What are the 7 principles of the principle approach?

The 7 Principles of the Principle Approach

Rooted in early American education and deeply inspired by Biblical teachings, the Principle Approach is a worldview framework developed in the 20th century by educators like Verna Hall and Rosalie Slater. It seeks to instill moral and civic responsibility through seven foundational principles—each drawn from Scripture and applied to personal, social, and governmental life.

1. Individuality—Every person is uniquely created in God’s image, possessing inherent dignity and purpose. This principle affirms that each individual bears responsibility before God and society. 2. Self-Government—This emphasizes moral self-control guided by God’s law. True liberty, according to this view, begins not with external freedom, but with internal discipline and accountability. 3. Christian Character—Moral virtues such as honesty, integrity, and diligence are cultivated through faith in Christ. Character is seen as the bedrock of a just and orderly society. 4. “Conscience is the most sacred of property”—A quote often attributed to Daniel Webster, this principle teaches that one’s moral conscience—formed by Scripture—takes precedence over all other human authorities. 5. The Christian Form of Government—This outlines how Biblical principles shaped early American governance: authority from God, power residing in the people, and leaders as servants under moral law. 6. The Seed of Local Self-Government—Families, churches, and communities are the first spheres of governance. When individuals govern themselves morally, healthy communities naturally follow. 7. The Christian Principle of American Government—This final principle ties the nation’s founding to a Christian worldview, asserting that the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence reflect Biblical ideals of justice, law, and human dignity.

Though sometimes debated today, the Principle Approach remains influential in certain educational and conservative Christian circles, offering a vision of nationhood grounded in faith, conscience, and personal responsibility.