The fact that humans are formed in the image of God has a profound influence on the character of individuals and structure of the civilizations in which they live. All civilizations in one form or another have pursued the big questions of human existence:

• Who is God?
• What is a good human being?
• What is truth, beauty, and goodness?

These questions require answers and, as Christians, we are called to integrate and examine all areas of our lives through our faith, including history. How can our faith inform our study of history? The study of history involves three levels or categories of analysis: Descriptive, Interpretative, and Evaluative. The Descriptive is the ability to describe an event. The Interpretative is the ability to interpret or analyze an event. The Evaluative is the ability to evaluate an event with the Truth of Scripture. You will ask of historical events and ideas: Was it good that it happened? Is it right? Does it conform to biblical Truth?

As you reflect upon your time in this course, apply these three areas of analysis to a topic we explored.  Sample topics could include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Capitalism
• Consumerism
• Democracy
• Freedom
• Inequality
• Nationalism
• Poverty
• Revivalism

Assignment Description:

• Select a historical figure or event covered in this course to discuss.
• Your reflection should be 200-250 words long and address each area of historical analysis (i.e., descriptive, interpretive, and evaluative).  Make sure to view this videoLinks to an external site. to get a deeper understanding of these three areas of analysis and how to apply them when examining history. 
• As you progress through the three levels of analysis, reflect upon the cultural impact related to this topic and connect some of these patterns, ideals, and assumptions to your own life.
• Make sure to incorporate Scripture in your writing.

https://www.regent.edu/video/home.cfm?address=8000620