Thinking Faith: A Student's Thoughts
A Christian philosophy of history is built on the foundation of a correct philosophy: that God moves in history to accomplish what He will and that He delights to use man to accomplish His purposes.
Those who believe in fate say that everything is predetermined and the "march of time" will continue to its end. There are others who allow for some freedom yet say that an "if . . . then" sequence prevails in history. Still others believe that free choice does exist and that individuals make their own history through their choices.
For Christians, there is complete rest in the knowledge that God declares "the end from the beginning" (Isaiah 46:10), and it is because of Him that we are able to exist as stated in Acts 17:28, "For in him we live, and move, and have our being." Under the arch of His omniscience, laws and rules exist; the physical world amply demonstrates that. In addition, the conscience of every man cries out for order and establishment. This is apparent in the structure that every society has rules in place to protect its members. It is within these rules that men exercise free choice.
Within a Christian framework, "fate" is not an option. God rules over all, and often what we choose to do is what He would have us do. He "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Ephesians 1:11). It is a "direction of our steps."1 What could be considered incomprehensible and tragic to any human mind is known to God and used for His glory. ("Surely the wrath of God shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain" Psalm 76:10).
Historical patterns are the results of man’s choices through the ages. After every decision, regardless of what it is, there are inevitable consequences. The choices themselves are similar. The circumstances and the outcome of each event are unique because each man is unique, for as the psalmist states that each man is "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Yet, his limited responses to those dominant themes are what make visible historical patterns. That is what the historian seeks to know: not just what was done but why it was done, using the value system of the age that he is studying.
To know why history exists is to know why man exists. That cannot be explained within a secular framework but instead in a spiritual one. Man was created to "glorify God and to enjoy him for ever."2 Therefore, history exists in the same manner. It is the record of centuries of men and their choices to either glorify God or to pursue their own satisfaction.
1Jerry Bridges, Trusting God.(Colorado Springs: Navpress, 1988.) p. 67.
2Alexander Whyte. A Commentary on the Shorter Catechism. (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1954.) p. 1
Abigail Crowther is a history student at Bob Jones University.
