My recent post on our unconventional beliefs sparked several questions which have prompted me to write a bit more.
Our specific thoughts on dating, homeschooling, Santa Claus, and Harry Potter are personal convictions that we believe have a biblical basis, yet are not essential to our identity as Christians. We have simply evaluated mainstream culture and chosen a different course for our family than that which society in general accepts.
My joy and purpose in writing is often to document our life for future generations within our family. Explanations of our traditions and reasons for what some would classify as unusual are a part of our family legacy that I choose to include in our journal. Embracing these views and sharing with others is in no way meant to question our own upbringing or condemn those who hold differing opinions.
While we actively teach our children and discuss with them the reasons behind our decisions, we will not force our convictions upon them. We have a number of rules and limitations in place while they are young and under our care, but as they get older, they will have more independence and freedom to make their own choices.
We hope that in taking time to provide a strong, biblical foundation while in our home and an explanation for our traditions and decisions, our sons will grow into independent, discerning thinkers who are able to make wise choices of their own. We pray that they will seek God’s direction throughout their lives, studying His Word and communicating with Him daily.
We make many mistakes and often ask God for His forgiveness, as well as grace upon our children for our numerous parenting errors. We in no way claim perfection and, in fact, thank God daily for his saving grace, which is not contingent upon our works (good or bad).
Although we have freedom in Christ to disagree on a variety of topics, including traditions we hold, books we read, and standards we set, certain doctrines are foundational to our identity as Christians and leave no room for compromise. Placing faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior who took away our sins and turning away from our selfish, sinful lifestyle in order to follow Him is the only way to receive God’s saving grace. To believe there is any other way to have a personal relationship with God and eternal life with Him is to reject the teachings in God’s Word and condemn oneself to eternity without Him.
Perhaps in the future I will expand upon some of the unconventional beliefs we hold. In fact, I am eager to offer further explanations; Mike and I have certainly spent much time examining the topics and reaching our conclusions. Nonetheless, all of those views hold little significance apart from a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ” John 14:6
1 comment:
Well said Alison, I enjoyed both blog posts on this topic.
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