Have you ever puzzled over things you hear/observe at church or read in the Bible? Like how can an all loving God allow anyone to suffer in hell forever? Or, if people go to hell, why is the door to repentance and forgiveness closed? Or, why do religious people and systems often seem so unloving?

Fifteen years ago, I started to investigate the answers to these and other perplexing questions. I began studying the historical roots of my faith and the original meaning of Greek words in the New Testament (NT). Then, a few years ago, a friend did an intense study on the history of Christianity and shared it with our small group. All this opened our eyes to a fresh, new perspective.

Here’s 4 things we discovered that show how much history matters.

1 – Historical Ignorance Misrepresents the Bible – When we don’t know the history of how the NT was compiled and used, or we don’t know the original language and culture of the text, we can make it say things or have authority beyond its original purpose.

2 – Historical Ignorance Can Cause Spiritual Abuse – When we don’t know how the concept of “Church” evolved, or don’t realize that things like “pastoral authority” over members did not exist in the early Jesus gatherings; we open the door for our churches to spiritually abuse people.

3 – Historical Knowledge Protects Us from False Religion – Historical facts help us unlearn half-truths. For example, we learned the popular teaching that we’re in “the Last Days” and belief in the imminent Return of Christ is a gross misreading of Scripture based on a faulty understanding of history. Surprised? Read the first century historian Josephus and it becomes clear.

4 – Historical Knowledge Revitalizes Our Faith – Finally, when we discover a more accurate history of the first century Jesus Movement, it encourages our faith. We clear up concerns that have plagued us. It reveals new and exciting paradigms on things like salvation and discipleship that are more inclusive, restorative, and consistent with Jesus’ teachings.

What have you learned from history or think you need to learn?