CHRISTIAN STUDIES

At Hillcrest Christian College, a biblically-based, Christian philosophy and accompanying value system pervades the entire curriculum. As a distinctive core subject, the Christian Studies program provides students with appropriate language and thought processes which enable them to explore, develop and discuss spiritual ideas.

The Christian Studies curriculum is designed around four strands: Biblical Knowledge and Christian Beliefs, Christian Living, Christianity and the World and Church History. Each of the strands is of equal importance, although not all strands will be taught at all year levels. Within each strand there are key ideas which together identify the fundamental concepts for each strand.

Biblical Knowledge and Christian Beliefs

This strand is about knowing the Bible as God’s way of communicating his story of love and salvation. In this strand, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Bible to understand the Deity of Christ and the invitation to a relationship with God through the salvation of Jesus.

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Christian Living

The life of a Christian begins by faith and is lived by having complete and total trust in Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Saviour. It is about living in relationship with Jesus, as our response to His gift of grace. The love and forgiveness God shows towards people, should flow into Christians’ relationships with others. The fruit of this will be seen through love and service in the local and global community.

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Christianity and the World

This strand explores the diverse religious and cultural expressions of belief and life. Christian communities in Australia exist in a society that has become a place of religious as well as cultural pluralism. Christians believe that God creates all people to live in relationship with him, which makes us inherently spiritual beings. People find expression for this spirituality in different ways. This multi-religious, cultural and diverse spiritual landscape provides a range of philosophical and ethical frameworks for living that present challenges and opportunities for Christian communities.

Church History

This strand is concerned with the dynamic and diverse nature of the Christian community, and the development and history of the Christian church. God has instructed and created people to live in community; however throughout history the Church has not always reflected this. This strand studies the lives of key figures and events in Church history.

VCE Christian Studies

In VCE, students cover a range of topics which relate ideas of faith to everyday life issues that adolescents face. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the topics to further develop their personal beliefs.

At Year 11, topics include: Introduction to Theology, The Men We Need, Shine Girl and Who Is Jesus?

At Year 12, topics include: Jesus The Game Changer, World Religions and Faith in Real Life.