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Essays ~ Change Over Time Essays
~ FAQs
FAQ's
Frequently Asked (at least once) Questions
(The answers expressed are those of hyperhistory.net and are
not necessarily held by TPS, NSA,
or any other affiliate school.)
ABOUT THE TEACHER:
Who is the instructor?
What is the instructor's philosophical approach to history?
What is the instructor's religious background?
Does the instructor understand homeschool students or missionary
kids?
What viewpoints on soteriology and eschatology does the
instructor hold?
How available is the instructor?
ABOUT THE CLASS CONTENT:
Shouldn't this course be called a "History of Religions"?
What were some of the best class discussions you've had?
How does this course treat Israel?
Doesn't the advocacy of a Biblical worldview preclude accurate
educational benefit?
How was the curriculum developed? What materials do I need
to purchase?
What does it mean, "this site solicits content from
participants"?
Does this course degrade certain religions, Christian denominations,
or political parties?
ABOUT THE CLASS LOGISTICS:
Why don't registered students use hyperhistory.net?
Are students selected based ethnic origin?
How can I minimize my on line costs?
How much time do I have to complete the course?
How involved does my parent need to be? What about taking
exams?
Why are the tests "open book"?
What about grades?
What are the assignments and how do I submit them?
What is the difference between the two World History courses
offered through The Potter's School?
Is Chicago citation predominately required in student research
papers by history professors?
ABOUT ADVANCED PLACEMENT:
What is the Advanced Placement World History Exam?
What are the limitations in teaching to the Advanced Placement
Course Description?
How many colleges accept AP grades?
ABOUT MONEY:
Where can I find more on course registration, accreditation
and costs?
What is the deal with the advertising sponsors of Hyperhistory.net?
How are donations used?
What is the mission statement?
The purpose of hyperhistory.net is to support the education of evangelical
students living around the world. Primary activities include providing on
line educational resources in world history and assisting teachers of missionary
children.
Who is the instructor?
Mr. N. holds a masters degree from Western Oregon University and is state certified
in secondary social studies and technology education. He is working on his
ACSI professional level certification. Mr. N. volunteered a year teaching
missionary kids in Colombia, S. America in 2001-02. In 2005 he resigned from
14 years of teaching in US public schools to be a teacher of children of missionaries
in Europe. He has visited or lived in over fifteen countries. [Due to Muslim
anger over this website's presentation of Islam, Mr. N. is content not to
use his full name anywhere on this site. However, bits of his bewildering biography
are online which may divert (the oxymoron of) terrorist intelligence.]
What is the instructor's philosophical approach to
history?
He maintains a Christian Worldview in the interpretation of historical data.
For a more detailed account see, "History from
a Biblical Perspective".
What is the instructor's religious background?
One of his grandfathers was a Methodist preacher for over 60 years and the other
served for decades as a deacon in a Southern Baptist Church. The instructor's
parents trained him up in the way of the Lord which included church attendance
about three times a week for 18 years. However, he considers this background
mere rubbish compared to gaining Christ, the forgiveness of sin, and the freedom
from self-imposed righteousness (Phil. 3:7-8). His main fellowship (Heb.10:25)
has been at a Calvary Chapel.
Does the instructor understand homeschool students or
missionary kids?
Mr. N. and his wife homeschooled their own three children for three years and
understand the uniqueness of this situation. In addition to teaching MKs for
the past four years, Mr. N. has visited the schooling situations of MKs in
different countries.
What viewpoints on soteriology and eschatology
does the instructor hold?
The specific request was: "I would like to hear your understanding of the
theological topics that relate to history (e.g., Dispensational, Covenant, and
single promise-plan theology; Preterism, Futurism and the various millennial
views; Calvinism and Armenianism), since these are the areas you would have
to be comfortable with to evaluate history from a truly biblical perspective."
Unfortunately, this has not been a more frequently asked question. The purpose
of Hyperhistory.net is more in looking back to point out the effects of Christianity,
atheism and humanism rather than looking forward within a certain eschatological
framework. Yet the interpretation of historical events places one in the precarious
position of being bias towards a position on the end times. There is an academic
and biblical responsibility to rightly discern the fulfillment of prophecy
and to avoid putting our omnipotent, omniscient God in a (Dispensational,
Armenian, Premillenial, etc.) box. There is an enormous responsibility to
provide truth and avoid having a millstone tied around one’s neck for
leading a young mind astray. Where there is reasoned debate among protestant
evangelicals, students are encouraged to seek out the scriptures in order
to be persuaded in their own mind, yet be respectfully tolerant when disagreeing
with other Bible believing Christians in order to maintain the bonds of love
and unity in the central issues of faith. Tolerance permits freedom of disagreement
among Acts 17 "Bereans".
Essays on hyperhistory.net assume the inerrancy of the Bible as the only basis
for judgment. More details can be assessed in the Biblical
view of History article.
How available is the instructor?
E-mail is efficient and provides a record of communication. Use the instructor
as your personal professional tutor. That is an advantage over 30+ students
in a classroom. He deals with email twice daily and offers live chat to registered
students from noon to 3 PM (Eastern Standard Time) nearly every weekday during
the school year.
What were some of the best class discussions you've
had?
Understanding theological positions are critical to dealing with "World
History in Biblical Perspective". Discussions are guided so that students
raise questions about such ponderings as free will verses predestination, the
ontology and function of evil, the impact of eschatology on interpreting purpose
in history, the position of Israel and the Church... these topics are allowed
to surface to the point where students are encouraged to understand there is
reasoned debate among believers. However, class discussions are not aimed to
resolve or convince anyone of a particular theological stance.
How does this course treat Israel?
Students are challenged to find out how world events have effected Jewish populations.
This is not done under the guise of supporting or precluding an eschatological
position. If Israel is no longer of theological consequence, as some Christians
believe, then it would be reasonable to place no special emphasis on Jewish
history after the first century. However, if Israel remains blinded to Yeshua
(Jesus) “until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in” (Rom 11),
and that time has not yet come, then it is reasonable to give special attention
to Israel in a course of World History in Biblical Perspective.
According to http://heartofwisdom.com/replacement%20theology.htm (link broken):
"Modern Gentile Christian theology teaches one of two approaches in dealing
with the relationship between Gentile Christianity and the Israel of God. The
older and better known is generally called replacement or covenant theology
and has resurfaced today as kingdom now or dominionism; reconstructionism, and
in England, restorationism. Under any name, it has persuaded Gentile Christians
to believe they are the NEW or TRUE Israel, having replaced OLD Israel as God's
people."
Because this world history course is inclusive rather than exclusive of Israel in its potential for having continued theological importance, this course does not support the doctrine of Reconstructionism or "Replacement Theology" as taught by Dr. R.J. Rushdoony and others. Replacement theology tends to propagate anti-semitic attitudes and is has little Biblical support.
Chuck Missler comments about Amillennialism:
"The Old Testament is replete with commitments for a literal Messiah ultimately
ruling the world through Israel from His throne in Jerusalem. There are at least
1,845 references in the Old Testament and 17 books give prominence to the event.
There are at least 318 references in 216 chapters of the New Testament and 23
of its 27 books give prominence to the event. The early church looked longingly
for His promised return as their "Blessed Hope" to rid their desperate
world of its evil rulers."
Romans Chapter 11: 1, 17-27
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For
I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. ....17
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree,
wert graffed in among them and with them partakest of the root and fatness of
the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest
not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken
off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken
off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear; For if God spared
not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.Behold therefore
the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut
off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in:
for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive
tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good
olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed
into their own olive tree;For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant
of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness;
in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be
come in. ; And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There
shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:For
this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
Doesn't the advocacy of a Biblical worldview preclude
accurate educational benefit?
Opinions expressed are supported by fair exposition of pertinent facts which
permit the reader to form their own viewpoint on the subject of an essay. Objective
evaluation of truth is more obtainable without emotional distortions.
How was the curriculum developed? What materials
do I need to purchase?
The World History courses combine the objectives from the Oregon State curriculum
guide and that of the College Board. The freedom to integrate Biblical perspective
was encouraged through the ACSI school of El Camino Academy. See the history
of hyperhistory.net for more information. Since all the readings are available
on line, there are no materials to purchase. Those preparing for the AP exam
may have other considerations.
What does it mean, "this site solicits content
from participants"?
Hyperhistory.net seeks quality essays to supplement its existing content. Work
submitted might undergo extensive editing
before and after being placed on line. For this reason, hyperhistory.net authors
remain anonymous under the pseudonym of Rit Nosotro.
One of the primary goals of this undertaking is to educate the world of the
spiritual truths revealed in history. Students are to approach everything they
do, in word or deed, to glorify Christ. Assignments are ministry opportunities
to provide readers with an honest interpretation of the data and share a Biblical
worldview that sees God's hand in the history of individuals and nations. Readers
may also submit links to other articles that support that worldview.
Having this worldview encourages students you to meet the challenges of research and plowing through endless articles as they learn to do the work of a historian. By participating in this ministry with the attitude that it is "more blessed to give than to receive", students receive more than what they are able to offer. The long term goals of hyperhistory.net is to continue to be a free service to the homeschool community.
Does this course degrade certain religions, Christian
denominations, or political parties?
History in Biblical perspective makes an analysis of events through the filter
of "sola scriptura". This fundamental critique is made to encourage a world
view that comes from having a personal relationship with Christ Jesus through
the power of the Holy Spirit. To test all things in the light of God's Word
will make us uncomfortable at times as if our marrow is being cut out of our
bones (Hebrews 4:11-13). This surgery is necessary whether one is Roman Catholic,
Protestant, Mormon, Buddhist, Democrat, Republican, Capitalist, Communist, or
whoever. God's gift to humanity is salvation through Jesus, as written in His
inerrant word. Only God is our judge as only He knows our hearts.
True religion is worthy of respect. Religions that contradict truth are not worthy of respect. For example, Hyperhistory.net does not respect widow burning and temple prostitution of Hinduism. Likewise, the cannibalism practiced by the Aztecs, the child sacrifices made to Baal, and a religion that promises 70 virgins to those who blow up a school bus of children, would also not be worthy of respect. However, as Christ died for us while we were sinners at enmity with God, so Christ's ambassadors are to demonstrate sacrificial love to all, in hope that practitioners of all religions would turn instead to The Way, Christ Himself.
In a related question, was Bush correct when he stated of Muslims and Christians, "I believe we worship the same God"? For the answer we look to John 8:42-47 where Jesus explains to the Jewish religious leaders, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
According to Jesus, since the Jews (and Muslims or whoever) do not believe in the risen Jesus, then Satan rather than God is their Father. Jesus is the Word (John 1:1) sent to us (Hebrews 1:2). Arab Christians call God "Allah". Spanish Christians call God "Dios". What matters is our response to Jesus, in whatever language He is known.
CLASS LOGSTICS:
Why don't registered students use hyperhistory.net?
Students do use hyperhistory.net if their separate password protected, enhanced
classroom site goes off line. However, the other site incorporates interactive
software called “Moodle”, students know when others are on line
and can ask them and/or the teacher for a live chat. Collaboration of student
production teams is enhanced in discussion forums. Students can upload material
in process for peer review without concerns for it being open to the world
wide web. Although Hyperhistory.net publications are not as frequently updated
as the web site for paying students, the material on hyperhistory.net is still
organized in a scope and sequence which offers World History in Biblical Perspective
to students who are working toward passing the Advanced Placement exam in World
History. Bandwidth intensive media (songs, videos, and animations) which are
not freely accessible on hyperhistory.net, are available for registered students.
Hyperhistory.net is a free resource to about 5000 visitors per day. The enhanced
web site contains all the information on hyperhistory.net (except for the advertising)
and is customized for the 50 or so registered students accepted each year.
Are students selected based ethnic origin?
Student applicants are not discriminated against based on race, color, national
or ethnic origin. Offerings of scholarships, loans, activities or any other
program is open to all shades of melanin. Since student submissions must adhere
to the promotion of a Biblical worldview, students tend to be evangelical Christians
gathered “from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Rev 7:9).
How can I minimize my on line costs?
The following recommendations are for a missionary family serving on an island
off the western coast of Africa where Internet time costs $18 an hour.
To limit connect time, open multiple browser windows for consecutive access
of the web sites. As soon as the pages are loaded, close your on line connection
and then save the pages onto a floppy disk to read later. Do your reading and
writing off-line. When ready to upload assignments, first open your word processing
documents before connecting to the Internet. In windows, use your shortcut keys
to switch between documents (ALT-TAB) and your Internet browser. Copy (CTRL-C)
and paste (CTRL-V) your assignments into the essay submission forms, message
boards and e-mail program (if required). Avoid the optional chat feature. You
don't need to be connected to play the flash puzzles and javascript hangman
games once they download. These tips should bring your on line time down to
less than ten minutes per weekly session (>$3) with a 28k connection speed.
Be encouraged that there are no expensive textbooks to purchase. Remember that
much of the hyperhistory web site is on CD ROM. This
will especially avoid the slow loading supplementary graphs, pictures and maps.
Don't even try to download the optional real audio or video files. Order the
CD.
How much time do I have to complete the course?
In order to finish by mid-May, it is recommended the student start in August.
The due dates are merely pacing recommendations to meet this goal. Assignments
vary according to your course option. (Potter's School
students follow their course calendar on their syllabus.)
How involved does an adult supervisor need to be?
What about taking exams?
It is good practice to have an adult mentor encourage pacing and accountability.
All the quizzes, semester and practice exams are "open book" and do
not need a proctor. However, involvement of parents
is encouraged.
Why are the your tests "open book"?
After reading the articles, students are encouraged to scan them [control-F]
for the quiz answers. "Open book" eliminates the need for proctored
exams. By teaching students how to quickly find information, I hope to enhance
their skills at dealing with the flood of data that they encounter in their
research. The semester test is timed, forcing students to have familiarity with
all the readings of the past semester. Although they may refer to the articles
during this "open book" test, if they do not know the content of the
articles, then they will do poorly on the questions and run out of time.
What about grades?
Grades are posted every third week by assigned student numbers. I try to impress
on students the importance of having a Biblical perspective on history as it
relates to opportunities for evangelism and protecting them from the lies of
secular humanism. Academic excellence is only a tool we sharpen and use for
His glory. Unfortunately, too many students still use extrinsic indicators such
as grades as a measurement of a heart. Confused? Try reading "You are Special"
by Max Lucado.
What are the assignments and how do I submit them?
Read the appropriate course syllabus which lists the
assignments. Assignments are submitted through the submissions
page and the message board. (NorthStar Academy
students submit through their FirstClass accounts. Potter's School students
upload assignments after logging into their virtual classroom.) Use http://www.yousendit.com/
for a file over 2 MB.
What is the difference between the two World
History courses offered through The Potter’s School?
Although both courses are taught from a Biblical world view, the main
difference is in the student assignments. Mr. Carter’s course follows
a more traditional textbook-based format with a strong analytical component.
For each week's reading, students respond to a series of essays. Also, each
assignment usually has a creative writing prompt. The required textbook is
distinguished for its scholarship and costs around $90.
The course taught by Mr. N. is solely based around material and links published on the enhanced version of the hyperhistory.net site which contains over 1000 pages. The interactive web site does not at all approach the visual quality of Stern’s World Civilizations textbook, nor has it undergone peer review by field experts. Assignments from the syllabus are geared to prepare students to take the AP exam and require student initiative to write research/thesis based essays (diversified by world regions and chronology) that may then be published anonymously. Students meet on a password protected website for automated quizzes, multimedia, and threaded discussions with other Christian students.
Is Chicago citation predominately required in student
research papers by history professors?
Mr. N. asked this question to several history departments. Here was a typical
answer: "Here at [George] Fox, and as far as I know at other places as
well, history departments are maintaining the front against the MLA format.
In some cases, such as my own, we are doing so with extreme prejudice. Any
serious journal or academic publisher still requires the Chicago format. Thanks
for the question."
Therefore, Chicago style (Turabian) citation is preferred on works submitted
to hyperhistory.net
What is the Advanced Placement World History Exam?
The exam is administered by the "College Board" each May. It consists
of 70 multiple choice and 3 essay questions. Here are some preparation
tips. Although material on hyperhistory.net is designed to help students
prepare for the AP World History exam, Hyperhistory.net is not an AP
World History course since AP is a registered trademark of the CollegeBoard
which approves content only through registered schools.
What are the limitations in teaching to the Advanced
Placement Course Description?
Teaching to the structure of the course
description of the College Board allows the immensity of world history to
be focused in its scope and sequence. However, a careful appraisal
of World History content reveals that a dangerous brainwashing is sweeping
through America's public highschools. Maintaining a Biblical perspective in
all aspects of world history is the primary goal of hyperhistory.net. Therefore,
the historical Judeo-Christian influence will still be the overriding mind set
despite the discrimination against Christians, e.g., anti-Christian
bias of the University of California system, and public
school promotion of Islam. Students are cautioned against the
drive toward multiculturalism and the politically correct tendency to discard
white males (particularly Christian) that were once part of world history textbooks.
For example, today's typical World History course fondly indoctrinates youth
that DWEEM (PC-speak for "dead white evil European males") slaughtered
noble Native American Indians. Another twist found in World History
textbooks is the promotion of the ecumenical Enlightenment period over the divisive
Reformation in order to push the writer's agenda of favoring a one world government.
The CollegeBoard hints at its political goal by basing the course around three "Habits of Mind", one of which is, "Being aware of human communalities and diversities while assessing claims of universal standards, and understanding contextually diverse ideas and values in historic context." In other words, multiculturalism is promoted at the expense of Christian claims to have absolute truth. This AP World History "habits of mind" is a regurgitated version of the 1970s "values clarification", now known as post-modern moral relativism.
The CollegeBoard follows the decades old goal of the National Education Association when they stated, "we set about to change the course of American education for the 21st century by embracing the ideals of global community, the equality and interdependence of all peoples and nations, and education as a tool to bring about world peace." Both the CB and NEA are well aware that the biggest threat to ecumenism are the doctrines of evangelical Christianity, e.g., those that reject Jesus Christ as Savior are damned to hell.
Hyperhistory.net is not limited by the political agenda and secular assumptions of the College Board. (Hyperhistory.net is limited by Biblical standards of academic excellence.)
How many colleges accept AP grades?
More than 90 percent of the colleges and universities in the United States and
Canada, as well as colleges and universities in about 20 other countries, have
a policy granting incoming students credit, placement, or both, for qualifying
AP Exam grades. Typically, community colleges grant credit for a score of a
"3" but some "ivy league" universities may require a "5".
Colleges also vary on how much credit they grant for an acceptable score. Some
equate a passing exam with a full year course while others may grant a semester
or only a quarter of credit.
Where can I find more on course registration, accreditation
and costs?
Students may be accepted at various times during the year. See the course
options page to learn of on-line schools offering credit for this course.
Costs vary depending on your selection.
What is the deal with the advertising sponsors of
Hyperhistory.net?
Hyperhistory.net was an advertising free zone for its first three years until
Mr. N. left 15 years of lucrative public school teaching in order to be a volunteer
teacher at a school for children of evangelical missionaries outside the USA.
With apologies to hyperhistory.net visitors, advertisers do
help pay the bills - but we encourage you to visit the sponsors only if you
are truly interested in their advertisement. Please let us know if inappropriate
ads are displayed in the sponsor controlled rotation. Registered students use
a mirror of hyperhistory.net, which is password protected, multi-media enhanced,
and without advertising.
How are donations used?
All revenue generated by hyperhistory.net, whether accumulated through tuitions,
donations, or advertising, goes to carry out the mission statement. An itemized
financial statement (Fiscal Year End = June 30) is available to participants
of that mission through hyperhistory.net.
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