A Christian Worldview: Historiography and Christianity

Antique Books with the Bible. https://sl.bing.net/LF6SGWZGzk. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

History studied through a Christian worldview is viewed not as a series of random events, but as a narrative purposefully orchestrated and authored by God. By studying history with a Christian worldview, one admits that God is ruler over all, all time, all nations, and all people. History, then, can be considered His story. A story that focuses on and reveals His mercy, justice, and ultimate plan for redemption and glory through His son, Jesus Christ. 

Bible Timeline Chart with World History. 2025. Bible Study Visuals website. Bible Timeline Chart with World History - Bible Study Visuals. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Having a Christian worldview adjusts how we understand and interpret past historical events. Instead of studying history through economic, political, or social views, we also understand the spiritual aspects behind human actions and movements. This worldview is deeply personal to me as a historian and a lifelong Christian. It helps clarify that history has meaning and proves that history can teach us about human nature, and about the need for salvation from a true God for our mistakes and failures as mankind. It also helps me better understand that God has incredible ways of working with and through imperfect people to fulfill His plan and will. 

Examining history through a Christian worldview does not mean studying with blind nationalism or selective storytelling. Uncomfortable truths are not erased, and assumptions that one era in history or one group of people was more righteous than others. A Christian worldview helps us seek truth, not just facts, with honesty, hope, and humility, all while using spiritual insight. 

De Champaigne, Philippe. Saint Augustine of Hippo receiving the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. c. 1645. Los Angeles County Museum of Art Online Database, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, https://collections.lacma.org/node/171584. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

A Christian worldview does not deny facts. It does not ignore or disregard other perspectives that differ from ours. And, it does not endeavor to modify or rectify history just to fit into a specific ideology or agenda. Not every historian needs to be or should be Christian, but having a Christian worldview helps me apply the gospel and biblical truths to history to better understand mankind and the human experience. 

As a Christian historian, this worldview reminds me that history isn't just about what occurred in the past, but also about what God has planned for us, what He has done, and what He can do. It keeps me hopeful in the future and grounded in my faith as a follower of Jesus Christ. 

Jocelyn Lewis

Liberty University- HIST 491

Week 5 Discussion