Biblical Worldview Unit 8

Foundations

100

What is the foundation of Christian study of history’s story?

Creation, Fall, Redemption

200

Thoroughly explain the creational norm of “chronology does not equate causation.”

Just because something happened before another event does not mean that the previous event caused the next event.

Explanation- issues are complex, solutions are also complex

300

What are the two main motivations for a historian’s work?

Glorify God, Love neighbor

400

What is the basis of a moral evaluation of a historical event?

Scripture, not culture

Results

100

How would historical study affect an American’s view of our culture? (Christian America)

We may not come out as "good" as we would like to think. There was absolutely a Christian influence into the founding of the USA, but not every Founding Father was a Christian, nor was the Revolution purely a Christian movement. We can't view America as receiving every promise that was given to Israel/Promised Land

200

What is the difference between objectivity and neutrality?

objectivity still gives a moral evaluation based on recognition of presuppositions. Neutrality avoids making a moral evaluation 

300

To what extent is God’s providence in History

Controls all things, problem and help included.

Fallen Models

100

Describe and critique Naturalism

• Environment of the region affects civilizational development
• Ignores human choices to benefit society (Prov. 29:4)
• No possibility of a morally superior society
• "Survival of the fittest" practiced in different ways

200

Describe and critique Nationalism

• Ultimate good (salvation) is independence of nation or ethnic group
• Becomes idolatry when other cultures are demonized for simply being different
• History written to paint nation in best light
• Avoid study of the past with reference to the present (Whiggish)

Critique

• Recognize the fallibility of your culture
• Promote the good from other cultures

300

Describe and critique Postmodernism

• Incredulity (skepticism) toward metanarratives
• History is "created and represented" (no "really happened")
• Must have marginalized groups represented (but only the ones they want)

Christian Critique

• Many perspectives exist, but common grace allows for true interpretation
• 4 Gospels have differing perspectives to describe the same story

400

Describe and critique Class, Race, and Gender

• Emphasizes marginalized groups
• Has had benefit to a better understanding of history
• Do not have a thesis before research

Christian Critique

• Cannot be the cause of all revolutions
• Proclaims divisions to be the cause of problems, not sin
• Good and evil are found in all races, classes, and genders