RS 503 · Reformed Studies · Fall 2026

Christian Worldview A

How does the Bible shape our understanding of the world around us?

2 Credit Hours Online & In Person Tuesdays 7:30–9:20 PM ET
Why Study Worldview?

There Is No Neutral Ground

Every person interprets life through a worldview. This course examines the Bible's truth-claims over and against the competing ideologies of our age, showing how a biblical view of reality speaks to every realm — art, science, education, and politics.

You'll learn to recognize and respond to secular ideas in modern culture, and to engage a skeptical world with clarity, courage, and a compassionate heart.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
Colossians 2:8 (NKJV)
In This Course

What You'll Study

You'll come away able to see how Scripture frames all of reality against the rival ideologies of our age, to recognize the secular assumptions at work in the culture around you, and to answer them with clarity and courage — in what you think and how you live:

Cultural Analysis

Examine competing secular worldviews and learn to recognize how modern ideas influence art, science, education, and politics.

Engaging the Modern Mind

Develop the skills and talking points to express the truth of Christianity to unbelievers in the world around you.

Living Out the Truth

Move from ideas to practice — a faith that shapes your work, your home, and your witness.

Your Instructor

Taught by Dr. John Leaf

Dr. John Leaf
Dr. John Leaf, D.Min.
Visiting Professor

Dr. Leaf has been a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America for over twenty years and taught for forty years in public schools, largely as a high-school art teacher. He has taught "The Goodness and Truth of Beauty" at New Geneva International Seminary Egypt, in U.S. Sunday schools, and in Iraq.

Course Details

Logistics

CourseRS 503 · Reformed Studies
InstructorDr. John Leaf
FormatOnline & In Person
TermFall 2026 · Aug 31 – Dec 18
MeetsTuesdays 7:30–9:20 PM ET
Credit2 hours · first audit free
Related Reading

Texts

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Christian Worldview A is an introductory course with no prerequisites — it's open to anyone who wants to think biblically about the world, whether you're pursuing a degree, auditing for enrichment, or exploring seminary study.

Yes. Your first New Geneva course is free to audit, so you can sit in on RS 503 Christian Worldview A at no cost. Auditors attend every live session and join the discussion, with no assignments, exams, or academic credit. Additional courses are $100 each — the full audit policy is on the courses page.

Classes meet live on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:20 PM Eastern across the fall semester (August 31 – December 18, 2026), offered online via Zoom and in person.

One book: Jeff Myers and David A. Noebel, Understanding the Times (David C. Cook, 2015). Dr. Leaf notes that a digital version with study guides and videos exists, but it is not required. You will also read one primary-source book of your own choosing from an opposing worldview, and present on it. Full details are in the syllabus.

Two Ways to Join

Audit or Take for Credit

Join the class this term — audit along for enrichment, or enroll for credit toward your degree.

For Everyone

Audit the Course

First Course Free

Your first New Geneva course is free to audit. Additional courses are $100 each.

  • Attend every live class and join the discussion
  • No assignments, papers, or exams
  • Learn from the same lectures as credit students
  • No application, transcripts, or references needed
  • No formal academic credit awarded
Toward Your Degree

Take for Credit

$300 / credit hour · 2 credit hours
  • Earn 2 credit hours toward a New Geneva degree
  • Assignments, readings & graded feedback
  • Full participation in the live weekly class
  • No prerequisites required
Apply to New Geneva