A couple weeks ago, I commented on the line in the sand that R.C. Sproul Jr. drew between what he calls “movement homeschoolers” and the rest of us who have chosen homeschooling but have rejected some of the lifestyle choices he promotes and equates with being a homeschooler who lives by conviction.
I have been mulling over this dichotomy, which I already knew existed and which, when verbalized by R.C. becomes offensive, when I came to the conclusion that the nagging problem for me is, once again, found in the labeling. Living by personal conviction is just that…personal…and Christians make all sorts of lifestyle choices, including the education of their children, on core convictions that look very different than those belonging to this man.
Rather than allowing R.C. or anyone else to define me as a homeschooler (or anything else for that matter) I came up with the definition that I believe best suits what I am….a relationship homeschooler. I invite anyone else who cares to lay claim to this label to go right ahead. I intend to use the phase often and with enthusiasm so as to leave no doubt as to what I believe is the most important element in raising children. Herein are my simple tenets:
1. A relationship homeschooler embraces two great commandments: Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself. She believes that upon these two commands hang all the law and the prophets.
2. A relationship homeschooler knows that these commands are fulfilled as the “one anothers” of Scripture are put into practice in their homes, churches, and communities. She values her husband and her children as precious brothers and sisters in Christ, understanding that those are the relationships that will be carried with her into eternity.
3. A relationship homeschooler seeks to be obedient to the Word of God, thus becoming a living example to her children. She believes that Jesus Christ alone is her Savior and desires to live in the truth of that fact, trusting only in His mercy and grace for her salvation.
4. A relationship homeschooler trusts that a sovereign God is working not only in her own life but in the life of her children, calling each of them into a relationship with Jesus Christ and is giving each of them an individual calling in which to use their own gifts. To that end, a relationship homeschooler seeks to help her children identify and use those gifts for God’s glory alone.
5. A relationship homeschooler sees her own household as the beginning point in fulfilling the great commandments but certainly not the end in itself. She joyfully recognizes that loving her neighbor means loving all of those in need and seeks to imprint that vital truth in the lives of her children as they work together to apply all the relationship principles to the ends of the earth.
thatmom 
Well said, Karen! If I have to be labeled I’ll take this one. 🙂