80 argument; when in reality, Marsden and all true Christians argue that Christianity is exclusively true.13 Now granted, that does not mean that only Christian historians can uncover historical truth, but some Christians have wondered if using this argument gives up too much. Certainly in our examination of the Stout book, we can see where messages that are clearly anti-Christian can be communicated in works written by well-intentioned Christians. As Tom Nettles noted, “A theist who tries to write history as if there were no God, performs as, and presents the world as, an atheist.”14 Even more compelling is the critique of Herbert Schlossberg of those who seek respectability within academia. He wonders if gaining the respect of academic colleagues should even be our goal.15 How do we balance the concept of respectability and having a seat at the table with the biblical imperative for distinctiveness? Where is the line? Romans 12:2 encourages us to think about the importance of distinctiveness. We are to let God’s Word renew our minds so that we can ascertain what the will of God is. The world will seldom respect God’s Word. Christ was reviled as He testified before the Sanhedrin and before Pilate. How often were the apostles thrown out of towns, beaten, and killed because of what they had to say? They did not seem to be pursuing a seat at the table. They seemed to be displaying distinctiveness, even when it was not popular. Most compelling of all is the comment of Bruce Kuklick, a secular historian who is interested in how worldviews impact approaches to history. He noted that if Christians do not have something distinctive to add to the historical conversation, then “they are worthless.”16 Why should he bother reading us? His comment cuts to heart of the matter. It is both compelling and convicting. As a result, at Cedarville we tend to believe there is much to learn from both approaches. We do need to do high-quality work that meets the demands of the field in the areas of proper research methodology and engaging, effective writing style. At times, the quality of the work produced will entice recognition from the broader academic field. That will give us a seat at the table and allow us to be salt and light there. 13 Murray G. Murphey, “Advocacy and Academe,” in Religious Advocacy and American History, edited by Bruce Kuklick and D. G. Hart. William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1997, 67. 14 Quoted by Justin Taylor, “Should Christian Historians Appeal to Providence in Their Interpretations,” Between Two Worlds Blog, December 4, 2014, accessed December 12, 2014, thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2014/12/04/should-christian-historians-appealtoprovidence-in-their-interpretations/. 15 Herbert Schlossberg, “Scientific History in Christian Perspective: A Comment on Mark Noll’s Article,” Fides et Historia 14, (Fall-Winter 1981), 41. 16 Bruce Kuklick, “On Critical History,” in Religious Advocacy and American History, edited by Bruce Kuklick and D. G. Hart. William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1997, 59.
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