Please explain about John Calvin and calvanism

[9hillbillies:)]

Hello, i was reading in one of the books for younger kids and it was talking about John Calvin, when i mentioned him to a friend~they said he's the 'father' of calvanism. Is he and does HOD teach/lean towards calvanism? I was thinking that w/calvanism, that only the pre-ordained(?) could be saved, and that salvation is only to those who were pre-ordained from the beginning?
We do not follow Calvanism and are just curious on the teaching of this, if any, is woven within HOD.
thanks so much:)
angie

[Daisy]

John Calvin is a famous Christian historical figure, regardless of your doctrinal beliefs. We study John Wesley, Menno Simons, St. Augustine, Polycarp, Mother Teresa, Judson Taylor, and many other Christian historical figures who don't line up exactly with our doctrinal beliefs. I personally believe we can study and learn from their deep Christian faith and character without having to embrace all of their theology, afterall none of them were heretics.

I'll let Carrie address whether HOD embraces Calvinist doctrine.

I've only used LHFHG and it didn't appear to take a stance.

[9hillbillies:)]

Thank you for your reply:) Yes i do understand about learning about christian historical figures, no matter their background, i was just not sure about the teaching of calvanism in this curriculum, for example, we are not catholic, so i would not want catholic teaching being woven in~i'm certainly not here to offend, as i'm sure there are catholics using this~just like in the TM, Carrie mentions the young earth age and suggests if folks using HOD aren't of the young earth age,,,,etc...so i know there are different beliefs using the HOD. I also believe, there probably (as i dont know of any?) one single curriculum that meets one certain type of belief??....
We are not of the Islam religion, and i would not want to use a curriculum where their beliefs are woven in. I hope i'm making sense. I love what i have seen so far from HOD, i am only curious!:) I am so new to using anything other than what we've always used (bju homesat) ......so i am simply trying to get an understanding of the belief system in and what is/isn't woven in.

Again, i love HOD and do not plan on changing~once we do get started! I have looked at the book packages and the TM week at a glance, and WOW, amazing:)!

Thanks, plus, honestly, i do not know much about calvanism anyway~so feel free to share your input, as i am open to "listening";)
angie

[water2wine]

I think Carrie has said that HOD tried to remain neutral but sticks only to exactly what is in the Bible. The Bible in HOD is taken literally and that I guess differs with some beliefs for example with what you gave with age of the Earth. In places where there are hot topics Carrie has nicely pointed out the view is taken as the Bible states and if you differ in your belief this may be where you would want to interject. I know Carrie or Julie will answer and give you a better answer. I can tell you that the curriculum is Christ honoring and shows the Bible to be the inerrant truth but it does not teach an ideology or denomination. I know you will get better answers than this but just wanted to share what we have found using HOD. I do not believe HOD teaches Calvinism other than perhaps the historical figure, although I for one would be excited if they did, I think that would really limit it's scope if it did. They are pretty mindful of honoring the truth while also honoring different views and beliefs that families may have. I really think any Bible believing Christian denomination would be happy with what HOD teaches. HTH

[Kathleen]

I can tell you that the curriculum is Christ honoring and shows the Bible to be the inerrant truth but it does not teach an ideology or denomination. ...I really think any Bible believing Christian denomination would be happy with what HOD teaches.

This is what I have found, too. God's Word is presented, but not at any slant, just as it is. Plain and simple - (with the ability to change lives!).

Kathleen

[MainelyJen]

Daisy, this was a great answer:

I personally believe we can study and learn from their deep Christian faith and character without having to embrace all of their theology

That is so true.

Naturally, you'd be curious, Angie, to learn more about Calvin. A simple Google search will turn up quite a bit. I assume that HOD will cover all the well-known Protestants and the churches they founded. As with any program, if you are uncomfortable with teaching too much about the doctrine held by someone, you can simplify this for your children and/or skip what you may need to. That's one of the beauties of HOD. It holds true to Protestant beliefs, but I believe it has enough flex for any Christian to use (some very minor tweaking may apply; your mileage may vary! )

[9hillbillies:)]

Thank you for the great help! I in no way, am trying to offend anyone, so i sure hope it didnt come out that way:) I appreciate you gals trying to explain this to me, it has certainly helped:) We just try to be careful w/anything new~as i am not that familiar w/many hs curriculums:)
thanks again!!!
angie

[water2wine]

Angie I don't think anything you said was offensive. That's a perfectly legitimate thing to ask. I am very particular about what I use to teach my kids and I had some questions about HOD as well, a lot of questions. It's only natural and I think wise to question. People here are pretty laid back about stuff like that. Hope you enjoy HOD. It has been wonderful for us.

[spidermansmum]

I am doing Little hands and we just covered Calvin[along with Augustine,Luther....]I have not found any slant to HOD.I am enjoying learning along with him.Yes some of Calvin - I diasagree with and I did some of my own research after we covered it in HOD but I think the message that HOD covered was great-just as it covered King Charles and Walter Raliegh.Its about knowing these figures in history.I hope that reassures you.

[my3sons]

The ladies have done an excellent job of answering your question here already. HOD aims to honor God first and foremost, and as you use HOD more and more, I know you'll come to see that. Scripture references are given as much as possible, so a Bible of your preference may be used. Evolutionary content is skipped. Areas where Christians may differ (i.e. the Young Earth belief, etc.) are often pointed out as a courtesy. Famous people are studied in history, which is needed to give a well-rounded understanding of history. I believe that we can learn much from those who have gone before us - both from their mistakes and their triumphs. If we only studied people with perfect beliefs and unblemished faith - I fear there would be no one left to study (except for our Lord Jesus Christ)!

You will not find a more "careful to honor God" curriculum than HOD. I am so thankful for all of the countless hours Carrie has put into attention to detail in this matter, but no matter how much time she puts in, there may be things individuals differ with - and that is where personal parental teaching comes front and center. What a huge blessing homeschooling provides that if you differ with something - you can just explain it, skip it, or use it as a point to teach something near and dear to your heart to your dc. Enjoy teaching HOD - it is a wonderful set of curricula, and young hearts are turning toward the Lord more and more every day - all glory due to Jesus for this - but praise Him for what He's doing through HOD!

In Christ,
Julie

[Carrie]

9hillbillies,

I'm late to this thread, but the ladies have already done a wonderful job of answering your questions. I would have said exactly what they've already shared. I am in full agreement that while we do share Calvin, we also share a whole host of other famous men (and women) within church history. Whether or not you happen to agree with Calvin, I agree that he is an important historical figure and there is much that can be learned from him (and from other examples of Godly men and women).

While we also do not agree with many of the other cultures and people studied throughout history, we do still read about them to learn from their mistakes and to know about them as a matter of historical record. The same is true for the Godly men and women that you will encounter throughout history. They have much to share about making God's word the cornerstone of your life and much we can learn from them as they endeavored to seek the Lord with all their hearts.

Blessings,
Carrie

[MainelyJen]

Oh, Julie. . .this was such an insightful comment, I just love it.

If we only studied people with perfect beliefs and unblemished faith - I fear there would be no one left to study (except for our Lord Jesus Christ)!

In the long run, what is history but the stories of one sinner after another? So there will always be flaws, to be sure. But there is also truth and beauty.

I think that until you actually have a HOD product in your hands, it's difficult to see how careful Carrie has been in presenting scripture and Christian history without judgments or any kind of slant. Just now I was plunked down in a comfy chair with my Preparing guide and A Child's History of the World. I can see that, oh, about 200 pages from now, there will be a chapter or two in the Hillyer book I don't think is balanced from my point of view. So I'll grab a different text off my shelf and substitute. Presto. But no other assignments that week will need to be changed by this move. It isn't as if the lesson plans are a house of cards which will tumble down if I decide to skip or add something. I haven't found this to be true with some other programs, which were so tightly integrated that swapping out one book or one chapter would spell doom for weeks to come! I think it's because Carrie has held true to the CM method, which does make some connections, but yet doesn't contort everything to make unrealistic connections.

HOD has structure, but flexibility; a schedule, but not a slave driver; suggestions, but not regulations. So, rather than being the game "Don't Break the Ice" where you knock one piece out and the whole thing collapses, it is more like a bucket of popcorn ~ you can take some out or add some cinnamon sugar. . .in the long run, you still have a great tasting bucket of popcorn. So it works for most! If there are certain Christians you want to emphasize throughout history (or want to skip all together!) you can easily make minor adjustments.

[my3sons]

Jennifer - you have such a way with words. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post here. It is obvious why you are drawn to Charlotte Mason's ideas. You have the gift of being well-spoken and writing engagingly just as Charlotte Mason had. Thanks so much for sharing this. It was the perfect complement to my Earl Grey tea this morning, as I enjoy the board and watch the snow (yes, SNOW ) fall outside the window here in Minneapolis. Thanks for your words here - I agree with the comparisons you have made completely!

In Christ,
Julie

[mamaduke]

I am doing Little hands and we just covered Calvin[along with Augustine,Luther....]I have not found any slant to HOD.I am enjoying learning along with him.Yes some of Calvin - I diasagree with and I did some of my own research after we covered it in HOD but I think the message that HOD covered was great-just as it covered King Charles and Walter Raliegh.Its about knowing these figures in history.I hope that reassures you.

I'm doing LHTH and am thinking this quote must be a mistake. There aren't any books in Little Hands to Heaven that deal with historical figures besides the Bible. I'm wondering which guide and text book this is in. We're looking forward to it.

BTW, This July 10th is the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth.

Blessings and Thanks,