Why Use a Catholic Textbook for History?

Fr. Norbert Wood, O. Praem, a member of the Order of St. Norbert and an educator in southern California explains why:

In terms of supplementing content, it makes much more sense to supplement a Catholic textbook to meet specific standards rather than the reverse. No matter what the subject matter. 

If we, as Catholic educators, use a secular textbook for social studies, for example, but must repeatedly tell our students that this book left something out or that it was not accurate in certain fundamental premises, then we send students a mixed message. Why should a student trust a book that has to be corrected?  Why should a Catholic student trust a book that denies the possibility of the supernatural? And yet ironically here is a classic application of the modern educational concept "hidden curriculum."  No matter how much we try to correct a flawed text to bring it into harmony with the faith, the very fact that we have chosen the flawed textbook as the primary text in the first place sends the students the hidden (and erroneous) message that the secular text is superior to the Catholic alternative. And despite our best efforts to the contrary, the faith is undermined.

Instead, if we use a Catholic textbook for social studies; one that tells the story of history from a perspective that is open to discover and present whatever is true—the good and the bad alike—students benefit.  Then, if we supplement a textbook that is fully accurate, we enhance rather than destroy a child’s trust - and our presentation has integrity in both senses of that word. I think Jesus put it much more succinctly: "Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added unto you."