Bible Framework at the Seminary Level Update
This Spring I taught a course at Chafer Theological Seminary entitled Christian Framework II to get students to understand the Framework and be able to use it to understand a contemporary problem they were interested in. Here are some of the term papers my students posted:
“Guidelines for Free Speech and Civil Disobedience” – a paper dealing with contemporary presentation of Biblical Framework events (such as Daniel in a pagan dictatorship) that imply behavior contrary to humanist political pressure to suppress it.
“An Epistemological, Moral, and Practical Case to Privatize the Public School System” – a paper by a mother who has worked as an accountant of state projects and is home schooling her children. Her paper was reacting to the state’s claim of educational authority over that of parents—thus denying God’s fixed design of marriage and family responsibility. The paper shows that private schools not only produce higher academic scores but also are far cheaper than public schools—when you compare the actual public-school costs hidden in state budgets (take a look at your county’s budget details if they are available!) to private schools. She admits many Christian parents today cannot afford private education.
“Sports in America: Kingdom Distraction or Divine Opportunity?”– a paper by a pastor who also coaches youth in several sports year-round. He analyzes Paul’s use of sports illustrations for the Christian life as well as the contemporary trend that compromises times of spiritual activities—a dilemma often faced by Christian parents. His paper argues that the issue for the young people he has coached centers on where they build their identity—their athletic accomplishments or their Christian faith and behavior.
Last Fall I taught a course entitled Christian Framework I with an identical purpose. Here is a term paper submission:
“The Worldview of Hinduism: Introducing the Main Concepts of Hinduism and Contrasting It with the Biblical Worldview” a paper by a student from Singapore who interacts with Hindu acquaintances. Hinduism and Christianity are polar opposites as C S Lewis pointed out in his day. We need to learn something about Hinduism as our culture increasingly slips from Christianity toward Hindu-like worship with its pantheism (all is one being – the opposite of Christian distinction between the Infinite Personal Creator and His creation of man and nature), mysticism (trying to attain truth by speculation and feelings) and lack of absolute justice with redemption). The paper concludes with some important guidelines for personal evangelism of people who think more and more like Hindus.
Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years of Bible Framework
In March 2025, Chafer Theological Seminary honored the ground-breaking work of Charles Clough’s Bible Framework at its annual pastors’ conference. The presentations and other media from the “Framework at Fifty” conference are now available on the Bible Framework Applied website.
The conference covered a larger, long-term view of the Bible Framework’s effect on Christians, with Charles Clough kicking off the conference talking about the historical development of the Bible Framework. Then each of the of the following presentations traced the influence of the Bible Framework in their thinking through biblical truths against our present secular culture. See the presentations here: 2025 Chafer Seminary Pastors’ Conference.
Be sure to watch the Kwoks (the family from Singapore) as they present a “blueprint” on training children to love and serve the Lord with a biblical worldview. Amos and Jen, along with the help of their three sons, have condensed the 200+ Bible Framework lessons to 56 lessons with unique color diagrams. Their series is entitled “Interlocked” and was developed primarily as a tool to teach teenagers. It is a Bible study integrating the Genesis-to-Revelation narrative, doctrine, and apologetics for believers to live as thriving disciples of Christ. It is available in English, Spanish, and German on the Interlocked website. They also have an English-based podcast available.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the conference due to my medical condition (my traveling appears to be over).
Future Plans
In our next newsletter, Lord willing, I will report on my new effort to refine and upgrade the lessons designed to introduce and provide an overview of the Bible Framework (BFM) on the BFM website based on knowledge I’ve acquired over the years teaching the Bible Framework.
Bible Framework web (in)sites
Thesis
We’ve had several requests that Mr. Clough’s 1968 ThM thesis be made available in electronic format. At last, we have added “A Calm Appraisal of The Genesis Flood” to the Bible Framework Applied website. It can be downloaded from the Writings tab.
Our many thanks to Dustin Burlet and his associates for their assistance with finalizing the electronic version of Mr. Clough’s thesis.
Cool Testimonial!
One of our faithful supporters recently submitted a testimonial on the Bibleframework.org website. In the testimonial she included a graphic that was inspired by Mr. Clough’s teaching on faith. She asked that it “be made downloadable to anyone who would wish to use it, for personal encouragement and affirmation, to display in some manner as a thought provoker or conversation starter, from a screen saver to stationery to ...” Let your imagination run wild.
 |
Prayer Requests
First of all, thank you for your continued support, whether by prayer or your gracious contributions. It’s amazing to look back over the years and see how our Lord has provided for this ministry through individuals like you.
For Charles' overall health and an increase in strength and endurance.
For Carol Clough in managing Charles’ medications and dietary needs to keep him in optimum health – both physically and mentally.
For me to incorporate into the Bible Framework what I have learned since 2013 from the many Chafer Seminary students that I have taught over the years.
For the folks in the West Houston Bible Church who work continuously to manage website issues, respond to orders for the many series available, and order the necessary supplies. This past year they have worked hard to make and distribute the Bible Framework thumb drives to the many requests they receive.
Download complete Bible Framework Course ZIP file
We Love Your Feedback
We are always willing to take your suggestions on how we can improve the Biblical Framework websites (both www.bibleframework.org/ and www.bibleframeworkapplied.org). Please provide your inputs on the Update Requests form. |
|
