Comments on: From Our Exchanges: William E. Berrett, “How Do You Teach Church History?”

By: Hunter

Hunter — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:24:17 +0000

I loved Berrett’s statement regarding unauthenticated sources, unverified miracles, and accounts “which have risen only in the minds of a few”:

We do not need to use that kind of story, whether it is true or not.

Loved that.

The content was excellent, as were Ardis’ introductory and explanatory comments. Thanks!

By: Bruce Crow

Bruce Crow — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:22:49 +0000

I like this. Not only can I use it in my teaching in church, but I think many of these priciples could be apllied to writing my blog posts. Ardis already has this stuff to a science.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:07:49 +0000

Thanks for your comments (especially the personal ones!). I was away from the internet most of the day and wasn’t able to respond until now.

Berrett must have been a natural-born teacher, at least of the kind who suit my taste. I think it’s as extraordinary that he could analyze his own teaching style to recognize what it was that he was really doing, as it was that he could teach that way at all.

By: m&m

m&m — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:42:04 +0000

Thanks for this review. Excellent stuff.

By: kevinf

kevinf — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:22:27 +0000

A couple of Berrett’s statements sound like a mission statement for Keepa:

You must thrill with (history) yourself; live those stories until they are part of you.
Send your students into their readings as to an adventure.

You’re a good student and a good teacher, Ardis.

By: CurtA

CurtA — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:13:00 +0000

Very interesting. Now I am reading parts of Berrett’s “The Restored Church” that was used in Institutes or seminary classes to see what I need to do to adjust my point of view – which is colored by many experiences that push it into a “us and them” attitude.

By: Researcher

Researcher — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:12:12 +0000

That’s an interesting talk/article. I agree that Mormon history should not be presented in simple us vs. them terms.

And his list of how to teach Mormon history? It is the rare and memorable teacher who is able to take these points to heart and take the subject to heart and successfully communicate it to his or her students.

(Quiet day on all the blogs! Must be the holiday.)

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:52:45 +0000

Fun! Makes me want to put on my backpack and head out on a church history adventure!