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Critical History

Why Is It Called Critical History?

Much of the history we learn today is slanted and presents the opinions and wishful thinking of someone else, rather than documented history. Analysis, opinions, and editorials have their place and you will find them on this site, but remember that they never replace or change facts.

All too often, the recording and presentation of history is overly emotional and subjective. Often the author, teacher, historian, presents what they think should have happened or what they would like to have happened. But that is not how history works.

As Historian Philip Schaff wrote, The purpose of the historian is not to construct a history from preconceived notions and to adjust it to his own liking, but to reproduce it from the best evidence and to let it speak for itself.

(Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, 1962, Volume 1, Page 175; quoted by Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1979, Page 9.)

I try to go to original source documents and the oldest accounts available as much as possible. Whether pretty or ugly, whether I like it or not, I try to do my very best to find and present the best, most accurate history I can.

Historian Ethelbert Stauffer said this, What do we [as historians] do when we experience surprises which run counter to all our expectations, perhaps all our convictions and even our period's whole understanding of truth? We say as one great historian used to say in such instances: 'It is surely possible.' And why not? For the critical historian nothing is impossible.  (emphasis added)

(Ethelbert Stauffer; quoted by John Warwick Montgomery, History and Christianity, 1972, Page 76; quoted by Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1979, Page 9.)

The facts should guide our opinions, not the other way around.

A Warning and A Request

You may not like some of the historical information that you will read on this site. Sometimes I do not like the brutal truth that is often history. However, the information that you will find here is, to the best of my knowledge and research, true and factual. If you discover that I have verifiably erred, please send me the documentation. Your information will be duly considered and my information will be corrected appropriately. It is my desire to be as accurate as possible, so documented corrections are eagerly welcomed.

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