A christian Worldview of History

 As historians with a Christian worldview, we are obligated to understand the value of telling an agenda-free story about the past. Telling the truth for its own sake is itself a Godly value. Proverbs 12:19 reminds us, "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment." Even if we think it is for a good cause, being intentionally deceitful serves no one. Our biases when researching and retelling a historical story are essential; however, we must not allow our biases to alter the truth of the past. When we set out to tell a story from the past, we must do so imaginatively and entertainingly but also honestly. With a Christian worldview, we as historians can view history through a Christian lens, but we must not over-spiritualize what we see. 

This idea of being honest may be most important when viewing historical figures we have previously looked up to. The search for truth should outweigh our preliminary thoughts on a person or event. We must find those details that go against what we initially believed and, instead of trying to justify the person or event, realize through a Christian lens that no man is without sin. No one deserves to be treated otherwise in a history book. Discovering new information may make us uncomfortable, but that should signal that we are on the correct path. We must always look to the truth to inform others. Their preconceptions will be how they judge the truth. It is not our place to direct them.