Mathematics Describes Creation

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31

“For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
Romans 1:20

From the infinitesimal to the infinite, God has infused all of creation with numeric qualities, describable shapes, and orderly patterns. In the quote from Genesis, we learn that God’s creation is “very good.” Because He put those numeric qualities, shapes, and patterns into every aspect of creation, then they too must be “very good.” Mathematics seeks to discover and describe those numeric qualities, shapes, and patterns. If those qualities are “very good,” then mathematics must be a worthy pursuit.

Mathematics Is Art

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

God created us in His own image. Our imagination and artistic creativity mirror the creative character of God. Like any art form, mathematics has a purely artistic quality in that man has created symbols, ideas, even entire mathematical systems that are intended to serve no useful purpose other than delight in their beauty and elegance.

Mathematics Is Practical

“So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 74 feet wide and 45 feet high.”
Genesis 6:14-15

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.”
Exodus 25:8-9

The Bible contains many examples of mathematics being used to accomplish God’s purposes: Noah building he ark, counting the Israelites in Numbers, building the temple and its furnishings, Jesus feeding the five thousand, or even in the navigation required for Paul’s journeys. Today, mathematics is used in nearly every aspect of life: construction, technology, finance, medicine, entertainment, music, social interactions, and so on. It is especially exciting to discover mathematical ideas that not only describe unrealized aspects of creation but also have practical applications! What an amazing subject!

Studying Mathematics Honors God
“Jesus replied, ‘‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”’
Matthew 22:37-38

We love and honor God when we value what He values. The mathematical design in creation clearly suggests that God values mathematical structure, shapes, patterns, and so on. Therefore, studying mathematics is a way to gain a more intimate understanding of His character, thereby honoring Him.

Studying Mathematics Strengthens The Mind

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Just as the physical body needs exercise to gain strength, stamina, and balance, so too the mind needs exercise to perceive truth, solve problems, and communicate well. Think of the courses and assignments in education as exercise for the mind. Studying languages, literature, and making presentations sharpens communication skills. Similarly, studying logic, mathematics, and science sharpens analytical and reasoning skills. But knowledge can be used for good or bad purposes. Knowledge applied to some good purpose is wisdom. At the beginning of Proverbs, Solomon implores us to place God first in our pursuit of knowledge. Teaching Biblical worldview along with language, mathematics, science, and the fine arts steers the student to use the power of knowledge for good. All of this preparation enables us to fulfill The Great Commission, which is to be God’s ambassadors on Earth.

FRANKLIN CLASSICAL SCHOOL MATHEMATICS COURSE SEQUENCE

Notes:
1. The standard 7th grade course is Math 7. However, a student who demonstrates
readiness for Pre-Algebra may be recommended to take Pre-Algebra.

2. If a student completes Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry by the end of 10th grade, it is recommended that he or she pursue the Calculus track.

3. The Mathematical Rhetoric course is recommended for the student who struggled
through Algebra II. Or, it can be taken as an elective with Pre-Calculus or Calculus.