Christians have a biblical mandate from Colossians 3:23-24 to do all things for the glory and service of the Lord Jesus Christ. With this in mind, Christian historians seek to glorify God in their craft by carrying out their work with a Christian worldview. Being biblically informed, they understand the sinful nature of man and the authority of God. As John Fea points out in his book Why Study History?, understanding God’s omnipotence and man’s sinful nature does not offer historians comprehensive insight into God’s hand in the movements of history.[1] Fae further clarifies that claiming to understand God’s will in particular historic events is both irresponsible and unproductive.[2]

The way that historians glorify God in their craft is similar to the way that a carpenter glorifies God in his work. The God-fearing carpenter does not necessarily confine himself to building nativities, crosses, and Christian symbols. Nor does he necessarily exclusively commit to building churches and homes for the needy. Instead, he goes out and works in the world with a high level of integrity. He takes pride in his work, knowing that his work will matter to other image-bearing men. Likewise, the Christian historian considers God’s creation in his work and holds himself to the highest standards of integrity and service. He need not confine himself to Christian histories, but he honors God and His creation and seeks to bring glory to God in all that he does. A Christian worldview of history glorifies Jesus, as we are commanded to do in everything.

[1] John Fea, Why Study History?: Reflecting on the Importance of the Past (2013; repr., Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2014), 68.

[2] Ibid., 77-78.

Bibliography

Fea, John. Why Study History?: Reflecting on the Importance of the Past. 2013. Reprint, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2014.