Teaching Literature in Seventh-day Adventist Schools

Literature selected, for Seventh-day Adventist schools, should lead to the development of the whole person. It may be expressed through poetry or prose; it may be factual or nonfactual; it may be drawn from secular or religious sources. The study of secular literature, carefully guided and studied with a sober regard to the positive principles set forth in Holy Scripture and emphasized in Ellen G. White's writings, is legitimate for Seventh-day Adventist schools.

Literature selected in Seventh-day Adventist schools should:

• Promote character development or draw the reader to Christ.
• Lead to the development of the whole person.
• Be serious art that will lead to significant insights into human nature and will be compatible with Adventist worldview.
• Develop problem solving skills.
• Emphasize the true, the honest, and the beautiful.
• Encourage students to be thoughtful, law-abiding citizens and loyal, conscientious Christians.
• Avoid sensationalism and maudlin sentimentality.
• Not be characterized by profanity or other crude and offensive language.
• Avoid elements that give the appearance of making evil desirable or goodness appear trivial.
• Avoid simplified, excitingly suspenseful, or plot-dominated stories that encourage hasty and superficial reading.
• Be adapted to the maturity level of the group or individual.

Teachers of literature in Seventh-day Adventist schools should:

• Select and preview materials and teaching methods that nurture students to seek wisdom and truth and to develop compassion for others.
• Assist students in discovering the relevance of biblical literature and the writings of Ellen G. White.
• Include materials that sharpen 21st century skills.
• Include literature that promotes ethnic diversity and celebrates each person as a unique individual created in the image of God.
• Choose materials that reflect the values of the local church/school community and the interests of the students themselves.