International (MNN) — There’s a strange trend emerging as the world wrestles with pandemic uncertainty. In the US, Russia, and portions of the Middle East, people are trying to rewrite history by tearing down or changing monuments.
While some call it justice, others voice concern.
“It’s a real danger, not just in ancient history, but in today’s history,” Denise Godwin with International Media Ministries says.
“Yes, bad things have happened. But there are important facts that we need to take forward with us in looking at that history.”
Godwin points to the early Church as an example. In the third century, Arianism posed a lethal threat to Gospel truth. More about that here. “Arius was trying to rewrite history; that rewrite was dangerous to people knowing that they are saved by God’s sacrifice of Jesus on the cross,” she explains.
Thankfully, someone stood up for truth.
St. Anthony of Egypt Driving Away Devils
(Photo, caption courtesy of Metropolitan Museum of Art via Wiimedia Commons)
“Anthony [of Egypt] came out of the desert and stood strong, and he was so famous, they wouldn’t kill him,” Godwin describes.
“Because of this, the Nicene Council happened and defined faith and that Christ was God.”
Listen to the full conversation here.
Know history, or repeat it
Writer-philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Often used in the context of war or politics, the phrase also applies to believers.
There’s plenty to learn from the early Church. Brush up on your Christian history with a new docudrama series from International Media Ministries.
“These historical facts that maybe some of us found really boring at times are teaching us something we don’t want to lose,” Godwin notes.
“We’re so thankful we’re comfortable in the West. But, many people sacrificed to make that possible for us, and it’s important not to forget that.”
Watch the first season of IMM’s Lost Legacy Project on Amazon Prime, or Redeem TV. Help us spread the word by sharing this story on social media.
“Our focus is in Africa, Eurasia, North Africa, and the Middle East, so we’re grateful for people who want to take a look at those and share them and encourage Christians in the US and learn about our Christian history,” Godwin says.
Most importantly, pray. Use the prompts listed alongside this article to guide your intercession.
“Media is being accessed more than ever in more places in the world, and it’s an important time to continue our mission.”
Find more ways to come alongside IMM here.
Header image courtesy MichaelGaida via Pexels.
