February 2005 Letter

About CHEACT

Beliefs and Biblical Basis
What we believe and why we believe it

Benefits
How CHEACT supports you

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There are plenty of opportunities to jump in and make things happen for home schoolers in central Texas

A HEDGE OF COURTESY

February 2004

Thank Each month, CHEACT holds two "Getting Started" meetings at public libraries in Austin. Before taking responsibility for the North meeting, I attended one that Chris and Bev Parrish hosted, just to see how the meeting ran. Chris opened up the meeting by saying, "There are as many reasons to homeschool as there are homeschoolers." While that may be true, I have found a few traits in homeschoolers that we all have in common.

Hang around homeschoolers long enough, and you will find that at least one parent has researched the facts, and is now steadfast in their decision to homeschool. If we weren't fully convinced, we wouldn't stick with it. That ability to seek out the truth and stand firm on it is in our genes. It is that same ability that carries over into many other aspects of our Christian walk, enabling us to have strong beliefs regarding whether or not to celebrate Christmas, who to vote for, how the principle of Tithing applies to the New Testament church, …. When I hear of the body being separated over these issues, it grieves me.

Should we purpose to know the truth? Absolutely! Should we discuss and debate our understanding of the scriptures? Absolutely! But should we pass judgment on disputable matters? Absolutely not. Can two men search the scripture, arrive at two conclusions and honor God? Oddly, Yes! Romans 14:6 "… He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God."

Romans 14 and 15 covers this entire subject neatly, and I urge you to read it in one sitting. "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters." "One man considers one day more sacred than another, another man considers every day alike." "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother?" You may be surprised at the context at some of these charges, and even more surprised at the number of things that may very well be "disputable matters."

What is a "disputable matter?" I submit to you that it is anything that the Bible does not come out and directly condone or deny. As committed to homeschooling as I am, I will admit that homeschooling is a "disputable matter." Be fully convinced, but do not pass judgment.

Rom 15:5 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Brett Adams
Chairman, CHEACT

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