More Than Dates and Dead Guys: Why Church History Is Your Faith’s Life Support
People who neglect to study history are often doomed to repeat past mistakes. Understanding the history of God’s people, especially those committed to following Jesus, is vital for grasping the present. Globally, less than 30% of professing Christians have read the Bible, and even fewer have explored the faith's history in depth. The church, representing Christ’s Body, has a nearly two-thousand-year-old history. However, Christ has been present from before recorded time and continues to be so, long after this world ends. Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is flawless and infallible. Yet, His church consists of fallible humans who, as documented in the Old Testament, have a penchant for rebellion and disobedience.
The church's history, like the broader world’s, includes stories of corruption, injustice, tyranny, oppression, and neglect of its members. Still, it has also served as a symbol of hope—spreading the Gospel, providing reassurance, and acting as a force for good. It embodies a community of followers dedicated to Jesus’ message of love, tolerance, and grace, which has touched billions over the centuries. Over time, church members have been both the creators and protectors of orthodoxy, even supporting heterodoxy and heresy at times. Some leaders have led their communities faithfully, while others have misguided them. Ultimately, everyone falls short of God's glory, and the church’s history offers valuable lessons.
The author proudly graduated from Liberty University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Religion: Theology and Ministry and a Master of Arts in History, specializing in the fascinating journey of the church from the Patristic era to the Protestant Reformation. Initially, the author aspired to step into traditional ministry roles such as pastoring or preaching—positions that resonate strongly within the faith community. However, their enduring love for history proved to be a wonderful complement to their desire to deepen their understanding of God, Jesus, the Bible, and the rich doctrines that have shaped believers for nearly 2,000 years.
Throughout their studies, the author discovered that exploring the history of the church broadens our understanding of how our beliefs, traditions, and doctrines have evolved. Understanding our past illuminates the present state of the church, bringing it to life in new ways. Furthermore, the author realized that many Christians haven’t ventured far beyond the scriptural texts in their understanding of church history. This profound realization ignited a passion within them to connect history with faith. Now, their ministry serves as a heartfelt calling to foster a deeper appreciation for both, inspiring others to explore the incredible tapestry of faith through time.
Neglecting church history can lead to serious issues. Understanding the history that connects us to the faithful disciples of Jesus before us is a key benefit. Without this knowledge, we risk losing contact with the giants of faith on whose shoulders we stand and becoming disconnected from the rich traditions that have developed as the church has grown. Since history documents the evolution of theology, it also guides us toward a grounded, orthodox faith. Throughout church history, we see examples of both sound theology and dangerous, flawed ideas. Ignoring these patterns weakens our theological foundation, and without understanding the church's roots, doctrine, and struggles, we become more vulnerable to cultural trends. Without the context of past challenges, heresies, and societal changes, we risk being influenced by fleeting trends or shallow interpretations.
The central thesis of this text is that understanding church history is fundamental for cultivating a mature and resilient faith. It argues that a deep knowledge of the church's past—its significant triumphs, profound tragedies, and transformative moments—connects believers to the very roots of the Christian tradition. This connection not only enriches their spiritual journey but also provides a reliable foundation for developing informed theology and practical ministry. The text emphasizes that by studying church history, believers can evaluate contemporary practices against orthodox standards, ensuring alignment with true Christian doctrine. Furthermore, it highlights that a thorough understanding of church history enhances biblical interpretation, offering valuable context and insight. Importantly, the study of church history is presented not merely as a helpful activity but as a commanded duty, essential to maintaining faithfulness and integrity in the Christian life.
The Bible, it turns out, has much to say on the topic of knowing one’s history. In one of the earliest additions to the ancient collection of Jewish texts that would become the Hebrew Bible and, later, the foundation of the Old Testament, God’s desire for His people is evident. In the book of Job, Bildad the Shuite counsels his disaster-stricken friend, “For inquire now of the former generation, and pay attention to the findings of their ancestors; For we were born yesterday and do not have knowledge, since our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not instruct you and speak to you, and bring forth words from their understanding?” (Job 8:8-10 NET). He is telling Job to read the history books; we humans know very little. The wisdom of the past is the best teacher, though. The experience of others will speak to you.
Moses, traditionally held to be the author of Deuteronomy, the final book from the Five Books of Moses, the Jewish Torah, records this sage advice to the Israelites before they cross over into the Promised Land: “Remember the ancient days; bear in mind the years of past generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you; your elders will tell you” (Deut. 32:7 NET). Here again, the reader of the Bible can see that God wants his people to remain informed about their past. A people’s culture, traditions, and shared experiences are essential elements of a historical narrative that help preserve them for future generations. The customs and values that kept order and directed a community’s growth were to be handed down to ensure continued prosperity.
Another strident declaration from Scripture regarding the importance of history can be found in Daniel. Here it is revealed that God, “He changes times and seasons, deposing some kings and establishing others. He gives wisdom to the wise; he imparts knowledge to those with understanding” (Dan. 2:21). God’s infinite power and wisdom gently guide the events that shape human history. At the same time, history reflects the ongoing relationship between us and God, showing how we respond to Him through moments of rebellion and reconciliation.
As we transition into the era of the New Covenant, the Evangelists were also inspired by divine guidance to emphasize the significance of recalling and studying historical events. The Gospel of Luke begins by highlighting the importance of historical accuracy. Luke, the presumed author, widely respected as a physician and thorough historian, demonstrates this through his comprehensive investigation of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the emerging church. It is believed that he conducted interviews with eyewitnesses to verify the accuracy of his account. In the introductory verses of Luke’s Gospel, he states, “Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning. So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know for certain the things you were taught” (Luke 1:1-4 NET).
Luke’s introduction states that Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and the Resurrection are real historical events documented by others before Luke wrote. The spread of information about Jesus took place in the years after His death and resurrection, and early records show that this knowledge was not confined to Jerusalem. Additionally, he mentions that he is recording events that “have been fulfilled among us,” clearly recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. He clearly shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, God’s promise to His people, finally fulfilled. In summary, Luke affirms that he did careful research, thoroughly investigating everything from the beginning to ensure the accuracy of the message.
Luke’s deep understanding of history and Hebrew religious texts underscores the importance of connecting Jesus to the fulfillment of prophecies from centuries earlier. He understood the importance of exploring history’s annals to match what was written with recent events, creating a picture that revealed truths capable of transforming the course of history forever. Recognizing Jesus as who He claimed to be means that His incarnation, death, and resurrection have dramatically reshaped mankind’s ongoing story. Since the Fall in the Garden of Eden, humanity has been estranged from its Creator, bound by the heavy demands of the Law. But through Jesus’ work on the Cross, the price for salvation was paid, opening the door for God’s grace to be freely offered to all who turn to Him through His Son.
The Kingdom of God was brought to earth through Jesus. The core message driving the expansion of this kingdom is—the Gospel of hope, love, and redemption—which has always been central. Jesus’ radical message profoundly changed history. But as Luke’s Gospel reminds us, God never asks anyone to have blind faith; instead, He invites us to examine the facts carefully. As Christians, we are encouraged to do the same. It’s important to study Jesus thoroughly. Countless voices surround us—YouTube channels, documentaries, Hollywood films, and various preachers—all offering different perspectives on who Jesus is and what He did. Most people don’t take the time to investigate on their own, often leading to misunderstandings. In today’s world of misinformation and deception, it’s more vital than ever to seek truth independently. Using the Bible and reputable historical sources, we can better understand who Jesus truly is, what His message is about, and how the Church has understood and interpreted this over time.
It is of no minor importance, though less widely known, that Christianity is a historical religion. A historical religion is a faith with central tenets and truths that necessarily assume the events recalled leading to the formation of these precepts transpired. Either Jesus was exactly who He said He was, or else He was just another in a long line of messiah claimants. Equally pivotal is the belief that Jesus was bodily resurrected from the grave on the third day, as recorded in Scripture, or else it is just a myth, and we have been fraudulently presented with the promise of salvation.
Considering the importance of Jesus’s historicity, nature, and miracles, it is prudent to examine the perspectives of the early church on these subjects. We affirm that Scripture is the authoritative Word of God, an inspired and divinely inspired compilation of texts. External sources are unnecessary for validating its content; instead, Scripture is to be verified by Scripture. Consequently, the motivation for studying the history of the faith should not be driven by external validation. It is advantageous to understand the reasons underlying our beliefs and the development of the doctrine of Scripture. Did the Church Fathers endorse inerrancy and infallibility? What was their stance regarding Christ’s divinity and the Triune nature of God? Would it not be beneficial to comprehend how these beliefs influenced the development of doctrine and theology as the faith expanded through the efforts of the apostles, early evangelists, and the Church Fathers?
As Christianity, or The Way, as the nascent community of believers called itself, evolved from a radical sect of first-century Judaism into an independent faith spreading through the Roman Empire with alarming rapidity, growing pains emerged. That growth was occurring is a testimony to the power of God and the Gospel, as the early Christians faced persecution at every fork in the road.
First, the obedient Jews—those who had been members of the Sanhedrin that conspired to kill Jesus—pursued the new Christian believers with fierce determination. Scripture tells us that one particularly vengeful Pharisee eager to shed Christian blood was Saul of Tarsus—better known as the apostle Paul. Then, after the Roman conquest of ancient Judea and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Christians became the Romans’ new target for persecution. Before the First Jewish Revolt, Jews had protected status within the Empire, including early Christians, who were also considered Jews by Rome. When open hostility towards Jews began in 66 CE, leading to the Temple's destruction and the Diaspora, Christians faced harassment, beatings, imprisonment, and executions for their faith.
Studying church history helps us see the world through the perspective of early followers of Jesus and understand how persecution of various Christian groups, which happened sporadically across the Empire, continued into the fourth century. This persecution played a role in shaping the growth and core beliefs of the faith. All believers need to know that there was not just one unified Christian faith during the church's early years. Only careful study of church history can reveal the true nature of Christianity in the first and second centuries after Jesus’ death.
Many faith communities followed Jesus, each with distinct beliefs about his identity, nature, and the significance of his life, death, and resurrection for salvation. Some groups saw Jesus as something more than man but less than divine; some, like the Ebionites, held on to the Jewish Law, contradictory to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law. Still others debated whether Jesus was even human at all, arguing he only appeared to be flesh and blood – Docetism. For every proto-orthodox church in the first and second centuries, there were an equal number of heterodox, or heretical, communities sitting in opposition.
Ironically, as the standard for orthodoxy was established and the faith spread, gaining ground in the Roman Empire to the point that, after the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, Emperor Constantine converted and paved the way for Christianity to become Rome's official religion, more heresies emerged to challenge the church. Often, the heretical offender wasn’t an outcast rebel leading a separate group from the established church, but a local bishop who had developed controversial and contradictory doctrines.
This was exemplified by a Christian presbyter named Arius, who studied and preached the Word in Alexandria, Egypt, during the third and fourth centuries—coinciding with the emergence of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. Arius formulated a Christological perspective asserting that Jesus was the Son of God, begotten by the Father, a view that diverged significantly from the accepted doctrine that He was begotten or created prior to the beginning of time by God. Consequently, this implied that Jesus did not exist eternally and was not coeternal with God, the Father. Arius’ teachings also opposed the theological doctrines upheld by Homousian (“same in being, same in essence”) Christians, as he proposed a doctrine of the Trinity that depicted the Son as distinct and subordinate to the Father. Arianism thus emerged as the principal competing interpretation of Jesus' divinity alongside Homoousian Christianity throughout much of the fourth century.
Arianism was just one of the major heresies of the early church, along with various Gnostic heresies, that continually troubled the church as it fought against these dangerous, false teachings. Gnosticism shares many characteristics with today’s New Age pseudo-Christianity, which has grown more popular in recent decades. The Gnostics believed that secret knowledge and a “spiritual awakening” would bring salvation, viewing Christ as a cosmic teacher who came to share wisdom with humanity. They often taught that all humans were divine, just like Jesus, and that by striving to learn all of his teachings, one could access that divinity within. It’s very similar to the New Age mumbo-jumbo we hear today. Perhaps the reader can now see that history repeats itself.
Fortunately, with the benefit of hindsight, being informed of past errors and understanding the reasons behind their inaccuracies enables us to be better prepared to address future deviations from accepted orthodoxy within the modern church. The creeds still frequently recited in many contemporary churches, such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed—its revised version—were established as authoritative, concise summaries of orthodox belief designed to counter early heresies, including those concerning the Trinity and the divine nature of Christ. Understanding the history and purpose of these creeds enables the church to remain within the boundaries of orthodoxy today more effectively and to equip our brothers and sisters with a well-established tool for discerning false or misleading teachings. Without awareness of the creeds' history, they are reduced to mere repetitive recitations. Armed with knowledge of theological and doctrinal errors, as well as the church’s responses to them, present-day Christians are in a considerably improved position to identify, challenge, and rectify false teachings currently circulating.
Furthermore, we are better equipped to assess our own doctrines and theological positions to identify potential deviations into heterodoxy. Many individuals have probably held erroneous beliefs, either because they lacked knowledgeable guidance on their spiritual journey or because they were misled by a pastor or evangelist who promulgated unbiblical doctrines. In both scenarios, the fundamental issue resides in ignorance of the church's history, theology, and traditions. A lack of historical awareness risks a recurrence of past mistakes; conversely, an understanding of history provides both a safeguard and an effective tool against corrupted doctrine.
The study of church history, even the study of world history in general, is to study the entire timeline of events that have transpired since the formation of the church following the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah. All of history is God’s history; it is the story of God’s creation, of His people, and how they have both rebelled and reconciled with their God. The works and miracles of Christ did not end in the Bible. They were only the first chapter in a very new saga. God’s people had long been afraid of His retribution and were constantly making overtures to appease Him. They developed strict rules and laws to be adhered to lest they be condemned to the depths of Shaol for their delinquency.
The Law served solely to highlight God’s moral perfection and righteousness, while exposing humanity's sinful and depraved nature. The necessity for salvation became unequivocally evident through the Law. Consequently, Christ was sent to fulfill the Law and offer the salvation it was never intended to provide. With the advent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the establishment of the Body of Christ, His church here on earth, a new era commenced. This era is characterized not by fear of an irate deity but by a chosen people guided by a God of love and mercy. The Gospel, or “Good News” of Jesus Christ, conveys a message of radical love, compassion, hope, and fulfilled promise. This served as the foundation of the new age emerging in the first century, with Christ as the cornerstone. History demonstrates the remarkable spread of the Gospel, which evolved from an insignificant, largely despised community of outcasts into the most influential force and institution in the Western world. The unforeseen proliferation of the faith, commencing with the Apostle Paul’s initial missions to the Gentiles approximately a decade after Christ’s death, represents a profound miracle that exemplifies the might of God. The church initiated the events that ultimately culminated in the establishment of Western Christendom—the progenitor of the world as it is recognized today. It contributed to the creation of universities, hospitals, charitable organizations, magnificent architecture, renowned works of art, and even democracy. Throughout its history, it has offered hope, encouragement, and guidance to successive generations, each leaving their own indelible imprint on the world in numerous ways.
While the history of the church is ultimately a triumphant one, it is also littered with scars and blemishes from the continued assault of evil in this world. Christ’s coming didn’t banish Satan and his minions from this realm – not yet. The same evil spirits that nailed Jesus to the Cross have been active throughout history and, as most of us are keenly aware, are still causing chaos today. The study of church history and the story of man over the past two thousand years reveals the worst of mankind, with the wars, corruption, tyranny, oppression, hatred, deception, genocides, and lies that have dominated the pages of history books. These things remain the primary fuel for newspaper headlines and will continue unabated, even increasing until Christ comes again in His glory.
Church history provides the foundation for our beliefs and explains the traditions we hold. It takes the mystery and confusion out of the doctrine and theology we espouse. It gives us a record of what has worked and what should be avoided. It defines what we have come to accept as the standard tenets of faith, outlines orthodox belief, and, in so doing, provides the best defense against erroneous, dangerous deviations from genuine Christianity. The student of history is presented with precedents throughout the centuries that should be reviewed for the preservation, continuity, and defense of the faith in a world that is increasingly hostile to the church.
We live in the “new Rome,” where we are seeing history repeat itself as Christians once again become persecuted and ridiculed by a society that is more interested in false idols and the allure of worldly pleasures. False teachers are abundant in the church, introducing many different Jesuses and numerous false gospels. From the Prosperity Gospel to the Legalistic Gospel, alongside movements like Christian nationalism, the church is visibly deceived and misled, and Scripture well predicted this. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Tim. 4:1 NET).
We do not have to face these struggles or take on the challenges currently present in the church without guidance or instruction on the best courses of action to succeed. What the church is enduring has been faced by generations of faithful in the past, who left an account of their experiences. Church history is full of wise leaders' good decisions that provide a roadmap for navigating the twists and turns ahead. It also documents men, and more recently women, who gave in to sin and error, offering us valuable examples of what to avoid. The church’s history is a true blessing for our faith and the key to maintaining authentic Christianity. Records of ancient interpretations of the Bible—from the Church Fathers through the Reformation and beyond—affirm that our beliefs are biblical.
The greatest benefit of church history is the visible continuation of God’s redemptive work in the post-New Testament world. Miracles and signs of God’s power, grace, and mercy are evident at every stage. God’s hand can be seen in His people from the founding and growth of the church, through the revolutionary reestablishment and renewal of faith initiated by the Protestant Reformation, to the Great Awakenings that revived and spread the faith across this nation in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Even amid wars and disasters, God’s presence and Christ’s ongoing work are evident in the selfless actions of men and women throughout history. As we explore stories and accounts from decades and centuries past, we see evidence that God continues to transform lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of His faithfulness.
Finally, studying church history connects us to the larger community of faith. When we learn about early apologists like Justin Martyr or read the works of second-century Christian writers like Tertullian, we connect with some of the giants of the faith who laid the groundwork for what we preach today (or should preach). If we trace all the way back to the Apostolic Fathers—the men who began establishing the church’s intellectual and doctrinal foundations in the first and second centuries—we are directly linked to figures like Clement of Rome and Polycarp. Polycarp, a renowned preacher, author, and martyr, was a disciple of John, probably the same John who authored the Gospel of that name. So, to study Polycarp within the context of church history, we are connected through tradition and knowledge to the very men who walked with Jesus.
For individuals interested in broadening their understanding of the past and grounding their faith in tradition, the suggestion is to begin a study of the faith’s history without delay. A good starting point is to choose one event or figure from church history and begin reading, researching, and presenting the findings to start the journey. As you dive deeper into the topic you’re studying, do so mindful of the biblical principles connected with the person or event, and observe how they did or did not adhere to them. Note what impact this subject had on the course of the church’s history. Ask how the lessons learned are relevant to today.
For churches, the present-day church must begin incorporating history into its teaching and worship planning. Small groups can be formed and led by an informed volunteer, or the pastor may choose to give his sermons greater clarity by adding historical context and engaging stories from the church’s past to corroborate the Sunday message. For teachers and educators in the church, this is your place to serve and minister to Christ’s Body. Take the expertise and knowledge you have accumulated and make history a living part of your ministry.
In conclusion, church history is much more than a mere chronological record of events; it is a vibrant and living testament to God's ongoing work and presence in our world today. By actively deepening our understanding of this rich history, we can unlock greater clarity and purpose in our current faith journeys, constantly reminded of Christ’s enduring presence and influence across the centuries. Embracing and studying the story of the church is vital—it acts as the foundational element that anchors and shapes our faith, informs our theology, and energizes our ministry efforts. Finally, it binds us to a global and timeless family in Christ, inspiring us to carry forward the legacy of faith with renewed passion, hope, and commitment.