our aim is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible’s major themes while fostering a spirit of peace that respects diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Throughout our expedition, we will navigate the content without promoting a specific doctrine or denomination allowing students to engage critically with the material and form their own interpretations by focusing on common themes throughout Christianity. Join us in this thought-provoking environment, where the focus is on unraveling the layers of the Bible and cultivating independent navigation skills.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Time Lines Spiral-bound – Special Edition, March 13, 2015. ISBN-10: 1596360224 – ISBN-13: 978-1596360228
Since we are doing an overview of the Bible, it 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.
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.
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.
Parent K. –
“My daughter loved this class! Mr. Bracker is truly gifted in the ability to bring the bible to life by tying in history and interesting details, yet keeping it fun. He most importantly inspires his students to think deeply about what they are reading and their relationship with Christ and scripture. You can tell that he really cares about his students!
Parent A. –
Our children really enjoyed studying the Bible with Mr. Bracker. The conversations were engaging and relevant and they gained a better understanding of the scripture. Our children felt like their ideas were respected and the interactions with Mr. Bracker were always positive and encouraging. I am so pleased that Excelsior is offering this excellent Bible study course!