NSA’s ESOs: Biblically Literate
By Ellie B.
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NorthStar Academy has seven ESOs or Expected Student Outcomes. The sixth of these ESOs is Biblically Literate. According to Mrs. Peterman, “ESOs are the overarching goals of NorthStar Academy. With our ESOs in mind, we make decisions about curriculum and instruction that help us shape students into graduates who have these crucial skills. The ESOs help us keep the end goal in mind.”
NSA defines a student who is biblically literate as someone who is “educated to understand and defend the biblical worldview in light of opposing worldviews.” While NSA does have Bible courses, such as Old Testament and New Testament Survey, the principle of biblical literacy is incorporated into every subject. Mrs. Peterman described this well saying that “you might take an English class and read a story about a character who learns the consequences of living a selfish life. Or you might take a history course and learn about people who served in the world wars. The selfish character in English and the soldiers in history aren’t blatantly Christian or biblical, but biblical truths are still an important part of those discussions. In a Christian school, students learn to process issues such as selfishness, war, and prejudice in the context of biblical truth.”
So, why should students care about being biblically literate? As Mrs. Peterman said, “Knowing the Bible is a believer’s way of knowing God–not just knowing about God, but actually knowing Him… Students often have questions about how they can know what God wants them to do or where He wants them to go to college, for example. Although the Bible doesn’t tell us specifically which school to go to, it does give us everything we need to know God. And when we get to know God, we also get to know what He likes and dislikes. That makes those big decisions much less intimidating.” Trying to understand the world without the Bible is practically impossible. When students face struggles or have questions, the Bible can answer those deep, serious, difficult questions. Mrs. Peterman shared the importance of being biblically literate in her own life: “I could have saved myself so much grief! Being able to study the Bible has brought so much joy to my life. God teaches me new things every time I study His word. When I am reading it regularly, my mind is focused on Him instead of on my own worries or selfish ideas.”
Biblical literacy is crucial in every stage, whether one is new to high school, about to graduate, or anywhere else in life. Mrs. Peterman explained how it applies to every aspect of life, even after high school, saying that “Whether we’re making important decisions or doing the things of daily life–getting along with family members, working with people we may or may not get along with, and managing our money–we want to do it all in a way that honors God.”
Being biblically literate is important, but how does one become biblically literate? Read the Bible, of course! However, Mrs. Peterman elaborated on this; how you read the Bible is also important. “When you learn how to recognize genres and how to trace a theme through the Bible, you’re gaining the skills you need to understand and apply the Bible for the rest of your life. The message of the Bible is beautifully simple and amazingly complex all at the same time. Any effort you put into learning how to read it will be some of the most important work you do.”
Sometimes spending time in the Bible regularly can be difficult. Mrs. Peterman offered some words of wisdom regarding this, “If you’re struggling to spend time in it, ask God to give you a desire to know Him more by reading His word. As one of my pastors used to say, ‘I’m willing to be made willing.’ The Bible was never meant to be a chore that we have to cross off a to-do list. We have it because God has things He wants us to know.” One final thought on biblical literacy from Mrs. Peterman: “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to learn how to understand the Bible. If you’re not sure what that even means, take one of our Bible courses or talk to one of your teachers. The NSA faculty and staff would love to help you develop a love for God’s word.”
Columns: 🧑🚀NSA Culture, ✝️Spiritual Life
Ellie B. lives in Virginia, USA with her parents, brother, and dogs. This is her fourth year at NSA, and her second year at the Navigator. She has a passion for ballet and has plans to pursue it professionally in the future. Ellie also enjoys reading in her free time.