Why Do We Study Church History, There are two main subjects to study under the larger category of church history: (1) the events of church history, as the church spread to every nation on earth; and (2) the teachings of the church, particularly in the way that heresy prompted the teachers of the church to the study of the Scriptures in order to get at the truth (often called Five reasons why Christians should learn to think historically about their past. Aug 24, 2025 · We have listed four reasons to study church history: it helps answering questions, it presents a faith that is deep and wide, it delineates what is important, and it helps us to interpret the Bible. If so, why should we study church history? Shouldn't we stop looking backward to the 16th century and start living in the 21st century? Contrary to our concerns, the church has always realized that a… The difference between the biblical history and church history is the biblical history is inspired and inerrant; church history records are not. So, the study of church history should pique some interest in the Christian due to the simple fact that it is the Christian’s family history, and because it is the fulfillment of Christ’s promise in Matthew 16:18 to build his church. The gospel was received by the church through divine authority from the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:1, Galatians 1:9). This perspective is vital for anyone in our Master of Divinity (M. We will explore primary sources from the saints along with great art as we trace the narrative of the Church throughout history in order to enrich our own lives and mission to serve. Now, we run into a problem here: how do we love people who are separated from us by the barrier of physical death? This is a difficult question, but I think we can say one thing for sure: we need at least to acknowledge their existence. […] Women were not created to do exactly what men do; they were created to do what men cannot do. 44:1). Don Sweeting, President of Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando Florida, writes of the importance of church history for American Evangelicals: “ Why Study Church History? Getting Beyond American-Evangelical Amnesia ” Sweeting lists 11 reasons, which I highlight: It reaffirms a Biblical value of looking to the past. Yet we live in a time where, particularly in an evangelical context, we are perhaps more ignorant of Church History than at any other point since the Reformation. Christianity Today provides thoughtful, biblical perspectives on theology, church, ministry, and culture on the official site of Christianity Today magazine. So why should you study church history? Theological Triage —studying church history also helps us note what doctrines were and are worth dividing over and what doctrines allow for a wide range of disagreement. […] Why Should Church Leaders Study Church History? Everyone needs to study church history because it is the best way to remember the depth of tradition the church possesses. com. We don’t have all the records and what records we do have contain the biases of the individuals writing the records. Church history is our history as members of the body of Christ. Stay updated with the latest news and stories from around the world on Google News. Why should Christians — and especially pastors-in-training — study church history? While it might seem like a pleasant “extra” for those who are interested, God gives us church history as a gift. Home › Theology › Historical Theology › Why You Should Study Church History (And Where to Start) Why You Should Study Church History (And Where to Start) By Derek DeMars on November 19, 2020 • ( 1 ) You know the old cliché: “Those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it. Church history is limited in this sense. Learn from 2000 years of Christian triumphs and failures in this comprehensive 12-part series. The church of Jesus Christ remains, as always, a people called to faithfulness in this age as they await Christ’s return and the consummation of his rule in the age to come. For the past two-thousand years of our history, Christians have wrestled with Scripture. God has preserved His church through all the centuries, and we hope that by now we’ve learned something. The Columbus Dispatch is the number one source for Columbus and Ohio breaking politics, business, obituaries, Ohio sports and entertainment news. Christians Should be Invigorated by Church History As we delight in what God has done, we’ll be invigorated in our faith as we see that God is true to his promises and faithful to his people. Set us as your home page and never miss the news that matters to you. Lent was once a preparatory period for new Christian converts. Consider several important reasons why Christians should study the past in general, and Church history in particular. But in reality it is interesting and exciting. Throughout Scripture, rightly remembering is critical to faithfulness. Many of us may struggle with the feeling that the church is already too old-fashioned. Apr 1, 2019 · Here are four good reasons why studying church history is important for us: 1. Indicted ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon’s actions belie his claim he was acting as a Constitutionally-protected “journalist” when he disrupted a church service last month – but, even if he was, he still doesn’t have the right to violate the religious freedom rights of others – legal experts say. We can learn much not just from history, but from specific people who lived in a period of history. David Irving explains why studying church history matters. Div. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What is the theological meaning of the resurrection as a dynamic event?, Why do we call the Pentecost the birthday of the Church?, Why is it that when the early believers prayed, the building shook? and more. ” Church history provides exciting stories and inspiring heroes for sermon examples. Although I consider the topic of church history to be interesting, useful, and important, others do not recognize the immediate and inherent value of this academic discipline. As Tertullian famously said, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Why? Find out one reason why church history is important in our latest blog post. Sep 19, 2023 · When we know the history of our denomination, we know how our denomination fits into the greater church history and the roles it has played. and practices as old, discredited errors. Discover why church history matters for your faith today. Powered by the Tampa Bay Times, tampabay. […] Study this history to learn about and delight in what God has done to bring people of all nations, tribes, and tongues to himself. The remarkable thing about studying church history is that in every generation, God preserves a remnant in his church that faithfully proclaims his true gospel. What is the meaning and purpose of ash on your forehead on Ash Wednesday? Let's take a look symbolism of Ash Wednesday, which beings the Lent season. Sep 16, 2025 · Dr. History can only be interpreted by the Bible 4. We are not the first generation to read the Bible. Nov 3, 2022 · The study of church history, however, is meant to provide more than just inspiration. 4. History is a testimony to God’s sovereign providence. Church history is part of that labor of both remembering and anticipating—of living between the times. I once read that the study of history doesn’t really make sense until we’re adults, because only physically mature brains have the ability to form connections between events, synthesize information, and assess meaning. Trending topics and news stories that are important to your Christian faith. As early as Eden, Eve listens to the serpent, succumbing to faulty interpretations of the past and of God’s revelation in particular. Christ said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). Christian History Institute (CHI) provides church history resources and self-study material and publishes the quarterly Christian History Magazine. Also good for racial justice / anti racism lesson resources and diversity studies teaching Don Sweeting, President of Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando Florida, writes of the importance of church history for American Evangelicals: “ Why Study Church History? Getting Beyond American-Evangelical Amnesia ” Sweeting lists 11 reasons, which I highlight: It reaffirms a Biblical value of looking to the past. Church history bears witness to the faithfulness of Christ. Today’s church does not exist in a vacuum. We see the unbroken chain of the gospel. And one way of doing this is through Church history—by learning about them, their lives, and their world. To Understand Endurance: Since Christ left the earth, Christians have lived in anticipation of His return. com Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. You’re invited Please join me in a pilgrimage through this great story throughout this coming year in my class, Pilgrimage: A Journey through Church History. Studying church history can play a big role in the discipleship of a believer and is particularly helpful for training pastors. Why Do We Like Music? People with musical anhedonia, a rare inability to enjoy music, are teaching scientists how the brain processes songs. Learning about those who came before us can help us learn from their mistakes and inspire us to live for Jesus and share Him with those around us. Get the latest news headlines and top stories from NBCNews. A definition: the record of what God’s people have done and thought from the foundation of the church during the New Testament age to the present. The Bible itself is a history of God’s people, and it also calls us to remember his faithfulness, learn from past sins, and follow examples of faith. Why should we study church history?1. We will begin with Pentecost and conclude with the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. BYU Speeches has a vast, free, searchable 1000+ database of devotional, forum, and commencement addresses with transcript, video, and audio archives. 1. Women were not created to do exactly what men do; they were created to do what men cannot do. Why did Luke write the book of Acts? He wrote his Gospel, but he also wrote the early history of the Christian church, which was very important for the church to understand its origins, its mission, and its doctrine. Why is church history important for modern believers? Discover 5 vital reasons to study your Christian heritage and how it protects us from theological error today. We look first to the what? and then we turn to the “why, how, and so what” of the events in church history (14). We can study Church History because there is a history of the Church. We can see what led to their rise to prominence within the church and perhaps the character flaws that led to their downfall. Seven Reasons to Study Church HistoryThis Sunday we will begin a new Sunday School series that will follow the early centuries of church history from Jerusalem to Nicaea. Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. There are some Biblical principles and truths behind the religious practices that can remind all of us of our need for a Savior and the sacrifice of Jesus. Why Study Church History? Most Christians do not know much about church history. Black history month activities for kids with Black history facts, Black history figures and heroes, Black History Month science activities, respectful cross-curricular lesson plans and resources (and not a bunch of fluff games), printables and more to honor the history and culture of African Americans. Thankfulness —as we read the story of Christian history, we are reading the story of God’s dealings with his people in a fallen world. " When we study history, we realize that the church has survived cultural hostility before—and thrived. Here is a short list of ten reasons of why the study of Church History remains important for the development and growth of authentic and biblical Christianity and Leadership. Church history may seem dull and boring. First, the past is a great stimulus to […] In this edifying article, Andy Davis gives persuasive practical reasons for why all Christians should study church history. Church history or ecclesiastical history as an academic discipline studies the history of Christianity and the way the Christian Church has developed since its inception. When we look at Scripture and at church history, we see this as well: while there is some overlap in abilities and roles, we know that just as men have roles that women do not hold, often women are often used in ways that men are not. There is certainly nothing wrong with the church looking ahead, but it is terribly important that it should be done in connection with the look inside, into the church’s own nature and mission The Psalmist said, “We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old” (Ps. A study of church history will reveal that most “innovations” in theology (and sometimes in practice) are simply a re-packaging of old heresies that were rejected by the early church. This year, Ash Wednesday is February 18, 2026. For instance, Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity is just a recycling of unbiblical, social gospel liberalism that was popu An agency of The United Methodist Church, Discipleship Ministries helps local church, district, and conference leaders fulfill the shared dream of making… Home › Theology › Historical Theology › Why You Should Study Church History (And Where to Start) Why You Should Study Church History (And Where to Start) By Derek DeMars on November 19, 2020 • ( 1 ) You know the old cliché: “Those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it. . Church history helps us see when some things entered the church that weren’t in the Bible. This is under-standable, especially given that a portion of the public regards history as boring and the church as irrelevant. Jun 3, 2016 · Here are 13 principles for why studying church history is crucial. Explore search trends by time, location, and popularity with Google Trends. Find videos and news articles on the latest stories in the US. ” Dr. Your source for the latest Christian news and religion news headlines from the United States and the world. Read 3 Reasons Why Every Christian Needs to Study Church History by Sophia Bricker and more articles about PLUS on Christianity. ) program preparing to lead a congregation in a secular age. com is your home for breaking news you can trust. Our aim is to make Christian history enjoyable and applicable to the widest possible audience. Serious reflection on the past protects us from error, reminds us of God’s faithfulness, and motivates us to persevere. Remembering is vital. God working through his people to accomplish to fulfil His plans and purposes. Author Michael Crichton is reported to have said, “If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. s1rqq, aer58, crs1c3, zxzj, u28pj, pjsp, epjfy, al7yti, x3ko, tz7w,