On History

I love the feeling of the beginning of a new semester of school. So much anticipation for good classes, good books, interesting research, fascinating people. I don't regret for a minute that I will graduate at Christmas with a degree that probably won't open a whole lot of doors for me - what is history useful for anyway? I can't figure out how to apply this passion, this degree of mine to a profession that will pay the bills for my dreams of travelling, of graduate studies, of independence and not living with my parents much longer.

So, for the moment I'm enjoying purchasing books and getting ready to read them. Two arrived by mail today - John Bunyan's "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" and Steve Wilkens "Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans." The first is for a class, the second is just for fun. I order as many of my textbooks as possible online from Chapters/Indigo because they're generally cheaper than the university bookstore - sometimes only a few dollars sometimes as much as fifty percent less. Either way, it's worth it.

I love history. I see God in it. So much of it is the story of his church - until somewhere between 1500 and 1700 C.E., the church is the dominant institution - it shapes everything. Yes, it is not always a positive story, but it is still the story of how God worked in the past, and gives hope that He will work today amidst a universal church that seems to attract more criticism than gratefulness and praise from its members.

I love to learn, and I've been priviledged to be taught by some excellent scholars. I've been blessed with some stellar professors, but I've had my share of the ones where it was easier to learn if you just skipped class and read the textbook. You can tell, sometimes, the professors that are Christians. I attend a secular school, and their personal faith is something that does not enter into the classroom, but you can tell. The attitude they bring to history is more positive, more passionate, sometimes more educated than their unbelieving colleagues. It delights me to encounter believers who bring both passion and depth of knowledge to their field. Their classes are infinitely more interesting because of their passion for their areas of specialty and research.

Now, with all that said, I'm off to read some Bunyan. I received the course outline by email, and I have a 1200 word document analysis essay due on September 20th. Class may not start until Monday, but if I don't start reading now, I may find myself in trouble later!