Nehemiah Institute, Inc.

Christian Education Awareness Network (CEANet)

Presents...

Christian Worldview Instruction, Testing and Grading

Dan Smithwick, President



Our Campus

Our ministry is a "virtual campus." We provide Christian education programs complete with instructional material, testing and grading.

Our primary work is in providing a unique worldview testing and training service to private schools, churches, homeschoolers, and other Christian ministries. Programs are designed for junior high through adult ages.

The Institute was founded in 1986 as a non-profit private foundation to aid in restoring our nation to a biblically-based society as it once was . The Institute is operated with input from a 23-member advisory council consisting of theologians, ministry leaders, and other professionals.

We get our name from Nehemiah of the Old Testament who led the mission in rebuilding fallen Jerusalem. Today's ''Jerusalem" for the church is the whole world.

Our mission verse is:

"You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach to God." Nehemiah 2:17

The Institute has a 3R's method of operation

1. RESEARCHING

Research work is accomplished by conducting a worldview testing program known as PEERS Testing (see below). This "test" evaluates an individual's belief in five major areas of life: Politics, Economics, Education, Religion and Social Issues (PEERS). Views in each category are identified as belonging to one of four major worldview philosophies: 1) Biblical theism, 2) Moderate Christian, 3) Secular Humanism, or 4) Socialism.

Results of the test are returned to the individual on a PEERS Scorecard giving complete information on their views. For group testing (six or more) a wide variety of analysis reports are also included showing the strengths and weaknesses of the group as a whole. There is no extra charge for group reports.

The purpose of the research is to help individuals and organizations identify key areas where their views of life are contrary to Biblical reasoning. The test serves as a survey of the "damage to our walls."

The challenge to change our thinking, in becoming a Christian, was made by the Apostle Paul:

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

2. RETHINKING

Position Papers are offered on test items most frequently missed. The papers provide scriptural support for why we should agree or disagree with the test item. The papers challenge the person taking the test to rethink why they believe what they believe. They challenge the person to answer such questions as: Where do my views come from? What assumptions do I hold causing me to believe these views? What leading thinkers in the past held to the views I believe to be true? What are the arguments against the views I hold?

Position Papers are available in three levels: junior high, high school, and college/adult.

Scripture commands us to rethink-

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." II Cor. 10:5

"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." Colossians 2:8

3. REBUILDING

The Institute offers a self-pace study course entitled, Developing a Biblical Worldview (DBW). The course is designed to lead an individual into thinking biblically about major areas of life with the goal of building a biblically-based culture. Some of the key topics in study include:

§ Biblical principles for flow of government (family, church and state)

§ Concept of limited civil-government

§ Biblical principles of money, causes of inflation and taxation

§ Education-responsibility and character of

§ Key attributes of God; on becoming a Christian

§ Family, social and nation relationships; resolving conflicts

§ Stem-cell research

§ Biblical foundations of America

§ Action required to maintain freedom in Christ

DBW includes a lesson on the Christian history of our nation and a lesson on major events of world history from a biblical point of view.

A helpful bibliography on 26 key individuals used of God throughout history is also included.

See "Products & Shopping" page for details of courses offered.

PLEASE NOTE: You can receive a 10% discount off of your Nehemiah Products by using a special Coupon Savings Code. When you place your order online, enter the following code when asked to do so:

Coupon Savings Code Ce678 (case sensitive).

What is PEERS Testing?

The PEERS test consists of a series of statements carefully structured to identify a person's worldview in five categories: Politics, Economics, Education, Religion, and Social Issues (PEERS). Each statement is framed to either agree or disagree with a biblical principle.

After testing is complete (if using test booklets), all answer sheets are returned to Nehemiah Institute for fast, professional scoring. If using the online version of PEERS testing, results are submitted electronically. The test booklet is retained by the individual for examining answers in light of PEERS results. Upon submitting tests, each person will receive an individual PEERS Scorecard. Allow 4-5 weeks for booklet method of testing and 4-6 days for online testing. Summary reports are issued to group coordinator if testing 6 or more in one group.

The value of PEERS testing is its ability to compare a student's worldview with that of their teachers or parents. The PEERS Test's item-by-item analysis makes it easy and time-efficient to zero in on the most problematic worldview areas. Based upon this data, parents and school administrators can take corrective action by enhancing the current curriculum or by placing more emphasis on particular isssues.

All tests, scoring and reports are included in the initial price of the PEERS testing program.

The PEERS test can be bought in booklet form, $13.50 per test, and the test results are mailed to us, or PEERS tests can be bought in online format for $9.95 per test with results submitted electronically. An entire class can take the test at once as long as there is internet access available to every student.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the PEERS test?

The PEERS test provides an objective means for measuring the understanding of how biblical principles apply to all areas of life. With this information, administrators and parents are able to structure coures of study to ensure that biblical teaching is presented as working solutions to the issues of the day and not confined to the areas of "personal religion."

Does Nehemiah Institute offer any follow-up programs?

Nehemiah Institute offers a 22-week study course (at one hour per week entitled Developing a Biblical Worldview) and a series of position papers. Papers have been written on the 30 most frequently missed items.

How frequently should the PEERS test be administered?

Although the answer to this will vary according to the goals and mission of your organization, Nehemiah Institute recommends testing sophomores and seniors each year. Allowing for each student to be tested twice provides a two-year comparison period over which the effectiveness of your worldview instruction programs and the growth of the student may be measured.

The test can be administered any time during the year, but Nehemiah Institute recommends testing in the fall. This allows for adequate time to conduct proper follow-up in response to your testing results.

Does PEERS testing replace achievement testing?

No.

PEERS testing is to worldview understanding what achievement testing is to academic knowledge. Our research has found that many students are academically proficient, but principally deficient. Achievement testing is a cognitive assessment tool for measuring achievement in academic disciplines (including Bible study). PEERS testing measures comprehension and application of biblical principles to worldview concepts such as free-enterprise, the role of civil government, family structure, private property, welfare policy and the responsibility of education.

Do all students score in the same approximate range?

No.

Results from seniors in high school have ranged from -59.43 to +100.00. The average was 33.34. Based on the following worldview scale, these results give strong evidence for the need of solid Biblical worldview training and testing in junior high and senior high grades.

§ Biblical Theism worldview- 70 - 100

§ Moderate Christian worldview-   30-69

§ Secular Humanist worldview-   0-29

§ Socialist worldview-    less than 0

What grade levels are appropriate for PEERS testing?

§ Version BA12: grades 7 - 9

§ Version AA12: grades 9 - 16

We strongly recommend having parents, faculty and others in leadership positions complete the testing program, using the same version. This provides a teacher/student comparison which greatly enhances the insights gained through PEERS testing.

How much time is required for PEERS testing?

For most students, the test can be completed in a normal class period setting (45 - 55 minutes).

Is there another assessment program for testing in the area of Biblical worldview?

To our knowledge, there is no other worldview testing program. PEERS Testing is unique to the Christian community.

Do you have a self-scoring version of the PEERS Test?

We offer a 20-item Mini PEERS test in booklet format that can be purchased for $4.25 per test. This is ideal for conference settings where immediate feedback is required.

Does PEERS Testing promote a particular Christian denomination?

PEERS testing does not include issues that have denomination-specific beliefs in areas such as baptism, communion, or eschatology.

To learn more about the PEERS and the significance of Biblical worldview training, view the Power Point presentation made available online at the Nehemiah Institute web site.

To learn first hand about our testing program, we offer a low-cost 'Mini PEERS' test online. The mini test contains 20 test items from the full 70-item version. Results of your Mini test will be sent via mail within 8 - 10 days. Click here for the mini PEERS test!

Make sure you visit the Nehemiah Institute, Inc. Online Store for a whole list of other tests and books that we produce which you may purchase.

A FINAL REMINDER: You can receive a 10% discount off of your Nehemiah Products by using a special Coupon Savings Code. When you place your order online, enter the following code when asked to do so:

Coupon Savings Code Ce678 (case sensitive).

Why Christians Should Not Support Government Schools (PDF file*)

© 2003 Nehemiah Institute, Inc. Nehemiah Institute Logo, and Photo of Dan Smithwick and E. Ray Moore, Jr., are Copyrighted and Used with Permision of the Nehemiah Institute, Inc., All Rights Reserved .

Nehemiah Institute, Inc.
3735 Harrodsburg Rd Suite 150
Lexington, KY 40513
Phone: 800-948-3101
E-mail: info@nehemiahinstitute.com
Internet: http://www.nehemiahinstute.com

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