Weeks 1 & 2 are really the introduction to the course and the method of study that will be use as the student works through WVWW. Be sure to read the section entitled Introduction. After the introductory material. the Student is ready to begin reading Francis Schaeffer's The God Who Is There. Knowing something about the author helps us to understand his message. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the material on Dr. Schaeffer below. 1. First, read through the outline points and the questions asked in the syllabus on pages 10 - 16. It is very helpful to have an idea of what you are going to be looking for before you began to read. 2. Take notes in complete sentences as you read. Make note of the page numbers where you found your material. 3. Make note of any vocabulary words that you are not familiar with. Look them up or check the Vocabulary list on this site. 4. Discuss your reading with someone. Even if the other person has not read the material. Explain to them what Dr. Schaeffer is talking about in your own words. Be sure to state where you agree and where you disagree and why!

Weeks 1 & 2

The Syllabus is very detailed. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in your syllabus. Many times there are no questions just outlines. In those situations take notes under each section of the outline from your reading. Your teacher may give addtional or alternative assignments.

Who was Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer?

The unique contribution of Dr. Francis Schaeffer on a whole generation was the ability to communicate the truth of historic Biblical Christianity in a way that combined intellectual integrity with practical, loving care. This grew out of his extensive understanding of the Bible from a deep commitment to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and a critical study of the world of man. These two pillars supported his inquisitive and analytical mind on the solid reality of the truth of God's creation and of his revelation. He understood the roots of modern thinking in its rejection of reality and rationality and pointed out the logical conclusions in a wide range of disciplines and in society.

Dr. Schaeffer understood that what a person believes will influence the way he acts in history and individual situations. There is a relationship between a person's view of truth and life, between philosophy and practice, between faulty ideas and foolish choices. Dr. Schaeffer discussed the truth of reality with anyone in many settings. This in turn brought students, professionals, scholars and others from around the world to his home to learn from his insights. They returned with them to their own world and applied them to their circle of life and work. The ideas continue to bear fruit and to stimulate discussions and discoveries through more than 25 books, several films, taped seminars and lectures at leading universities in Europe, the US and abroad. The result has been a profound and enduring impact upon many thousands, who have themselves gone to make their own mark in history.

The central thrust of Dr. Schaeffer's teaching is that Biblical Christianity is the truth about the real world. The only reason to be a Christian is an acknowledgement of what is objectively true about human beings, the real world and the basic human predicaments. The Bible is true in all that it affirms. This emphasis is not so much the summary of academic instructions or doctrinal positions. It is the result of a searching mind, of being exposed to human history, the European culture and art, and of in-depth discussions with knowledgeable people for a life time of study, observation and work.
With the Bible as his base and a profound interest in human beings, Dr. Schaeffer's insights were developed through the experience of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the study of Florentine society and art, in lectures followed by tough discussions at modern Cambridge, in rude exposure to the slums of Bombay and in probing questions of people from a great variety of backgrounds, in abortion protests, in response to life in the wider arena of human need and pervasive intellectual confusion in our world.

- Udo W. Middelmann, President - The Francis A. Schaeffer Foundation