Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Christmas Shopping @ CSN Stores
With over 200 online stores CSN Stores is the perfect place to do you Christmas shopping. They have everything; pet supplies, backpacks, china. I wonder if Hubby would like a leather briefcase for Christmas. Youngest Son needs a new backpack to take to college so I am headed over to look at their large selection of backpacks.
I wonder if Youngest Son would like this one?
Now to look for a leather briefcase for Hubby.
I wonder if Youngest Son would like this one?
Now to look for a leather briefcase for Hubby.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Carnival of Homeschooling
Enjoy a visit with the Nerd Family while enjoying Carnival of Homeschooling Open House.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Book Review ~ Jesus, Interrupted by Bart D. Ehrman
Scholars have made significant progress in understanding the Bible over the past two hundred years and the results of their study are regularly and routinely taught both to graduate students in universities and to prospective pastors attending seminaries in preparation for the ministry. Yest such views of the Bible are virtually unknown among the population at large. As a result, not only are most Americans ignorant of the contents of the Bible, but they are also almost completely in the dark about what scholars have been saying about the Bible for the past two centuries.
A Historical Assault on Faith
Because of the influence the Bible has had on Western Civilization we should all use the historical-critical approach in order to understand it better. There are serious discrepancies in the Bible that can not be explained away, unless we acknowledge that each author of the Bible lived in his own time and place, had a set of cultural and religious assumptions that we do not necessarily share and has their own story to tell that doesn't always match the stories the other authors of the Bible choose to tell. The big question is why do pastors who have learned the historical-critical method seem to forget about it once they reach the pulpit. I know in my pastors case he was afraid the information might cause the congregation to question their faith.
A World of Contradictions
Ehrman shows the contradiction between when Mark said Jesus died (Friday morning) and when John said Jesus died (Thursday afternoon). And reasons that John changed a historical datum in order to make a theological point: Jesus is the sacrificial lamb.
Discrepancies in the Accounts of Jesus' Birth and Life
Ehrman goes on to show the discrepancies in the stories of Jesus' birth as well as in the family tree of Jesus. He also mentions the fact the Bible makes TWO contradictory claims the Mary was a VIRGIN and that Jesus was descended from David through JOSEPH. Other contradictions are discussed but the key points are; the discrepancies prove the Bible is not 100% correct, it is important to let each author speak for himself, and the discrepancies that involve historical narratives make it difficult to establish what really happened.
Ehrman discusses the various views that were popular at the time. Points out that the earliest followers of Jesus did NOT consider him divine and produces scholarly evidence to back up his claims. All in all I found this to be a very interesting book although some of the material covered was also discussed in his earlier books. I encourage anyone interested in theology to read this book.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
We Are Clark Kent Carnival of Homeschooling
Fly on over to Corn & Oil to read the We Are Clark Kent Carnival of Homeschooling
The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels
Read the article in the Huffington Post.
In short the piece is about novels Art Robinson used in his homeschool curriculum, a curriculum he made available to the public, for a price.
Now I was expecting a classic such as Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. But discovered it was a book and author I had never heard of.
I certainly wouldn't have chosen to use Henty's work, certainly not all 99 of them. But that is the beauty of homeschooling one doesn't have to use books one finds distasteful or poorly written. If we had read one of his works, it would have been used as an example of the popular assumptions held by the majority of the British people in Henty's own time. And that the British used these views to justify colonizing what they considered to be inferior races.
In short the piece is about novels Art Robinson used in his homeschool curriculum, a curriculum he made available to the public, for a price.
Now I was expecting a classic such as Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. But discovered it was a book and author I had never heard of.
A PBS bio of G. A. Henty states that his books "are notable for their hearty imperialism, undisguised racism, and jingoistic patriotism," indicating that they they went out of print for a reason: such attitudes fell out of fashion decades ago.
I certainly wouldn't have chosen to use Henty's work, certainly not all 99 of them. But that is the beauty of homeschooling one doesn't have to use books one finds distasteful or poorly written. If we had read one of his works, it would have been used as an example of the popular assumptions held by the majority of the British people in Henty's own time. And that the British used these views to justify colonizing what they considered to be inferior races.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Divisive Issues & Homeschool Forums
Sixathome took offense when an inclusive homeschool group locked Lioness' problems with DHS on their forum, Sixathome outlined her complaint in her post Responsibility and a Home School Forum.
I want to offer these thoughts. A Homeschool Groups first responsibility is to the Group. Topics that become divisive can destroy a group. This was such a topic and Natalie acted responsibly when she locked the topic. This in no way prevents members from visiting Lioness' blog to offer support and sympathy, or sharing Lioness' story on their own blog.
Secondly as horrific as what Lioness' family is going through, it isn't really a homeschooling issue. Lioness herself said that she was reported for neglect. That is what DHS is investigating. Lioness would be facing the same nightmare even if her children attended public school.
Thirdly this is a legal issue and is beyond the scope of PEAK's capabilities to help. Having our members sitting around wringing their hands helps no one. Natalie and others pointed Lioness to resources that could help her. It is up to Lioness to make use of them.
Should Mississippi homeschoolers be worried? I think not. This issue is very complex and has little to do with homeschooling.
I want to offer these thoughts. A Homeschool Groups first responsibility is to the Group. Topics that become divisive can destroy a group. This was such a topic and Natalie acted responsibly when she locked the topic. This in no way prevents members from visiting Lioness' blog to offer support and sympathy, or sharing Lioness' story on their own blog.
Secondly as horrific as what Lioness' family is going through, it isn't really a homeschooling issue. Lioness herself said that she was reported for neglect. That is what DHS is investigating. Lioness would be facing the same nightmare even if her children attended public school.
Thirdly this is a legal issue and is beyond the scope of PEAK's capabilities to help. Having our members sitting around wringing their hands helps no one. Natalie and others pointed Lioness to resources that could help her. It is up to Lioness to make use of them.
Should Mississippi homeschoolers be worried? I think not. This issue is very complex and has little to do with homeschooling.
When Hell Came to Our Home
This is so scary. Please go by Lioness' blog and read her post When Hell Came to Our Home Mega Post and if there is any way you can help.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, October 08, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Tom Stein ask What do we do with home-schoolers?
I question why Tom Stein thinks we need a nanny state in order to educate our children. Does he also think the state should regulate what we feed our families. I mean obesity is a real problem especially in the South. It leads to all sorts of medical consequences that impact society but do we really want the government telling us what to eat? The government with all it's public school regulations hasn't done a bang up job of educating the children entrusted to their care, so why would anyone think it would be a good idea for them to regulate homeschoolers
And why is Tom Stein suddenly concerned about homeschoolers, because public schools have increased their graduation rates.
And why is Tom Stein suddenly concerned about homeschoolers, because public schools have increased their graduation rates.
The subject of the week is home-schooling. More and more people in Richmond are doing this -- or claiming to do this. One result? Our graduation rate is improving, for when a student leaves the district for home-schooling, the departure does not count against the rate. Does this explain the whole increase? Maybe not. But it sure helps.
Plenty of Textbooks for Secular Homeschoolers
It was with dismay I read Homeschool Textbooks aren’t Designed for Secular Families, did Keith bother looking for secular textbooks or did he just read that poorly written AP article and decide that he wouldn't be able to find any secular textbooks so why bother?
As a secular homeschooler I had no trouble finding secular textbooks.
Amsco School Publications, they do sell directly to homeschoolers.
We used
High School
The Living Environment Biology by Rick Hallman review here
Marine Science by Thomas F. Greene review here
Pearson
Conceptual Physical Science -Hewitt
For Elementary and Junior High I used
Prentice Hall
If you do not wish to buy directly from the publisher these textbooks can also be found at The HomeSchool SuperCenter , Amazon.com and various other bookstores.
And Keith preputates the same old HSLDA lie
This simply isn't TRUE! The Tapestry of Homeschool Survey Report paints a far different picture of homeschoolers.
I don’t have a problem with what public schools teach, just how they teach it. But, it’s frustrating that I can find quality instruction in every subject except science.
As a secular homeschooler I had no trouble finding secular textbooks.
Amsco School Publications, they do sell directly to homeschoolers.
We used
High School
The Living Environment Biology by Rick Hallman review here
Marine Science by Thomas F. Greene review here
Pearson
Conceptual Physical Science -Hewitt
For Elementary and Junior High I used
Prentice Hall
If you do not wish to buy directly from the publisher these textbooks can also be found at The HomeSchool SuperCenter , Amazon.com and various other bookstores.
And Keith preputates the same old HSLDA lie
Most people who homeschool do it for religious reasons. And most of those people want their kids to have a Christian based curriculum.
This simply isn't TRUE! The Tapestry of Homeschool Survey Report paints a far different picture of homeschoolers.
- 90% of the respondents were married, 4% were single, a little over 3% were in domestic partnerships.
- 80% were homeschooling for non-religious reasons.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Book Review & CoH
The Male Brain by Louann Brizendine, M.D. ~ A very interesting read that explains why boys and men behave the way they do. There is actually a hormone that promotes monogamy.
I have an entry in this weeks CoH. Look under Miscellaneous and you'll find it at the very end of the CoH, if you drop by Home Grown Mommy. The author welcomed her fifth child into the family through a peaceful and perfect home birth September 27th and still made the time to host this weeks carnival.
I have an entry in this weeks CoH. Look under Miscellaneous and you'll find it at the very end of the CoH, if you drop by Home Grown Mommy. The author welcomed her fifth child into the family through a peaceful and perfect home birth September 27th and still made the time to host this weeks carnival.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Book Review ~ Lost Christianities by Bart D. Ehrman
Lost Christianities
by Bart D. Ehrman
I feel I have learned a lot from this book. You hear the term heresy and heretic thrown around frequently, but do you actually know what it means? heresy literally means choice and a heretic is someone who willfully chooses not to believe the right things, as defined by those with the power to decide what is right and wrong. Orthodox means those who hold the right beliefs.
For years Eusebius' history of the early Christian Church went unquestioned. Then discoveries of additional ancient books, uncovered by trained archaeologist looking for them and by Bedouins who came across them by chance prompted a re-evaluation of his work. The old saw about the victor writing history proved true. Of course at this point many people who can't stand for their long cherished beliefs to be challenged start screaming that they are forgeries, what they are less willing to admit is that some of the books that made it into the Bible were also forgeries.
Docetism - denied the reality of Christ's suffering and death. There were two camps of docetics. One camp held that Jesus was never flesh, therefore could not feel pain. The other camp believed that Jesus (who was human) was possessed by Christ (who was the son of God), and that Christ left Jesus on the cross.
Evidence suggest that forged passages were inserted into Corinthians, diminishing the role of women in the early Christian church. The lost scriptures of Paul gave women freedom to decide what to do with their own bodies. Paul's main convert Thecla committed herself to his gospel of abstinence and followed him around preaching the gospel.
Some early Christian churches even believed that Thomas was Jesus' identical twin brother.
Another valid point Ehrman makes is that mistakes were often made by the scribes copying the original text. Then the text with the mistakes was copied and the scribes copying it made their own mistakes, and so on and so forth. If you have ever played the game telephone you know exactly what he is talking about. So new discoveries have allowed scholars to compare text and identify some of the changes that were made to our scriptures.
Ebionites-believed you had to keep the Jewish laws to be saved. They did not belief in the Virgin birth and were vegetarians.
Marcionites- were named after a second century evangelist/theologian, Marcion. They rejected the Jewish God, scriptures and customs. They believed the God of the Jews made the world, then the God of Jesus came into it when Jesus himself appeared, to save people from the vengeful God of the Jews.
Gnois is the Greek word for knowledge. Gnostics are the ones who know, some Gnostics believed the human body should be denied all pleasure. John Calvin anyone?
Montanist believed a Christian should not remarry after the death of a spouse and they were very fond of martyr's. Hmmmmmmmmm jihad anyone???
Origen believed that God created Christ and that Christ was equal with God by the transference of God's being; ultimately Christ is subordinate to God
Serious concerns about the historical accuracy of the Bible began to appear during the Enlightenment. Discrepancies between the Gospels were studied. The Christian community in Rome was large and affluent allowing them to exert influence over other Christian communities; thus Roman Christianity became the dominant form of Christianity and all other Christians were labeled heretics.
In the modern world most non-fundamentalist Christian Churches agree that Genesis contains mythical and legendary accounts. Gnostic Christians evidently took a similar approach to their own myths. The proto-orthodox Christians insisted on a literal interpretation of the text while applying figurative interpretations when it suited their own purposes. Proto-orthodox Christians lied about other Christian sects in order to advance their beliefs.
Marcion claimed that the writings of Paul and the gospel of Luke had been altered by Jewish sympathizers. As we do not have the "originals" of any of the books that came to be included in the New Testament or indeed of any Christian book from antiquity we can not truly say what the original scriptures had to say. What we have are copies of copies hundreds of years removed from the originals.
Therefore we can not know that the text was not changed significantly before the New Testament came to be reproduced in large quantities. Most surviving copies were made during the Middle Ages, many of them thousand of years after Paul and his companions had died. Bible scholars know that no two copies agree in all their wording. There can be only one reason for this, the scribes that copied the text changed them. There are more differences among the manuscripts that we have then there are words in the New Testament.
Scriptures referring to Joseph as Jesus' Father were altered. For example in the oldest surviving witnesses to Luke's Gospel Luke 3:22 should read "You are my son, today I have begotten you". Lending support to those who believed Jesus was the biological son of Joseph and Mary adopted by God.
Most of the books of the New Testament were written in the first century of the common era.
The first four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) were all written anonymously, by well educated Greek speaking, Christians during the second half of the first century. In the second century proto-orthodox Christians attributed these books to apostles. Today bible scholars believe that Luke was written by one of Paul's companions.
The attitude of tolerance (for others religions) was not shared by the proto-orthodox Christians.
Brief Review of God's Problem by Bart D. Ehrman
God's Problem by Bart D. Ehrman - intellectually challenging and an enjoyable read. Final message " We need to live life to its fullest and help others as well to enjoy the fruits of the land."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)