Science, Method, and Philosophical Naturalism

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Objective: Analyse the relevant text and explain the case that empirical science and philosophical naturalism are not identical, and disputes must distinguish data from metaphysical assumptions.

Read: Psalm 111:2; Romans 1:20

Opening: Ask one observation question before explaining the lesson.

Say:

Biblical texts affirm God as Creator and treat the created order as intelligible and dependent on Him.
Empirical science and philosophical naturalism are not identical, and disputes must distinguish data from metaphysical assumptions.

Ask:

What does the text directly say?
What conclusion requires interpretation or synthesis?
What should we avoid overstating?
What is one faithful response?

Do: Complete Science, Method, and Philosophical Naturalism Claim Audit.

Close: Restate the big idea, name one faithful response, and pray.

Materials: Bible; Science, Method, and Philosophical Naturalism Claim Audit

Standard outline · 35 minutes

4 minConnect. Locate the lesson within Cycle 2 and activate prior knowledge.
4 minContext. Identify genre, audience, setting, and immediate context before making claims.
9 minRead and observe. Read selected portions of Acts 1:8; 8:4-40; 13:1-3 and identify direct observations. Ask: What does the passage directly say?
7 minDiscuss. Test the big idea against the evidence and identify interpretive limits. Ask: What conclusion can we support from those observations? Where could someone overstate or misapply this passage?
7 minActivity. Complete the primary evidence-based activity. Activity: Read and Notice: Science, Method, and Philosophical Naturalism. Printable: T3-L09-P01-mission-from-jerusalem-to-the-nations-claim-audit.
4 minRespond. Name one faithful response and pray. Ask: What faithful response fits the text?

Activity details

Read and Notice: Science, Method, and Philosophical Naturalism · 10 min

Materials: Mission from Jerusalem to the Nations Claim Audit; Bible; Pens or pencils

Read or retell Psalm 111:2; Romans 1:20 in context.
Name two details the text directly states.
Restate the big idea in your own words.

Low-resource option: Draw the categories on blank paper or complete verbally.

Closing

Memory verse: Psalm 111:2; Romans 1:20

Prayer: Thank God for what the passage shows and ask for wisdom to respond faithfully.

Take-home line: Empirical science and philosophical naturalism are not identical, and disputes must distinguish data from metaphysical assumptions.