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Frequently Asked Questions
College & Adult Students
What is Thoughts Captive?
Thoughts Captive is a class about worldviews. It prepares
students for the challenges of life by examining non-Christian worldviews and
carefully developing a worldview that is Christ centered. Through our
examination of literature, film, music, drama and art the student acquires the
strong apologetic skills necessary for making an impact on the world in which
they live. Careful consideration of works by C. S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer
and others prepare the student for a lifetime of practical and constructive
involvement in a world that desperately needs the Gospel.
How are Thoughts Captive classes conducted?
Even though the atmosphere of the class is relaxed,
Thoughts Captive classes are intense and interactive. Students are required to
do directed study outside of class preparing them for interaction with the
instructor and other students. Additionally, in class they will hear music,
see a play, view a film or read a short work of literature requiring their
immediate discussion. Cambridge instructors begin with the concrete before
seeking an understanding of the abstract. Practice is considered before
theory. Cambridge instructors call this approach Parabolic Method. It is the
same method Jesus used when teaching the disciples and we believe it is the
best method for teaching our students.
Is Thoughts Captive practical?
It is practical and, we believe, the best preparation for
life. Thoughts Captive goes beyond rote memorization, teaching critical
thinking skills useful in any class or vocation. It prepares students for
non-Christian worldviews they will encounter at college, on the job or in
their neighborhood.
Is there some advantage to be gained by teaching a
variety of subjects in one class?
Yes, good critical thinking includes the ability to cross
reference other disciplines as well as the ability to apply scriptural
absolutes to all disciplines. The interdisciplinary approach of Thoughts
Captive provides ample opportunity for the student to develop these cross
referencing skills.
Is there much reading for Thoughts Captive?
The student who wishes to take Thoughts Captive must be
ready to do a significant amount of reading. The amount of time this takes
depends on the ability of the student to read quickly and think critically
about the material. The student's ability to do this will improve with time.
Who supplies the reading materials for this class?
The student is responsible to purchase the books. These
books are marked with an asterisk in the curriculum outline. Unmarked items
will be supplied by the study center.
What is the theological position of your instructors?
The instructors of Thoughts Captive are conservative,
evangelical, and Reformed in their theology.
What does "Reformed" mean?
Reformed means that the priorities of the Reformation are
emphasized, among them: 1) re-forming the church to be like the first century
church; 2) the authority of scripture; 3) God's sovereignty; 4) salvation by
grace alone; 5) the sufficiency of Christ; and 6) an understanding that man is
created in God's image: rational, creative, with a conscience and free.
Is it worldly to spend time considering non-Christian
worldviews?
Not only is it not "worldly," the scriptures commend it.
In I Chronicles 12:32 it is mentioned that the men of Issachar knew what
Israel should do because they "understood the times." Daniel 1:17 and 20
states that God gave Daniel and his friends knowledge of "all kinds of
literature and learning" making them the wisest of the king's wise men. And in
Acts 17 we see Paul using his carefully studied knowledge of a pagan culture
to share the Gospel. We must not go into the world unprepared. If we are to be
truly evangelical we must "understand the times." This means we must know the
scriptures, but we also must know the enemy who seeks to devour us (I Peter
5:8). Thoughts Captive is "boot camp" for college students and adults.
I have noticed that films are part of the curriculum.
Aren't movies part of what is wrong with our culture?
Yes, movies are a problem in our culture. They discourage
us from reading, and they often teach worldviews that are non-Christian or
anti-Christian. This is precisely the reason we study films. Whether we like
it or not movies are a part of the world we live in, and our families,
friends, and neighbors are influenced by them. If we do not understand movies,
we do not understand our culture. Thoughts Captive instructors endeavor to
equip each student with the critical skills necessary to understand film. One
should also remember that film is a legitimate art form that deserves a place
in any curriculum that studies the world in which we live.
Will my student find objectionable material in Thoughts
Captive?
From time to time there will be crude language, violence
and reference to sexual situations in the material covered. The instructor
will edit any films which contains scenes that are sexually explicit. All
materials will be handled in a way which encourages the development of the
maturity necessary for meaningful engagement of a fallen world.
Will every item in the Thoughts Captive curriculum
outline be covered in class?
Our goal is to cover everything in the curriculum outline,
however some classes move slower than others and some items in the curriculum
may be passed over to keep the class on schedule.
Where do these classes meet?
We usually meet at the study center, however Thoughts
Captive can be exported to other venues. Cambridge instructors will consider
meeting anywhere that is convenient for the students.
What other opportunities does Cambridge offer students?
Cambridge offers film nights, seminars, workshops, and
year-long classes in the arts, worldview studies and leadership skills. The
study center also offers field trips for students who wish to participate. |
