A Guide to American Christian Education written by James Rose  addresses how the Principle Approach is applied to education.  This is the part I understand and have fallen in love with this approach to teaching, learning which both comprise homeschooling. :-D  Quoting from ACE guide by J. Rose:

“The Principle Approach is America’s historic Christian method of Biblical reasoning which makes the TRUTHS OF GOD’S WORD the basis of every subject in the school curriculum.” 

That is a summary of a very scholarly approach to teaching the ‘academics’ that our children need to know and it is rooted in biblical principles therefore it is very life-giving.  I’ve never experienced such ministry to my heart outside of a church setting or church-related topic.  In teaching this approach and applying it to ‘academics’ one is edified and built up in the knowledge of God…and this is just in teaching ‘academics’…you will begin to see a more unified view of God and how God relates and is the ‘LIFE’ in every good thing there is on this earth.  He is the reason for EVERY principle that operates on this earth FOR GOOD whether seen or unseen.  All of this cannot be understood merely by the mind it must be revealed to the spirit of man by the Spirit of God…

I Cor. 2:13-15-

And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].

    14But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

    15But the spiritual man tries all things [he ^[a]examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].

Then once the teacher(mom) gets the necessary understanding of the biblical origin and purpose of whatever topic is studied(science, math, history, geography, etc.) then she ministers that knowledge about God and about the principles the make up the world He created(science, arithmetic, grammar) then the child is given that life-giving ‘food’ and nourishment.  How wonderful and awesome is our God!!

Now…

The Principle Approach applied to America’s Christian History and Government is where my trouble spot is.  Although I do see the relationship of educating a child in biblical principles so that they may know how to live a life pleasing unto the Lord.   Once a person learns to ‘govern’ himself(self-government) according to the Word of God he will then influence his surrounding community(local self-gov’t.) and eventually civil government. The bible bears the principle out in this verse..

I Tim 3:1-5

1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

and also

Titus 1:6-9

If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

 7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

 8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

 9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

These scriptures show forth the principle that one needs to be submitted to the dictates of God’s Word in their ‘daily’ life(not just Sunday life) and live a life(not for show to others) that is pleasing to God and then he will be able to hold greater and more influential positions in his surrounding community and affect a change for the upbuilding of God’s kingdom.

My question comes in when the statement is made that God wants to restore America to her ‘gospel’ roots or restore her to a time like unto when our founding fathers trusted in and established our gov’t. on the bible.  These men believed in God and while holding the office of President made known the fact that it was God’s providence that brought America, the New Land, into existence.

Maybe it has been my church teaching that says the world is not going to get better evil will wax worse and worse that keeps me from ’seeing’ and believing that God wants to restore America.  I always thought God wants to wrap this thing up so He can rapture the church, deal with the enemy, and come back victorious and glorious ruling and reigning with His bride beside Him.

This is where my search for the truth continues…is anyone else seeking the same truth? or have you attained some answers for yourselves?  If you don’t mind sharing with me some insights that you have from the bible and what God has shown you concerning this topic I would like to hear it them

1. I know exactly what you are talking about! This has been in my thoughts, too, as I’ve learned more and more PA. I think i’ve found my conclusion in the principles. I believe that it is NOT going to get better. Everything in scripture seems to lean that way. However, we can acquire that “restoration” personally through our own relationship with the Lord.

   Through our choices (Conscience) and through our recognition of who God is and why we are here (Individuality), whatever plan God has for us is unique (His providence) and in that we can gain, gain, gain! His plan for each of us is sooo personal, that we can’t “limit” our vision to the whole of America or the world. We have to personally respond to Him and His truth, His calling, etc. AS IF it will “get better”. AS IF we can affect that big of change through OUR obedience and AS IF it matters–meaning, this time and place is not our final destination!

   Remembering the hope within, in Christ, keeps the dismal future of the world in cheque! It is not eternal.

   Sorry to go on and on!!! LOL PA is so awesome! He continues to “renew” me through the teaching and learning!
   Have a good one!
   Melissa

   Comment by Melissa Wilhoite — April 22, 2006 @ 2:42 pm

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