Why Church History Matters Summary

Why Church History Matters Ch. 1-3
Rea opens his book with what any good historian would do, explain the importance of history more specifically church history. Rea explains as humans we have a finite view but we can be objective enough to understand the past so that it can inform the present and improve our future (p. 27). Rea goes on to give one of the historian 's warning that you can bend history to prove your issue or idea just as many often do with any type of data.
I believe Rea is correct, a person must be careful with any form of objective research not to bend the data to prove your point. Rea concludes chapter 1 with this statement, "Our awareness of the emergence of tradition in the past reminds us to be careful in our decisions for current faith and practice, for what we do today could become tomorrow 's tradition s (p. 34)." I believe Rea is correct. The church needs to exam what they claim is tradition so that we are sure that what we do has been passed on from the fore fathers and the Apostles. …show more content…
36). Rea also noted that, "The early Christian believed that both the Scripture and the developing beliefs and practices of the apostolic church were given by the Holy Spirit, who as the source or guarantor of the truth, provided that truth through the apostles (p. 36). With these two statements that Rea issued indicates that the church needs to examine the Scripture and actions of the Apostles to see if these two works function in harmony as the Holy Spirit had