2021 Winter Seminars

Jeremy MarshNews

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10

Each winter, Stillwater’s high school pauses the traditional school routine for focused study during Seminars*. The sophomore class delves into the Creation vs Evolution debate. The unique seminar approach allows for ample time to analyze the driving philosophies and worldviews, from which stem varying interpretations of the evidence. Who are we? Why are we here? What does it mean to be made in God’s image? How is God’s beauty, order, and glory evident in creation? How did God create? How do Christians answer questions of origin differently than those committed to naturalism? Could there have been death before the fall? Was the great Flood global or local? Does science contradict the Bible? Winter Seminars contain a sense of ease – the burden of grades and assessments lifted – but we tackle these questions with serious intent, understanding that one’s faith may hinge them.

The goal for this seminar is three-fold.

  • First, to stand in awe of God the Creator as we consider the elegance of creation, fine-tuned for our existence.
  • Second, to think critically about the evidence for and against evolution in light of competing worldviews.
  • Third, to be thoroughly grounded in God’s truth so that, as questions and doubts arise, as they do in every Christian life, our students are not easily swayed.

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:19-20

Winter seminars offered to the other high school classes are as follows:

  • Freshmen An in-depth study of Christendom, reading Beowulf, and Personal Finance
  • Juniors Mock Trial
  • Seniors Preparing to Launch – touching on big items students face when they leave the nest and how they can prepare

by Lindsey Vander Ark, High School Science Teacher