Streams of Civilization Volumes 1 and 2

Christian Liberty Press

Christian Liberty has updated and reprinted a notable, two-volume history text that was out of print for a number of years. This is a Christian text that recognizes the importance of religious and philosophical views throughout history. Volume 1 is much easier reading than Volume 2. In Volume 1, coverage of history is broad, yet not as in-depth in either content or the handling of ideas as other high school texts such as those from BJUP. However, it offers more comprehensive coverage of ancient history than does BJUP World History. It can be used at either junior or senior high level, since the reading level is not difficult. A teacher’s guide for Volume 1 offers overview, objectives, teaching strategies, project ideas, and assessment and evaluation suggestions.

Volume 2, subtitled “Cultures in Conflict Since the Reformation,” covers modern history (16th century through the present). Although it is a world history text, it is centered around Euro-American considerations, treating many issues primarily from a “Western” viewpoint. As I already mentioned, this book is more challenging than Volume 1. Church history, philosophy, and theology are integrated into historical coverage more than we find in most history texts from Christian publishers. This makes it a good choice for those who want to emphasize the Biblical Christian worldview in their coursework. Streams of Civilization is written from the Reformed Protestant theological perspective as well as a conservative political position, and it offers strong opinions based upon the presuppositional ideas inherent to both. Questions and projects at the end of each chapter are excellent.

Black-and-white or two-color illustrations are numerous. At the end of each chapter is a list of suggested projects that range from discussion questions through building projects. For instance, among the options for chapter eleven in the first volume are writing a detailed report on one of the key figures of the chapter, comparing Mohammed and the founding of Islam with Joseph Smith and the founding of Mormonism, and making a cut-away model of a donjon. A list of key vocabulary/concept words is also found at the end of each chapter. Separate test packets are available for both volumes, and an answer key is available for Volume 2 rather than a teacher’s guide.

Streams of Civilization Historical Charts is a packet of timeline charts covering both volumes. Printed on heavy-duty paper, the timelines are illustrated with key figures and events under the typical categories plus church history and intellectual history.