How to Teach Astronomy from a Christian Worldview Perspective
Probably the most important subject to cover with your teenager in relation to developing a Scriptural understanding of modern science is how modern science got its start - and this has to do with the topic of astronomy. This subject will necessarily bring up discussions concerning how man has historically viewed the planets and stars in relation to earth and to God as well as man’s position and importance on earth and in the universe (e.g., see I Barbour’s discussion of the medieval worldview).
How did we move from a geocentric view of the universe to a heliocentric view of the universe? What methods of science were in use in the middle ages, and what changed in the Reformation timeframe? What role did the Reformation play in the development of modern science? Is there such a thing as (deterministic) ‘laws of nature’ in science? Who were the key figures in the development of modern astronomy? What were their beliefs about God and nature? Were those beliefs Scriptural? What is a Biblical view of modern science?
Most ‘Christian’ textbooks on astronomy will focus on the current state of astronomy and do not really discuss how we got to this point. There are lots of pictures of planets, rockets, satellites, etc. with very limited discussion of the early ‘modern’ scientists.
I think a key to developing a Scriptural worldview of modern science lies with an extended discussion of the key figures (e.g., Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton). This would include a healthy discussion of both the geocentric and heliocentric views of the universe. Did you know that the geocentric view of the universe has never been proven to be wrong - and that it has never been proven that the earth is moving through space (see Byl quote)? The topic is more complex than what is taught by typical textbooks - Christian or secular. I think all teenagers should be exposed to this material (not just those going into STEM fields). This approach would help to develop critical thinking skills in your child as they would be exposed to the best arguments for and against the two major views of the universe as well as thinking through how the Bible relates to these views.
Are there any Christian homeschooling curricula that do this? Not that I have found. If you know of one, please let me know.
I have found several textbooks that cover astronomy from an historical perspective. Some of these texts were written for high school students, but most of them were written for college students. None of the textbooks discuss astronomy from a Scriptural perspective, but that is something that can be added to the materials. Fortunately, most of these materials can be accessed via the Internet Archive. So, if you would like to view or use these materials, you can access them for free.
What I would like to do as a first step is to develop a curriculum for teaching the beginnings of modern astronomy from a Christian worldview perspective. If you would like to join me in this effort by working with me to develop this curriculum for your child, please contact me.
Below is a list of the key resources I would use in some combination in developing such an astronomy curriculum. Most of them are available for viewing for free on the Internet Archive. Please note that the Project Physics Text is the primary teaching resource. The other resources will be used in a supplemental way.
High School Resources:
Project Physics Text, by Harvard Project Physics (Rutherford, Holton, Watson, 1981) - This is one of the best high school physics texts ever written. It was created in the 1960’s and 1970’s under a government contract. Every component of the Project Physics course was tested in hundreds of classrooms throughout the US and redesigned on the basis of these tests. See especially Unit 2, Motion in the Heavens (Chp 5 - Where is the Earth? The Greek’s Answer, Chp 6 - Does the Earth Move? The Work of Copernicus and Tycho, Chp 7 -A New Universe Appears: The Work of Kepler and Galileo, Chp 8 - The Unity of Earth and Sky: The Work of Newton). Note: For a draft scope and sequence for how I would use this textbook, please see this link and use the password “scope.”
Project Physics Handbook, Rutherford, Holton, Watson, 1981 - Includes associated experiments. Some experiments/activities include: 1) build and use a sundial, 2) build and use a homemade telescope, and 3) build an use a homemade sextant.
Project Physics Course Reader 2, Motion in the Heavens, contains the secondary readings for Unit 2
Project Physics Resource Book, Rutherford, Holton, Watson, 1981 - Teacher resource guide (see esp. pgs 107-165). Includes discussion of experiments and excellent concept flow charts (pgs. 124, 189, 290, 360)
Project Physics Teacher Guide 2, Motion in the Heavens, ED 071 891, Harvard Project Physics
Mathematics for the Nonmathematician, Kline, 1967 - This is an excellent introductory math book which covers math from an historical perspective. See esp. Chapter 13 - The Simplest Formulas in Action, and Chapter 15 - The Application of Formulas to Gravitation. It is available for purchase used on Amazon at an inexpensive price.
College Level Textbooks & Related Books:
Introduction to Concepts and Theories in Physical Science, 2nd ed., Holton, 1973, Part A - The Origins of Scientific Cosmology
Revolutions in Physics, by Casper/Noer, 1972 - Free downloadable copy available from vdoc.pub. See especially the first 4 chapters (1 - The “Scientific” Method, 2 - The Heavens around Man, 3 - Stars that Wander, 4 - The Earth Becomes a Planet).
Physical Science, Its Structure and Development, by Kemble, 1966 - See especially Chapters 1-4 (1 - The Observed Motions of the Stars and the Sun, 2 - Astronomical Measurements of Position and Time, 3 - The Greek Age in the History of Science, 4 - The Copernican Revolution: the First Stage)
The Metaphysical Foundations of Modern Physical Science, Burtt, 1959
Biblical worldview related books (especially concerning astronomy):
God and Cosmos - A Christian View of Time, Space, and the Universe, Byl, 2025 - This is an excellent book which covers astronomy from a Christian worldview perspective. See especially chapters 1 through 5 (1 - The Basic Questions, 2 - The Biblical Account of Creation, 3 - Creation, Fall, and Renewal, 4 - Ancient and Medieval Cosmology, 5 - The Rise of Modern Cosmology).
The Created Cosmos: What the Bible Reveals About Astronomy, Faulkner, 2016, MasterBooks - Danny Faulker is a young earth creationist who is also a credentialed scientist with a doctoral degree in astronomy. He interacts with modern science and liberal theologians concerning a Biblical view of astronomy. Written from a heliocentric perspective.
Geocentricity: Christianity in the Woodshed, Bouw, 2013 - There are very educated and knowledgeable Christians who are also scientists who advocate for a geocentric view of the universe. Contrary to popular belief, this view has not been proven wrong. Please expose your child to these materials so that they can develop an informed view on this topic. See also Bouw’s archive site where more geocentric materials are available.
Galileo Was Wrong, The Church Was Right - The Scientific Case for Geocentrism - Sungenis/Bennett, 12th edition, 2017 - This book is written by a Catholic theologian and focuses on proving geocentrism from a scientific perspective as well as a Biblical perspective. He goes into a lot of historical detail concerning the key scientists. The scientific arguments are very detailed and also critique Einstein’s theory of relativity. Sungenis also has a youtube site available which has many interesting videos. By covering the scientific arguments for geocentrism, you will teach your child that science is not as settled as is claimed in standard textbooks and culture.
Galileo Was Wrong, The Church Was Right - The Evidence from Church History, Sungenis, Vol. III, 7th ed., 2013 - Written from a Catholic perspective. Chapter 14 - Scripture Passages Teaching Geocentrism, Chapter 15 - The Consensus of Church Fathers, Chapter 16 - The Catholic Church’s Teaching on Geocentrism, Chapter 17 - Interpreting Genesis 1.
If you are interested in working with me to develop and try out a prototype historical astronomy curriculum per the approach I’ve described, please let me know.
