SS #10: Which Comes First? The Principles or the Practical?

Today’s show is our version of the which-came-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg dilemma. In this case, though, it’s which comes first – the principles or the practices. And how do we practice when we know that we don’t know all we NEED to know? We go around and around in circles, drawing on folks like James K.A. Smith, Cindy Rollins, Karen, Glass, and MORE. In the end, we made our peace with the issue, and we hope you can, too.

 

Today’s show is our version of the which-came-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg dilemma. In this case, though, it’s principles or practices. Come listen!

 

Thank you to our sponsor:

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This episode is sponsored by Newbie Tuesday, the monthly newsletter for Charlotte Mason enthusiasts. Written with beginners in mind, Newbie Tuesday is deep enough to refresh experienced Charlotte Mason educators as well. Each issue is devoted to a single topic — some part of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. There’s a letter from the editor, an article introducing the philosophical underpinnings, another article on the practical applications, and then yet another article on transitioning older students to the concept or practice. It’s also packed with a bunch of resources for further reading around the web, in books, as well as practical tools for implementation. Best of all … it’s free! So head on over to Newbie Tuesday and subscribe!

 

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Show Notes:

 

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12 Comments

  1. Another great podcast! I couldn’t help thinking of James 2: “faith without works is dead”. We need both the philosophy and the practical. Each feeds on the other. In my 12 year journey as a homeschool mother, I have been sporadically digging deeper into the philosophy and applying new practices. The more I stay rooted in the philosophy the more my daily practices improve. This is true for my Christian faith as well as my CM homeschool.

  2. Ok, so I know we are all nice Christian ladies here, but I don’t know how to say this other than, DAMN, that was a good episode. Seriously, that is what was going through my head when I was listening! Haha (I think?). Anyway, you guys are doing such a good job–thank you and keep it up!

  6. I, too, loved this episode! I’ve had a similar conversation with friends, as well.

    I love what you guys said about practicing the principles helping to understand the philosophy. I have found this to be very true in my own (short) homeschool journey. I remember being on the AO website scratching my head A LOT when we first started 3 years ago. Now, those same articles or topics make SO much more sense to me!

    And I also agree with (and have had a similar conversation) the idea that if you aren’t committed (convicted?) to your principles, you might have a harder time sticking with it! There have been times when I’ve just had to trust the CM philosophy and process, because I don’t always see the fruit. Having ladies like you to ‘go ahead’ makes that much easier, of course. 😉

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  9. Haha, yay! I’m glad I didn’t offend anyone with my “colorful language.” I totally forgot I left it until I read Pam’s HS Weekly this morning.

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