The subject of lesson six of The Truth Project is history, one of my least favorite subjects in school. Even if American history or world history do not capture my interest, I realize that the past provides important lessons. As the philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
A firm grip on the past
The Truth Project stressed the importance of keeping a firm grip on the past. Some people engage in historical revisionism, defined by Dr. Tackett as rewriting the past to accomplish a particular agenda. As an example, Tackett compared the actual Mayflower Compact, in which the signers gave glory to God and stated their desire to advance the Christian faith, with a revised academic version that left out any references to God.
When Dr. Tackett discussed historical revisionism, I immediately thought about the dangerous practice of denying the historical record, for example, denying that the Holocaust really happened. While historical revisionism can refer to a legitimate reinterpretation of history, that type of illegitimate historical distortion is called historical negationism.
If you want to embrace a worldview based on truth, you must have a firm grip on reality. You can’t deny the realities of the past, whether good or bad, whether they support your agenda or not.
The importance of remembering
The word “remember” is central to The Truth Project’s message about history. God told the people of Israel to remember things that happened long ago. Through his word and through the things he has done, God reveals his sovereignty and his purpose for mankind.
Remember the former things, those of long ago;
Isaiah 46:9-10
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
Moses spoke about remembering what God has done (Deuteronomy 8) and the consequences of forgetting him. Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands (verse 2). If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed (verse 19).
Remembering the past allows us to see the hand of God at work in our lives in a way that we may not fully appreciate in the present. I remember that God provided for me in my time of need. I remember that God led me through my own wilderness journey. I remember how he remained faithful even when I wandered. I remember how he used challenges to test me and humble me and bring me closer to him. He taught me that I do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:3).
The Big Story: His Story
When you have a biblical view of history, you appreciate God’s larger story. You simply can’t understand your place in this world and your reason for being without seeing how you fit in His story. God has a plan for mankind and a plan for individuals. Even when it seems like everything is falling apart, God is in control. Through his word, God reveals man’s responsibility to his Creator and to his fellowman. God gives life purpose. God gives life meaning.
When you don’t see how you fit in the big picture, you are in danger of becoming myopic. You are in danger of not learning and growing from your mistakes. You are in danger of becoming too proud, too self-sufficient and too self-centered.
Remember the Lord your God. He makes known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
Innermost Being 