The Christian World View of History according to Michael William Smith

     My understanding of the very best presentation of a Christian worldview of history is a record of earthly events written with words that so perfectly illustrate what took place that the reader has a fully accurate understanding of the event as though he were there. The reader would be enlightened to comprehend the role of both God and man in the event. This type of recording of history will be compiled in perfect honesty and without even the faintest exaggeration, bias, or incompleteness. The Christian worldview of history must therefore be recorded with an honest heart that is unbridled from common human dispositions of favoritism or malice—both of which would disqualify the historian from writing accurately the story of history. Rather than rose colored glasses, the historian must view and record humanity’s record with the conviction that God Almighty is overseeing his work. 

  

Dr. Sam Smith,
historian at Liberty University

  This brand of history is in my view the only real history. In the most perfect sense, this is the type of history we read in the Holy Scriptures. While it cannot be expected that our historical research will be on par with the divine word — it is that type of honesty that should as far as possible be intended. Yet, the Christian worldview, as Dr. Sam Smith stated, “[1] is not the spiritualization of history” or “[2] attaching Scripture verses to explain events in history.” However, the painful honesty of Biblical history that recorded not only David’s slingshot and harp, but also his infidelity and lax parenting. Truth is the goal of the Christian Worldview of History and truth for the sinful, fallen human being is redemptive by nature. The same objective record that tells of David’s sin also speaks of his redemption. 

Paul of Tarsus, author of Romans

     Yet, in the evaluation of an event, place or character there must be a standard wherewith it is appraised and judged. The Christian has an advantage in writing history due to the relationship he or she has with the God of heaven and Earth. One of the key aspects of a Christian’s relationship with God is the study of Scriptures. The moral standards found in the Bible are standards that not only Christians are familiar with, for the Apostle Paul writing under the influence of the Holy Spirit wrote that, “[3] when Gentiles who do not have the Law” (of God) “do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves” (Rom 2:14, NASB). Here Paul plainly states that Gentiles — i.e. those who do not know God are capable of doing the works of God’s law. Yet, what happens to their minds when they obey or disobey? Do they feel rewarded or condemned? Notice the next verse: “[4] in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them” (Rom 2:15, NASB). These verses tell us much regarding the knowledge of right vs. wrong in humanity and the effects both principles have upon the mind. Here we see the edge a Christian historian has before the pen hits the paper. With a strong commitment to writing truthful accounts writers of true history have the potential to edify individual readers and classrooms around the globe.

     While it may appear that I am merely copying Liberty University’s list of nine biblical principles of history (in a sense I am), these concepts I have had prior but never consolidated them into a list like the succinct format arranged by Liberty’s historians. I appreciate these principles because they are natural to the human experience in this life. Each one of them are common sense and self-explanatory. I dream (figuratively speaking of course) of the future eternal life and what history will be like in the new Jerusalem. I think of Jesus and angels as expert historians. Think of the far more complete record George Washington's guardian angel will have of the American Revolution! I could easily go on talking about this for hours. Yet, I conclude with this thought -- even in that far more exalted reality when we live face-to-face with God, the Christian's worldview of History that we are speaking of today will still be true. 

works cited 

[1] Dr. Sam Smith, “Presentation: Christian Worldview of History” (video of lecture, Liberty University, October 5, 2016), accessed October 5, 2016, https://learn.liberty.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_325609_1&content_id=_13670308_1.

[2] ibid

[3] Romans 2:14, NASB

[4] Romans 2:15, NASB

Bibliography

Smith, Dr. Sam. “Presentation: Christian Worldview of History” (video). Lecture, Place, Liberty 

     University, October 5, 2016. Accessed October 5, 

     2016. https://learn.liberty.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp? 

     course_id=_325609_1&content_id=_13670308_1.