History Catechism

 [This is the catechism used in the 5th-8th grade history classes at Sayers Classical Academy in Louisville, KY. The order of presentation (though not the catechism format) is influenced by the "Presuppositions of Historical Theology" notes that Dr. Shawn Wright gives at the beginning of his history classes for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Words in quotation marks, other than those from Scripture or the Second London Baptist Confession, are from Dr. Wright.]

Q: Is history more like a circle or a line?

A: God moves history in a linear fashion.

Q: Does history have a purpose?

A: God is moving history to His desired end.

Q: Does God keep aloof from historical events?

A: God understands and has compassion for the human condition.

Q: Is God in control over what unfolds in history?

A: God’s control over history is a hope-producing belief. (Eph. 1:11.)

Q: Do we always know why historical events unfold as they do?

A: Job’s example shows us that believers do not always know exactly why certain historical events occur.

Q: Does God’s control over history mean that we are not accountable for our actions?

A: “God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; in which appears his wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree.” (The Second London Baptist Confession 3.1. Gen. 50:19-20; Is. 10:5-17; Jn. 6:37-40; Acts 4:23-31; Phil. 2:12-13.)

Q: Since God is Lord over all of history, does this mean that Christians and non-Christians are exactly the same in His sight?

A: God has a special concern for His chosen people. (Rom. 9:13.)

Q: Should persecutions against God’s people that we see throughout history make us doubt the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom?

A: Jesus said, “I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:8.)

Q: Should we understand history as being the story of human progress toward greater enlightenment due to our own innate goodness?

A: Christians understand history as involving a spiritual battle between the Church and Satan.

Q: How does Satan attack the Church throughout history?

A: Satan wars against the Church by attacking her orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

Q: When is the Church strongest to fulfill the mission that God has for us?

A: “The Church is strongest when she’s most doctrinally pure and morally pure.”

Q: Does God’s work in the Church always look the same?

A: God blesses the Church specially in some times, which blessing is not equally present throughout history.

Q: What does the Church look forward to at the end of this present evil age?

A: The Church looks forward to eschatological glorification.

Q: Are we able to approach history as neutral observers?

A: Culture influences our presuppositions.

Q: How can we make sure that we evaluate historical events in a way that glorifies God?

A: We need the authoritative—inerrant and infallible—standard of Holy Scripture, which is sufficient to point us to Christ and give us clear guidance for all we need concerning life and godliness; also, the light of nature helps us to see sound methods of historical research.