Easy Chair No. 141, March 16, 1987 - The Meaning of History

R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott discuss history, its meaning, and how it is recorded, emphasizing that true history reflects God’s hand, not merely human actions. They critique modern historiography, which often interprets events naturalistically, humanistically, or through myths, ignoring divine providence and the unpredictable factors that shape outcomes, such as weather, disease, or unexpected deaths of leaders. Examples include Constantine’s conversion, the Pilgrims’ survival, the Mongol halt in Europe, and the outcomes of World Wars, illustrating that history is far more contingent and guided by God than modern accounts suggest. They note that modern education and social science have largely replaced traditional history, leaving students unaware of patterns of tyranny, the role of faith, and the moral lessons of the past. Rushdoony and Scott stress that Christian schools are uniquely positioned to teach history accurately, recognizing God’s sovereignty and the enduring reality of mystery.