Why Christians Should Care About History

Learning about the past helps us shape the future

Last month I visited three presidential libraries. On our way from Nashville to Texas for our final move, we spent the night in Little Rock, Arkansas. And how could I not be that close (ten minutes) to a piece of history and not visit the Clinton Library? So I dragged my wife and one of my kids along. Then I was in Anaheim, California for the SBC convention and I managed to visit two presidential libraries: the Nixon Presidential Library and the Reagan Presidential Library. I’m glad I did.

Now I fully admit that I’m a history nerd. Most people are not like me, nor should they be. I once made my son trudge through James Polk’s home because it was only thirty minutes from his school camp. I love reading biographies and memoirs. I enjoy historical fiction. What I consider fun may not be your cup of tea, but I’d like to make the case why every Christians should at least be familiar with and care about history. Here are four reasons: