Is History Really That Important?

How many of us have said this studying History throughout the school years? “Why must I learn this?” “How does this help me?” and the list goes on. I am certainly guilty. Besides the tediousness of the subject, it is probably one of the most, if not the most, important subject. Why? Well, there are many reasons. How many have heard the phrase “History repeats itself”? If you never have before, now you have! It is very true however as one can see how even in the past century the governments have tried again and again to dominate the people. They wanted to take the education to make the people ignorant so that they would not rise against them. We’ve seen it happen in Russia, France, Germany…etc. The infamous Napoleon wanted to control the education to take away the Church’s influence on the people and to make the people accepting of the revolutionary ideology. Hitler later used the same strategy. If the people do not know history, they are ignorant of this and are dangerously liable to losing their freedom.

Another important reason for history is that culture develops over many many years and without history, no one would know the origin of their traditions. Perhaps nowadays when people are ignorant of their history, that is why our culture is diminishing as most people care about frivolous things such as playing video games or who went to Starbucks.

But, why is history SO important? Well, going back to the first point where the governments wanted to take control, what were the agendas? Yes, they were godless and the leaders wanted to eliminate God from society. Think about the word ‘history’ itself. Break it down. It is “His story”. All of history revolves around Jesus Christ. In the very beginning there is no other history than God’s creation of the earth. Everything else that has happened revolves around Christ’s redeeming plan. Without history, there is no tradition and there is no faith. It is certainly an evil plan to take away history in order to try to defeat Catholicism. Without history, we would not know the story of how God, out of His infinite love, justice, and mercy, completed the most redeeming act of love.

This is why we must preserve history and cherish it, with all the good that has happened, and all the evil as well. To honor the good, and to learn from the bad, and most especially, to know God better through his teachings and his beautiful and bittersweet sacrifice. 

With Memorial Day this weekend, it is just another addition to this list. How many nowadays celebrate to remember the fallen or just celebrate because they have the day off of school and have another reason to party? Maybe a good way to celebrate this memorial day would be to go to a cemetery and  find the tombstones of those who have served in our military and say a prayer for their souls and just remember their sacrifice for your freedoms. If you serve in the military, then I thank you with a sincere gratitude and God bless you indeed!

Rosalina

(One of my favorite stories in history is the story of the "Star Spangled Banner". Do you know the history of the song? If not, you can watch this video which is so beautifully narrated! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaxGNQE5ZLA)