Religion Curriculum

Northern Illinois District

Grade 8

 

Purpose Statement for Religion Curriculum

 

We want all students and families to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  The gifts of faith and salvation come to us through word and sacrament.  This curriculum strives to expose children to word and sacrament, so that the Lord can do His work.  The Holy Spirit works through these saving gifts to not only bring people to faith, but also to strengthen God’s children to live the life of a disciple.  This curriculum is designed to support teachers and students in the Church’s mission of making disciples of all nations.  We want all students to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:8-10

 

 

 

Goal 1:  Students will strengthen their faith with the help of the Holy Spirit as they hear, read, and study the Holy Scriptures as the inerrant, inspired word of God.

 

 

Learning Standard A:  Students will see Jesus and discover God’s plan of salvation as it is revealed in the Old Testament.

 

Objective 1:  Recognize and speak knowledgably about any and all of the following topics in the Old Testament:

                  

Genesis – God’s Plan

The Exodus and the Promised Land

Judges – Sins and Saviors

Kings and Kingdoms

Exile and Restoration

Jesus in the Old Testament

Prophets and Prophesies

Jesus in the Psalms

 

Objective 2:  Connect the doctrines of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to appropriate Old and New Testament scripture.

Objective 3:  Draw upon their knowledge of Old Testament scripture to understand the teaching and themes of the New Testament. 

 

 

Learning Standard B:  Students will see Jesus and discover God’s plan of salvation as it is revealed in the New Testament.

 

The Birth of Christ

 

Objective 1:  Connect all the parts of the Christmas story using all four Gospels.

Objective 2:  Describe the events leading up to the birth of Christ.

Objective 3:  Explore the ministry of John the Baptist.

Objective 4:  Discuss the theology of Jesus’ baptism and temptation.

Objective 5:  Describe Jesus as the Word made flesh.

 

Miracles of Jesus

 

Objective 6:  Research the miracles of Jesus.

Objective 7:  Attribute His healing to the love He had for the people.

 

Parables of Jesus

 

Objective 8:  Tell others the parables of Jesus and be able to confidently explain them.

Objective 9:  Categorize and explain the Kingdom Parables.

 

Teachings of Jesus

 

Objective 10:  Give an account of how Jesus called His disciples to follow him.

Objective 11:  Create an approximate timeline of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Objective 12:  Map His travels during His time on earth.

Objective 13:  Identify teachings that occur in multiple Gospels.

Objective 14:  Compare and contrast what Jesus says about the Law and the Gospel.

Objective 15:  Apply the teachings of Jesus to their own lives.

Objective 16:  Understand that Jesus came to preach the forgiveness of sins.

 

The Cross and the Empty Tomb

 

Objective 17:  Conclude that Jesus came to do His Father’s will.

Objective 18:  Differentiate between the different events of Holy Week as they are described in the Gospels.

Objective 19:  Recognize when Jesus is predicting His death in scripture.

Objective 20:  Describe Jesus’ death as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Objective 21:  Give thanks for Christ’s death and resurrection.

Objective 22:  Examine the events between the resurrection and the ascension.

 

The Holy Spirit and the Growth of the Church

 

Objective 23:  Explain, in detail, the events and theology connected to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Objective 24:  Investigate the people and events in the book of Acts.

Objective 25:  Compare and contrast the work of Peter and Paul.

Objective 26:  Choose various Epistles to read, research, and discuss.

Objective 27:  Connect the teachings of the Epistles to the teachings and saving work of Jesus.

 

 

Learning Standard C:  Students will identify God’s Law and Gospel as they investigate scripture.

 

Objective 1:  Strive to keep God’s Law perfectly.

Objective 2:  Realize that we are all sinners.

Objective 3:  Recognize that as a result of their baptism they are 100% sinner and 100% saint.

Objective 4:  Rejoice that we have been set free from the Law.

 

 

Learning Standard D:  Students will memorize select passages of scripture.

 

See Memory Component
Goal 2:  Students will explore and discuss the doctrines of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

 

Learning Standard A:  Students will study the doctrines found in the confessional writings of the LCMS.

 

The Lord’s Supper

 

Objective 1:  Know that Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper and investigate scripture for the many references to the Lord’s Supper.

Objective 2:  Investigate the nature of the Sacrament of the Alter.

Objective 3:  Argue that the Supper should be offered often.

Objective 4:  Examine the benefits of the Sacrament of the Alter.

Objective 5:  Debate the Communion practices within the Lutheran Church.

Objective 6:  Justify the power of the Sacrament of the Alter to forgive sins because of the real presence of Jesus in, with, and under the bread and wine.

Objective 7:  Describe what it means to examine themselves before receiving the Sacrament.

Objective 8:  Differentiate between receiving the Sacrament in a worthy manner and an unworthy manner.

Objective 9:  Discuss who should and who should not receive the Sacrament of the Alter.

Objective 10:  Go to the Supper with a repentant heart and confidence that there is forgiveness for them in the body and blood of Jesus.

 

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Objective 11:  Investigate God’s command to pray.

Objective 12:  Discuss what prayer is, what the content of our prayers ought to be, and to whom we should pray.

Objective 13:  Recognize the role the Holy Spirit plays in prayer.

Objective 14:  Argue that God hears the prayers of His children.

Objective 15:  Evaluate the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer and their meanings.

Objective 16:  Explain what it means to pray “in Jesus’ Name.”                

 

Justification/Sanctification

 

Objective 17:  Compare and contrast the doctrines of Justification and Sanctification.

Objective 18:  Recognize that they cannot be sanctified without first being justified.

Objective 19:  Point to the cross as evidence for their status as children of God.

Objective 20:  Discuss the topic of works righteousness.

Objective 21:  Investigate sections of scripture that help us understand the gift of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Objective 22:  Review what the meanings of the 2nd and 3rd article of the Creed have to say about Justification and Sanctification. 

 

Jesus – God/Man

 

Objective 23:  Outline the evidence from scripture that points to Jesus as both God and man.

Objective 24:  Review what the 2nd article of the Creed has to say about the person of Jesus Christ.

Objective 25:  Explain the meanings behind the different names used for Jesus.

Objective 26:  Compare and contrast the Lutheran Church’s belief about Jesus and what other religions say about Jesus.

Objective 27:  Name Jesus as the only way to the Father.

 

The Church

 

Objective 28:  Review what the 2nd article says about the Church on earth and in heaven.

Objective 29:  Investigate what scripture says about the Body of Christ.

Objective 30:  Discuss what is meant by the phrase “the communion of saints.”

Objective 31:  Differentiate between the visible church and the invisible Church.

Objective 32:  Explain why the Church is Holy and referred to as the Bride of Christ.

Objective 33:  Give thanks that the Lord has brought them into the Church through the Means of Grace.                              

 

 

Learning Standard B:  Students will be able to discuss what they believe as Lutheran Christians and how their beliefs are rooted in scripture.

 

Scripture – God’s Word

 

Objective 1:  Review the doctrines discussed in 7th grade.

Objective 2:  Investigate what scripture has to say about the doctrines we confess as Lutheran Christians.

Objective 3:  Locate, with ease, sections of scripture that defend their beliefs.

Objective 4:  Illustrate how the doctrines of the Lutheran Church come directly from the Word of God.

Objective 5:  Share with others what Lutheran Christians believe in comparison to what other Christian churches believe.

Objective 6:  Answer questions about their beliefs.

 

 

Learning Standard C:  Students will memorize the six chief parts of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.

 

See Memory Component

Goal 3:  Students will worship regularly and maintain a personal devotional life.

 

 

Learning Standard A:  Students will worship the Lord and be exposed to Word and Sacrament in a corporate setting.

 

Objective 1:  Lead others in worship by participating fully.

Objective 2:  Describe the community that exists in worship.

Objective 3:  Receive the Lord’s Supper worthily and regularly. 

Objective 4:  Give thanks and praise to God for forgiving their sins.                     

 

 

Learning Standard B:  Students will compare and contrast the different liturgies, traditions, and music of the church.

 

Objective 1:  Discuss the communion practices of the LCMS and other church bodies.

Objective 2:  Evaluate the theology of the Divine Service.

Objective 3:  Appreciate the seasons and holidays of the church.

Objective 4:  Test the words of the Pastor in the sermon with the words of scripture.

Objective 5:  Debate what music and traditions are appropriate for worship.

Objective 6:  Explain what Lutheran worship is all about and how it is an essential part of the Christian life.

 

 

Learning Standard C:  Students will develop a personal devotional life that includes prayer and the reading of Scripture.

 

Objective 1:  Initiate conversations about what they have read and prayed during their devotional time.

Objective 2:  Pray and read the scriptures daily in an orderly way and on a regular schedule.

Objective 3:  Use a variety of Bible helps to aid in their reading and prayer.

Objective 4:  Discuss with other classmates what works well for them during their devotional time. 

Objective 5:  Discover the message of the Gospel as it is revealed to them by the Holy Spirit through the word. 

 

 

Learning Standard D:  Students will memorize prayers.

                       

See Memory Component

 

Goal 4:  Students will recognize that the Lord has called them to be good stewards of their time, talents, and treasures in order to further His Kingdom.   

 

 

Learning Standard A:  Students will acknowledge that all they have is from the Lord.

 

Objective 1:  Thank God daily for everything they have.

Objective 2:  Remember all that the Lord has done for them and given them in times of sorrow, sadness, and doubt.

Objective 3:  Share what they have with others knowing that the Lord provides.

 

 

Standard B:  Students will share their faith with the people around them.

 

Objective 1:  Take to heart the words of the great commission.

Objective 2:  Discuss ways to reach out to others in the community.

Objective 3:  Anticipate the fact that in high school the mission field comes to them.

Objective 4:  Confidently engage others in conversations about the differences between Lutherans, other Christian denominations, and non-Christian religions.

Objective 5:  Prepare themselves for attacks from others because of what they believe.

Objective 6:  Proclaim the name of Jesus joyfully and confidently.

 

 

Standard C:  Students will love and serve their neighbor in actions and words. 

 

Objective 1:  Work with adults and families to plan and execute service projects in the community and beyond.

Objective 2:  Practice hospitality with anyone they encounter, especially adults.

Objective 3:  Love others through word and deed.

Objective 4:  Comprehend that their words and actions impact others.

Objective 5:  Articulate that the Christian life is a life in service to your neighbor.

 

 

Standard D:  Students will glorify the Lord with their talents.

 

Objective 1:  Glorify God in all they do.

Objective 2:  Encourage others to use the gifts God has given them.

 

 

Standard E:  Students will experience the joy of supporting the ministry of the church by tithing on the money they earn.

 

Objective 1:  Tithe regularly in church or in chapel especially if they have any type of part time job.

Objective 2:  Differentiate between the money we give to church and the money we give to other charities or the taxes we pay.

Objective 3:  Persuade others with scripturally based arguments that tithing is something we “get” to do, not something we’ve “got” to do.

 

Goal 5:  Students will remember their Baptism when dealing with life issues and decisions.

 

 

Learning Standard A:  Students will be confident of God’s presence when dealing with difficult issues at home, at school, or in any other area of their life.

                        

Family

 

Objective 1:  Support their family by praying for them, caring for them, and witnessing to them about the love of Jesus Christ.

Objective 2:  Conclude that God has put them in this family to love and serve them.

Objective 3:  Acknowledge that all families experience sin and all families have struggles.

Objective 4:  Practice confession and absolution within their family unit.

Objective 5:  Decide to communicate honestly with parents.

Objective 6:  Talk to pastors, teachers, or counselors if they don’t know how to deal with a family situation.

 

Friends and Classmates

 

Objective 7:  Practice confession and absolution with classmates and friends.

Objective 8:  Compare and contrast how they act with Christian friends and non-Christian friends.

Objective 9:  Choose to pray about issues they have with their friends. 

Objective 10:  Respect the rights of others.

Objective 11:  Discuss the temptations and struggles they will face as high school students in a sinful world.

Objective 12:  Develop strategies to keep them from falling to peer pressure. 

 

The World Around Us

 

Objective 13:  Develop scripturally based ideas about the issues they see and hear about in the media and experience every day.

Objective 14:  Evaluate the words and actions of government leaders, entertainers, and other people in the media in the light of the truth.

Objective 15:  Acknowledge that this world is sinful and that this is not our home.

Objective 16:  Connect Biblical teachings to worldly issues to help make sense of the world around them.

 

 

Learning Standard B:  Students will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit when struggling with temptation and sin.

 

Objective 1:  Avoid situations, people, and objects that could lead them into sin.

Objective 2:  Define the devil as a liar.

Objective 3:  Confess their sins regularly, both privately and in corporate worship.

Objective 4:  Seek out words of absolution spoken by the pastor, from their friends, revealed in scripture, or conveyed in the sacraments.

Objective 5:  Argue that where sin abounds, God’s grace abounds all the more.

 

 

Learning Standard C:  Students will pray and seek God’s will when making difficult life decisions.

 

Objective 1:  Pray about all things, since the Lord wants to hear from His children.

Objective 2:  Lean not on their own understanding, but trust in the wisdom that the Holy Spirit imparts to us through word and sacrament.

Objective 3:  Consider the impact their decisions will have not only on their life, but on the lives of others.

Objective 4:  Make prayerful decisions with confidence trusting that the Lord will do His will.
Goal 6:  Students will explore and consider their current and future vocations.

 

 

Learning Standard A:  Students will be confident that the God has made them His children and put them in this place and time to serve Him and love their neighbor.

 

Objective 1:  Identify themselves as disciples of Jesus.

Objective 2:  Respond to the Gospel by living a life of obedience.

Objective 3:  Develop opinions and ideas that reflect the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

 

 

Learning Standard B:  Students will compare and contrast the different gifts God gives His children to use in his Kingdom.

 

Objective 1:  Explain that the Lord uses people and their talents in His Church.

Objective 2:  Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

Objective 3:  Recognize that the good we do is actually the work of the Holy Spirit. 

 

 

Learning Standard C:  Students will explore the different ways they could serve the Lord as adults, including opportunities to serve as professional church workers. 

 

Objective 1:  Compare and contrast the roles of different called workers in the church.

Objective 2:  Pray about whether or not they will serve the Lord as a professional church worker.

 

 

Learning Standard D:  Students will appreciate their place in the body of Christ as students and children and will maintain relationships with family, friends, and classmates that reflect Christ’s love.

 

Objective 1:  Respect and honor teachers, parents, pastors, coaches, and any other authority figures the Lord has placed in their life.

Objective 2:  Value their Christian friendships.

Objective 3:  Solve conflicts with friends and family with the help of the Holy Spirit.