The Thinking Toolbox

Book Review

by Linda Wakefield Kelley

Today I’m reviewing The Thinking Toolbox by Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn. Earlier this month my daughter and I reviewed a book entitled Bless the Lord by Johannah Bluedorn.

The Thinking Toolbox (Buy by clicking this link)

Turns out the Bluedorns are quite the enterprising family. Johannah’s brothers have also written a couple of books (The Bluedorn family, for those new to homeschooling, also provide Trivium Pursuit, the Christian home school curriculum that uses a classical approach).

Reading The Thinking Toolbox has taken longer than expected for a couple of reasons. First of all, I used this book as part of my homeschool curriculum this year. The Thinking Toolbox presents a Christian view of logic. It contains thirty-five lessons that will build one’s reasoning skills. We’ve been tackling one or two chapters a week for some time now. Secondly, the book is deeper than it appears at first glance so it often takes longer to absorb the lessons taught. And, lastly we have enjoyed the book so much we tend to revisit favorite chapters, quizzes, and stories repeatedly.

The thinking tools contained in The Thinking Toolbox include the following: When is it dumb to argue, Using the Scientific Method, Five Rules of Brainstorming, Who has Reasons to Lie, How to Analyze Opposing Viewpoints, How to Analyze Evidence and Sources, and How to List Reasons Why You Belive Something.

The thinking tools were all extremely practical. For example, teens (and pre-teens) tend to like to argue. It was interesting to learn that when neither person has any real knowledge of the subject being discussed an argument is pointless. Likewise if either party is angry or not thinking clearly, you might as well save your breath.

The many illustrations, stories, and end-of-chapter quizzes helped to reinforce the lessons in The Thinking Toolbox. Christian Logic.com provides even more aids such as logic articles, a discussion board, and audio workshops which would help any teacher (or parent) reading this book with their class (or children).

What’s interesting is my eleven-year-old and sixteen-year-old have both enjoyed this book tremendously but for different reasons. Why don’t I let them speak for themselves:

“Well, I think the best part of The Thinking Toolbox would be the examples because they are hilarious. For instance, in Chapter one—When is it dumb to argue?--the examples are just silly not-to-do answers (but true) like two people arguing over the stupidest things. I would highly recommend this book. It’s useful and great comedy at the same time.” Sarah (age 11)

“The thinking tools for science were my favorite part of The Thinking Toolbox. Understanding what makes a good experiment and how to analyze the data has helped me with my biology work this year. Identifying psudoscience (fake science) as well as psudoreligion are issues I’ve always found interesting. This book is a great foundation for anyone desiring the ability to defend their faith intelligently.” Sean (age 16)

Our family highly recommends The Thinking Toolbox. You’re welcome to try to argue with us, but be warned we are reasoned experts!

Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge from Mind and Media in exchange for my honest review. If you are interested in reviewing Christian products, please contact Stacy Harp at Mind and Media.