As part of the Moms of Master Books review team, I recently had the opportunity to review the It’s Not Greek to Me DVD course taught by Mr. Todd Friel. It is an excellent foundation for Koine Greek (conversational or “street” Greek) for those who wish to understand the Bible’s New Testament in the original language.
Mr. Friel uses humor and a down-to-earth approach to make learning Greek realistic for the average high schooler (or parents). With a few books (interlinear Bible included) and a chalkboard, Mr. Friel keeps students awake and engaged with a purposeful way to learn Greek.
His introductory lesson actually begins with what you won’t learn from this course:
- how to translate or interpret
- vocables or lists of vocabulary
- endings or rather several endings that are characteristic of the Greek language
What will you learn?
- how to read Greek
- how to speak the Koine Greek language
- how the language works
- how to utilize a concordance
- how to use a lexicon
- improve your English
- recognize Greek roots of English words
- check original scriptures/check false teaching
- understanding commentary
- understanding your pastor
- understand the fullness of time
- learn to love Jesus more
Although he emphasizes “getting it” rather than memorizing it, Lesson 2 is all about memorizing the Greek alphabet. It’s essential to the rest of the lessons. By Lesson 3, you will begin reading scripture in Greek.
We have not completed the whole course, but we did watch the first several lessons together as a family. Learning Greek and reading the scriptures in the original language is one of our goals as a family. I have to admit that I’m more intimidated by learning a language now than when I was in high school myself. My daughters will get an earlier exposure to the language so it should be easier for them in the long run.
My favorite aspect of the lessons was that each pointed back to the Bible and to Jesus. Putting that into context, exactly why in God’s plan that the Koine Greek was the language of the New Testament, the historical significance, and how it all works together in God’s great plan, is important for all Christians to know. It also helps to identify heresies.
There is an accompanying Parent Lesson Planner (PLP) available for purchase separately that is highly recommended. It includes a 90-day lesson planner, worksheets, and practice sheets that can be completed by the student (fill in the blank) as Mr. Friel teaches.
I recommend It’s Not Greek to Me to anyone who wants a Biblical Greek primer taught in a way that’s realistic for the beginner.
Learn Bible History and Greek with “It’s Not Greek to Me” is a post from: Embracing Destiny. Copyright 2008-2016
Get your subscriber-only freebies and printables by clicking here!
Some of our favorite homeschool resources:
The post Learn Bible History and Greek with “It’s Not Greek to Me” appeared first on Embracing Destiny.
