Which Creed & Why?
Bluebonnet Home Scholars Collaborative is more than just classes; we are a community of faith where worship of the Triune God is the beginning and end of all our endeavors. The BHSC Board of Directors chose the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed as the Bluebonnet statement of faith because it articulates the key beliefs that unify Christians: It expresses the doctrine of the Trinity—God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the deity and incarnation of Christ; the virgin birth, Christ’s true historical death, burial, resurrection, and ascension; baptism for the remission of sins; the Scriptures as prophetic and divinely inspired; the resurrection and judgment; and the life to come.
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed is not particular to any one denomination. It is an ancient Christian creed that predates the major schisms of church history. It is accepted by all major branches of Christianity including Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox as well as Anglican and other Protestant churches. (You can read more about the Creed’s history and development during the fourth and fifth centuries on Britannica here.)
It is important to the Bluebonnet Board that BHSC remains an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes all Christians who truly love and worship the Triune God—God the Father, His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit—one in essence and undivided.
Creed & Principles
BHSC Directors, Instructors, Staff, and participating families affirm belief in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed in its entirety (with or without the Filioque):
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made:
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And the third day He arose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose Kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke by the Prophets. And I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead and the Life of the world to come. Amen.
Note: When the Creed says “I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church,” it means “catholic” in the sense of “universal” (as in definitions 1a, 1b, and 2 here), and it does not mean or refer to the Roman Catholic church particularly. BHSC is happy to have Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic families participating together within the Bluebonnet community.
In addition to the Creed, BHSC has also adopted the following BHSC Statement Regarding Principles of Christian Living:
BHSC adheres to and upholds biblical teaching on both doctrine and Christian behavior and looks to major branches of Christianity in interpreting the Bible’s teachings. Generally, BHSC adheres to Christian teachings in areas where the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), and the Anglican Church in North America agree with each other in interpreting and applying God’s word and revelation. Participants in BHSC programs agree to uphold these principles as members of the BHSC community.
Non-Discrimination Policy: It is the policy of BHSC to admit homeschooling families and students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to families and students. BHSC will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and/or loan programs, or any other programs.
