Introduction to Logic, Jason Lisle - MASTERBOOKS

Informal Fallacies are the words printed directly above the title "Introduction to Logic" on the opening page of this book. What better way to describe what is about to be discussed - "informal fallacies". Those false beliefs or ideas that we accept as truth without realizing the danger. The author defines logic as "the study of the principle of correct of reasoning" (Lisle, pg.5). Therefore, the author states "to be logical is to think rightly; to draw reasonable conclusion from the available information" (Lisle, pg. 5). But then the question must be asked, what is right thinking, how do we define what is true? The author puts for the question of 'by which standard do we judge a particular line of reasoning to be correct or incorrect" (Lisle, pg. 5)? And so begins this excellent resource. I get excited when I see a course titled, Introduction to Logic, the same as I am excited to find courses on Christian Ethics, Rhetoric, theology and apologetics for my children. Why would I get excited? Because I want to equip my children with knowledge that causes their faith to be made strong. It is this type of course that Masterbooks seems to, well, master for lack of a better word. They excel at creating curriculum that challenges children, teens, youth to look at their faith, their world views, their theology and to make it their own. It is one thing to hand down the traditions of faith, to train our children up in the Word - it is quite another thing when that child takes those traditions of faith and that training and looks at it themselves, works through it and owns it. Then that child is ready to face the secular world - equipped like a soldier for battle. Able to defend and stand firm in the faith that they have made their own. 3 John 4 states, "I have no greater joy than to hear [and see] that my childing are walking in the truth". And this is one of those classes that Masterbooks offers that elicits this response from me. When this came up as a review option I jumped on it. I devoured the book within a matter of days, poured over the worksheets, contemplated the material. Then I showed it to my grade 6 son who will have it as course material in grade 7 (I had already ordered the curriculum set when it first appeared on the facebook page). He took it up, at first a little slowly, but then the questions and conversations began. I'll be honest I am a homeschool mom that ranks homeschool curriculum by the conversations I have with my children. If they aren't interested, if it's not making them think critically, if they are retaining information - well, then it's not worth the purchase. This is not the case with this course - this course is one that strengthens critical thinking, helps children to view the world through the lens of Scripture, and helps them to determine what is good logic and what is bad. Not based upon traditions of a denomination but based upon the Truth of God's Word. As to the structure of this course material. Masterbooks makes teaching easy. As with other courses a suggested weekly schedule is given for assignments. Children who engage in this curriculum should be ready to do course work that will challenge them and make them think critically about the world and the faith and how the two fit. But the fruit of these challenges is that children will grow stronger in their faith and by doing so their faith becomes real to them - it is no longer just the faith of their parents or their family, it is no longer just the teaching of their denominations. Because they work through these things their faith is made stronger because they begin to own it for themselves, it becomes central to who they are. So in short, if you are looking for a curriculum and course that will challenge and grow your child spiritually then this is it. If you want a curriculum that will encourage a Biblical world view and help your child think critically and logically about the world they live in - this is it. I highly recommend this course material. I received a free digital copy of both the student book and teachers book. My opinions are not influenced by this but are my own.