FAQ's
Frequently (more or less) Asked Questions
What is the mission statement of this website?
ABOUT THE EDITOR:
Who is the editor?
What is the editor's philosophical approach to history?
What is the editor's religious background?
What viewpoints on soteriology and eschatology does the
editor hold?
ABOUT THE CONTENT:
How does this site treat Israel?
Doesn't the advocacy of a Biblical worldview preclude accurate
educational benefit?
Does this site degrade certain religions, Christian denominations,
or political parties?
What does it mean, "this site solicits content from
participants"?
Is Chicago citation predominately required in student research
papers by history professors?
ABOUT ADVANCED PLACEMENT:
What is the Advanced Placement World History Exam?
What are the limitations in teaching to the Advanced Placement
Course Description?
How many colleges accept AP grades?
ABOUT MONEY:
What is the deal with the advertising sponsors?
How are donations used?
What is the mission statement?
The purpose of this website is to support the education of evangelical students
living around the world. Primary activities include on line educational resources
in world history and assisting teachers of missionary children.
Who is the editor?
Mr. N. holds a masters degree from Western Oregon University and is state certified
in secondary social studies and technology education. He has taught US History and AP World History for several years. Mr. N. volunteered a year teaching missionary
kids in S. America in 2001-02. In 2005 he resigned from 14 years of teaching
in US public schools to be a teacher of children of missionaries in Europe.
He has visited or lived in over thirty countries. [Due to Muslim anger over
this website's presentation of Islam, Mr. N. is content not to use his full
name anywhere on this site. However, bits of his bewildering biography
are online which may divert (the oxymoron of) terrorist intelligence.]
What is the editor's philosophical approach to
history?
He maintains a Christian Worldview in the interpretation of historical data.
For a more detailed account see, "History from
a Biblical Perspective".
What is the editor's religious background?
One of his grandfathers served for decades as a deacon in a Southern Baptist
Church and the other served as a Methodist preacher for over 60 years (and this
preacher was the grandson of both Methodist and Baptist preachers). The editor's
parents trained him up in the way of the Lord which included church attendance
about three times a week for his first 18 years. However, he considers this
background mere rubbish compared to gaining Christ, the forgiveness of sin,
and the freedom from self-imposed righteousness (Phil. 3:7-8). His main fellowship
(Heb.10:25) has been at a Calvary
Chapel.
What viewpoints on soteriology and eschatology
does the editor hold?
The specific request was: "I would like to hear your understanding of the
theological topics that relate to history (e.g., Dispensational, Covenant, and
single promise-plan theology; Preterism, Futurism and the various millennial
views; Calvinism and Armenianism), since these are the areas you would have
to be comfortable with to evaluate history from a truly biblical perspective."
Unfortunately, this has not been a more frequently asked question. The purpose
of this website is more in looking back to point out the effects of Christianity,
atheism and humanism rather than looking forward within a certain eschatological
framework. Yet the interpretation of historical events places one in the precarious
position of being bias towards a position on the end times. There is an academic
and biblical responsibility to rightly discern the fulfillment of prophecy and
to avoid putting our omnipotent, omniscient God in a (Dispensational, Armenian,
Premillenial, etc.) box. There is an enormous responsibility to provide truth
and avoid having a millstone tied around one’s neck for leading a young
mind astray. Where there is reasoned debate among protestant evangelicals, students
are encouraged to seek out the scriptures in order to be persuaded in their
own mind, yet be respectfully tolerant when disagreeing with other Bible believing
Christians in order to maintain the bonds of love and unity in the central issues
of faith. Tolerance permits freedom of disagreement among Acts 17 "Bereans".
Essays on this website assume the inerrancy of the Bible as the only basis for
judgment. More details can be assessed in the Biblical
view of History article.
How does the editor treat Israel?
Students are challenged to find out how world events have effected Jewish populations.
This is not done under the guise of supporting or precluding an eschatological
position. If Israel is no longer of theological consequence, as some Christians
believe, then it would be reasonable to place no special emphasis on Jewish
history after the first century. However, if Israel remains blinded to Yeshua
(Jesus) “until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in” (Rom 11),
and that time has not yet come, then it is reasonable to give special attention
to Israel in a course of World History in Biblical Perspective.
According to http://heartofwisdom.com/replacement%20theology.htm (link broken):
"Modern Gentile Christian theology teaches one of two approaches in dealing
with the relationship between Gentile Christianity and the Israel of God. The
older and better known is generally called replacement or covenant theology
and has resurfaced today as kingdom now or dominionism; reconstructionism, and
in England, restorationism. Under any name, it has persuaded Gentile Christians
to believe they are the NEW or TRUE Israel, having replaced OLD Israel as God's
people."
Because this world history course is inclusive rather than exclusive of Israel in its potential for having continued theological importance, this course does not support the doctrine of Reconstructionism or "Replacement Theology" as taught by Dr. R.J. Rushdoony and others. Replacement theology tends to propagate anti-semitic attitudes and is has little Biblical support.
Chuck Missler comments about Amillennialism:
"The Old Testament is replete with commitments for a literal Messiah ultimately
ruling the world through Israel from His throne in Jerusalem. There are at least
1,845 references in the Old Testament and 17 books give prominence to the event.
There are at least 318 references in 216 chapters of the New Testament and 23
of its 27 books give prominence to the event. The early church looked longingly
for His promised return as their "Blessed Hope" to rid their desperate
world of its evil rulers."
Romans Chapter 11: 1, 17-27
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For
I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. ....17
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree,
wert graffed in among them and with them partakest of the root and fatness of
the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest
not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken
off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken
off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear; For if God spared
not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.Behold therefore
the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut
off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in:
for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive
tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good
olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed
into their own olive tree;For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant
of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness;
in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be
come in. ; And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There
shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:For
this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
Doesn't the advocacy of a Biblical worldview preclude
accurate educational benefit?
Opinions expressed are supported by fair exposition of pertinent facts which
permit the reader to form their own viewpoint on the subject of an essay. Objective
evaluation of truth is more obtainable without emotional distortions.
Do these essays degrade certain religions, Christian
denominations, or political parties?
History in Biblical perspective makes an analysis of events through the filter
of "sola scriptura". This fundamental critique is made to encourage a world
view that comes from having a personal relationship with Christ Jesus through
the power of the Holy Spirit. To test all things in the light of God's Word
will make us uncomfortable at times as if our marrow is being cut out of our
bones (Hebrews 4:11-13). This surgery is necessary whether one is Roman Catholic,
Protestant, Mormon, Buddhist, Democrat, Republican, Capitalist, Communist, or
whoever. God's gift to humanity is salvation through Jesus, as written in His
inerrant word. Only God is our judge as only He knows our hearts.
True religion is worthy of respect. Religions that contradict truth are not worthy of respect. For example, this website does not respect widow burning and temple prostitution of Hinduism. Likewise, the cannibalism practiced by the Aztecs, the child sacrifices made to Baal, and a religion that promises 70 virgins to those who blow up a school bus of children, would also not be worthy of respect. However, as Christ died for us while we were sinners at enmity with God, so Christ's ambassadors are to demonstrate sacrificial love to all, in hope that practitioners of all religions would turn instead to The Way, Christ Himself.
In a related question, was Bush correct when he stated of Muslims and Christians, "I believe we worship the same God"? For the answer we look to John 8:42-47 where Jesus explains to the Jewish religious leaders, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
According to Jesus, since the Jews (and Muslims or whoever) do not believe in the risen Jesus, then Satan rather than God is their Father. Jesus is the Word (John 1:1) sent to us (Hebrews 1:2). Arab Christians call God "Allah". Spanish Christians call God "Dios". What matters is our response to Jesus, in whatever language He is known. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Ac 4:12) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (Php 2:10). His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.(Ps 72:17) "and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Lu 24:47).
What does it mean, "this site solicits content
from participants"?
This website seeks quality essays to supplement its existing content. Work submitted
might undergo extensive editing before
and after being placed on line. For this reason, authors remain anonymous under
the pseudonym of Rit Nosotro. One of the primary
goals of this undertaking is to educate the world of the spiritual truths revealed
in history. Students are to approach everything they do, in word or deed, to
glorify Christ. Assignments are ministry opportunities to provide readers with
an honest interpretation of the data and share a Biblical worldview that sees
God's hand in the history of individuals and nations. Readers may also submit
links to other articles that support that worldview.
Having this worldview encourages students you to meet the challenges of research and plowing through endless articles as they learn to do the work of a historian. By participating in this ministry with the attitude that it is "more blessed to give than to receive", students receive more than what they are able to offer. The long term goal of this website is to continue to be a free service to the homeschool community.
Is Chicago citation predominately required in student
research papers by history professors?
Mr. N. asked this question to several history departments. Here was a typical
answer: "Here at [George] Fox, and as far as I know at other places as
well, history departments are maintaining the front against the MLA format.
In some cases, such as my own, we are doing so with extreme prejudice. Any serious
journal or academic publisher still requires the Chicago format. Thanks for
the question." Therefore, Chicago style (Turabian) citation is preferred
on works submitted to this website
What is the Advanced Placement World History Exam?
The exam is administered by the "College Board" each May. It consists
of 70 multiple choice and 3 essay questions. Here are some preparation
tips. Students preparing for the advanced placement exam will benefit from the content
on this web site.
What are the limitations in teaching to the Advanced
Placement Course Description?
Teaching to the structure of the course description of the College Board allows
the immensity of world history to be focused in its scope and sequence. However,
a careful appraisal
of World History content reveals that a dangerous brainwashing is sweeping
through America's public highschools. Maintaining a Biblical perspective in
all aspects of world history is the primary goal of this website. Therefore,
the historical Judeo-Christian influence will still be the overriding mind set
despite the discrimination against Christians, e.g., anti-Christian
bias of the University of California system, and public
school promotion of Islam (also, http://www.historytextbooks.org/islam.htm).
Students are cautioned against the
drive toward multiculturalism and the politically correct tendency to discard
white males (particularly Christian) that were once part of world history textbooks.
For example, today's typical World History course fondly indoctrinates youth
that DWEEM (PC-speak for "dead white evil European males") slaughtered noble Native American Indians. Another twist found in World History
textbooks is the promotion of the ecumenical Enlightenment period over the divisive
Reformation in order to push the writer's agenda of favoring a one world government.
The CollegeBoard hints at its political goal by basing the course around three "Habits of Mind", one of which is, "Being aware of human communalities and diversities while assessing claims of universal standards, and understanding contextually diverse ideas and values in historic context."The AP World History "habits of mind" contains a regurgitated version of the 1970s "values clarification", now known as post-modern moral relativism. Multiculturalism is good when it reveals the need for the transforming power of the Christian gospel and encourages missionaries to teach about Jesus Christ. Multiculturalism is bad when the appreciation for cultural diversity includes the toleration of sin. Multiculturalism is nearly always promoted at the expense of Christian claims to have absolute truth.
Historians deprecate moral absolutes in favor of cultural relativism. Professor Hedrick of Univ. of Cal. in Santa Cruz, admits that modern teachers of world history lack the "ethical spine to stand up and be a force for good in the world" since for them "world history is amoral and hence immoral". University History departments erode moral character as liberal academia slander the ideals of Western civilization.
The CollegeBoard follows the decades old goal of the National Education Association when they stated, "we set about to change the course of American education for the 21st century by embracing the ideals of global community, the equality and interdependence of all peoples and nations, and education as a tool to bring about world peace." Both the CB and NEA are well aware that the biggest threat to ecumenism are the doctrines of evangelical Christianity, e.g., those that reject Jesus Christ as Savior are damned to hell.
This website is not limited by the political agenda and secular assumptions of the College Board. (but is limited by Biblical standards of academic excellence.)
How many colleges accept AP grades?
More than 90 percent of the colleges and universities in the United States and
Canada, as well as colleges and universities in about 20 other countries, have
a policy granting incoming students credit, placement, or both, for qualifying
AP Exam grades. Typically, community colleges grant credit for a score of a
"3" but some "ivy league" universities may require a "5".
Colleges also vary on how much credit they grant for an acceptable score. Some
equate a passing exam with a full year course while others may grant a semester
or only a quarter of credit. For example, in 2005, Scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the
WHAP earned 8 credit hours (HIST 105, 106) at the University of Oregon for a
savings of $1,259.00. Find
your college through the College Board.
What is the deal with the advertising sponsors?
This was an advertising free zone for its first three years until
Mr. N. left 15 years of lucrative public school teaching in order to be a volunteer
teacher at a school for children of evangelical missionaries outside the USA.
With apologies to our visitors, advertisers
do help pay the bills - but we encourage you to visit the sponsors only if you
are truly interested in their advertisement. Please let us know if inappropriate
ads are displayed in the sponsor controlled rotation.
How are donations used?
All revenue generated, whether accumulated through tuitions, donations, or advertising,
goes to carry out the mission statement. An itemized financial statement (Fiscal
Year End = June 30) is available to participants of that mission.