~Rudiments of American Christian History & Government~

what an exciting class! There were only 6 of us (2 of them were teens!) in this 'highschool' course... i thoroughly enjoyed it (altho, i was a little overwhelmed) there were so many things i learned that i have never even heard of, and of course the schedule rocked my world, but was very good! i wouldn't be able to cover everything here, even if there was an interest, but i will try to give a brief overview - altho, one thing i learned about myself this past week is that i have a weakness in analytical & summarizing skills, so bear with me, if this becomes lengthy~

ALL Power is from God -
He appoints the ruler on the throne (or the president in office) -
which is reflective of the people.
Proverbs 8:15-16, Daniel 2:20-21, 2:37, 5:20-21

"Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled, either by a power within them, or by a power without them; either by the word of God,or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible, or by the bayonet." - Annual Mtg. of the Mass. Bible Society in Boston, May 28, 1849

we broke this statement down:

By the Bible:
Individual Self Government
Rely on Private Moral Restraint
Power w/in men thru Word of God
Religion supporting the State
(teaching Biblical Principles)

By the Bayonet:
Stringent State Government
Rely on Public or Physical Force
Power w/out them thru Strong Arm of Man
State supports Religion

Through a Philosophy of Govt. & Educ. we can preserve Liberty through Christ.
Our Philosophy of Government - leads to our Philosophy of Education - which leads to the Methods & Curriculum we choose to use to instruct- which builds the Character of a Nation - which then, in turn determines our Philosophy of Government.

The Hope that we have is that God is working (and it is incumbent on Christians, not Non-Christians). "...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
If a nation follows the Lord, He will bless them. Jeremiah 18:6-10

we studied, in depth, the Seven Principles of the Principle Approach methodology, written by Verna Hall & Rosalie Slater:
"Biblical Blueprint for Individual Libery & Government" -James Rose
Thinking Governmentally: "Only one God governing/working (no oppostion),
in 2 spheres of government (internal & external)."

• God's Principle of Individuality God is the source/origin/foundation of our seperate or distinct existence; internal: thoughts, will, soul, heart; external: actions, conduct, profile, conversation.


• The Christian Principle of Self-Government Self-govt. is Christian - of, or pertaining, to the govt. of God through Christ's Spirit indwelling; internal: unseen, inward man, heart, God-governed; external: visible, actions, conduct, self-governed.


• America's Heritage of Christian Character A thorough study of our inheritance will reflect in our nation's history: Faith & Steadfastness, Brotherly Love & Christian Care, Diligence & Industry, Liberty of Conscience


• Conscience is the Most Sacred of All Property We are God's Property; man was made for His glory, We are His workmanship, We must be good stewards of the property God gives us; internal: opinions, use of faculties (mind), conscience; external: land, merchandise, money, free communication of opinions, etc.


• The Christian Form of Our Governemnt Christian = of or pertaining to Christ - Form = manner of arranging particulars, system - Government = direction, control, regulation, restraint...Christian system of direction, control, regulation, restraint; internal: Property, Christian Self-Govt., Union; external: Principle of Representation (Deut. 1:13-15), Seperation of Powers (Isaiah 33:22), Dual form of govt. (Matthew 22:37-40)


• How the Seed of Local Self-Government is Planted (we didn't spend much time on this one as it became self-explanatory when we began to look at the "Committees of Correspondence" created by Samuel Adams - *original* Boston Tea Party!)


• The Christian Principle of American Political Union That which distinguishes us as individuals brings us together with others; internal: common cause, purpose, beliefs, convictions, conscience; external: marriage, fellowships, committees, corporations, denominations, etc.

there was so much more than this ... and it was a combination of Biblical Principle Teaching, True American History (through the prism of God's Providence), Parenting Encouragement (Titus 2), Fellowship w/other Home Educators, and just very inspiring~

the woman who was teaching us, Mrs. Ruth Smith, was a very thorough and very patient woman, she founded the Pilgrm Institute with her (Pastor) brother, and husband (who are now both at home with the Lord). Now she carries on this {ministry} with her two daughters. She wrote the books i am using to work with s* - s* was so impressed that i was being taught directly from the woman who wrote her school book, that she asked if i would have her book autographed, so Ruth wrote a very nice note in s*'s book. here is her website, where you can see videos of her and James Rose....

that's enough for now~