Say What You Mean Defending the Faith
Author: JoJo Tabares
For more information or to order: www.artofeloquence.com

The time is coming, your teenager will soon be out in the world, working, going to school.  You’ve worked hard to build a solid Biblical foundation for them, taking them to church, making sure the Bible was a part of your homeschool curriculum.  So, are they ready?  I mean REALLY ready to face a world that is often questioning and sometimes hostile to the very belief system you’ve worked so hard to teach your children?

Say What You Mean Defending the Faith is currently a one semester course available as a downloadable ebook. It was developed by homeschool mom JoJo Tabares to equip students “be ready always to give an answer…” 1 Peter 3:15.  Students embark on a journey of research and study, guided by lessons 18 week-long lessons which focus on various questions or challenges others might use in an effort to either better understand or attempt to sway their Christian beliefs.

Defending the Faith is an advanced course in communication.  The author recommends students complete her other courses (Say What You Mean for Teens/Kids, Know Your Audience, and Say What You Mean: An Advanced Speech Course) or their equivalent before tackling this one.  These courses are needed to give students sufficient background knowledge of basic communication skills such as listening and persuasion, along with speech skills vital when trying to defend ones faith.

Mrs. Tabares states the three things needed to defend your Christian faith are the Bible, effective communication skills, and “Practice, Practice, Practice!”  Defending the Faith does an excellent job of equipping students and definitely gives them plenty of practice through a variety of interesting assignments.  Along with being easy to understand, the author’s tone is extremely upbeat and encouraging.

Each week students tackle a question or misunderstanding about the Christian faith such as, “I’m already a good person.  Why do I need God?” and “Christians are intolerant and judgmental.”  The answers to these questions/statements are not handed to the student; instead the author suggests places to start their research.  In addition to the Bible, these recommendations include parent’s input, pastor’s input, using various reference sources, and internet research (she even provides suggested keywords to use for search terms).  Students take their research and create an outline they will use to prepare a formal speech presenting their response.  Next, students are challenged to take what they’ve learned and apply it to various “role-play” type situations.  This helps them to see how they could communicate their ideas in different circumstances.  For instance, they might be asked to respond as if they were challenged via email or to dialogue with a young child.  This gives them a chance to see how their responses would and should vary depending on the person and situation.

Written directly to the student, parents are provided with grading charts to help evaluate and give feedback.  As a parent you will also want to be available to dialogue with your child and be willing to be the role-play partner for some assignments.  Many teens will be hearing these questions or challenges for the first time, and although they should get their questions answered through their own study, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to share your own beliefs and listen to them as they sort out their feelings as well.

Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith is a fairly rigorous course.  Each lesson will take several hours to complete.  In addition to research, outlining, preparing and presenting their speech, there are several suggested role-play assignments each week.  Even though it is assumed the student has prior experience researching and presenting speeches, Mrs. Tabares provides helpful remind reminders about foundational communication skills.  She also provides many tips on how to talk with someone who is questioning your faith and even shares “What NOT to Say” along with insights specific to each lesson’s topic.

Families who use Defending the Faith will find their young adults better grounded in their own beliefs and well prepared to be salt and light whether they go off to college or move straight into the workforce.

Making the grade: A
Cost: $24.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 9