Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
HIST-135
18 June 2017
I have always believed that history is an important aspect of our lives. History shows us
the beginning of time, how this world came to be, and the development over time. Without the
knowledge of the past, history would be likely to repeat itself. Today, we have the opportunity to
observe historical artifacts that show us the many different civilizations that came to be over
time. Thus showing us the improvements that were made with each new era. Agreement on
some sort of comfortable falsehood will not do, for without reasonably accurate knowledge of
the past, we cannot expect to accomplish intended results, simply because we will fail to foresee
In asking terrible questions about what life means and the proper ways that we has
humans should understand our place in it, these thinkers have each turned to the past for
examples, suggestions, warnings, and authority (Hodges). In this case, individuals looked
towards their religious beliefs to guide them to learn from the past. In all of the civilizations that
I have learned about, religion has shown to be one of the most important developments. Each of
the civilizations modified their religion, for example, polytheism was first developed which
eventually lead to monotheism. We also see the change of worshipping separate earthly gods to
worshipping the trinity, three Gods in one. Religion has had quite the effect on many significant
people over time. These significant individuals were all apart of shaping their societies based off
For example, Constantine was one of the greatest reigns because of his devotion to
Christianity. During the times of the Roman Empire, many of the battles fought and won during
Caylin Hindle
HIST-135
18 June 2017
the reign of Constantine were dedicated to the Christian God. Constantines adherence to
Christianity was closely associated with his rise to power. He fought the Battle of the Milvian
Bridge in the name of the Christian God, having received instructions in a dream to paint the
Another example would be during the time of the post-Roman world, when King
Chilperic was expanding on Christianity. We see more development of how the trinity was
supposed to be viewed. He explained that the trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, were all
the same people, which brought much controversy to the people. Chilperic states a circular to
the effect that the Holy Trinity was to refer not to distinct persons, but only God. That it's
unseemly for God to be called a person, like a mortal of flesh and blood. He also declared that
the Father is the same as the Son, and the Holy Spirit is the same as the Father and Son
(Freeman).
Not only did Christianity develop, but also a new religion was formed known as Islam.
Islam was born, because of the prophet Muhammad who gained courage to spread his beliefs.
Although, he experience trials like being exiled out of his country, he was able to expand his
religion by word of mouth. Eventually with aid of military warfare and taxing non-Muslims, this
religion became appealing for two main reasons. First starters most religions were forced upon
people like during the Byzantine Empire. When the Byzantine Empire was conquered, people
were open to a new religion because of gaining their rights to religious freedom. Secondly, most
people were poor and could not afford to pay those taxes, which aided the convert to Islam. Most
Caylin Hindle
HIST-135
18 June 2017
people were inspired my Muhammads life of continuous devotion to Islam, that after his death
the expansion of Islam continued. Soon after Muhammad's death, his followers and
companions, many of whom were scholars and teachers, began to collect and codify his
determination and courage to put their religious beliefs first. I have learned a great deal myself of
the development of different religions, and the individuals who put their lives on the line to
transform it over time. It is up to people like me, to continue the expansion of my personal
beliefs to make a better society. Thus, it also means that I cannot force my religious beliefs upon
people as most civilizations did, but learn to be open with them in sharing them in a civilized
manner. Finally, historical narratives offer us stories of humility, courage, wisdom, andmost
importanthope. In essence, history teaches us to move forward, recognize our mistakes and
learn from them, and ultimately create a better existence for all (Postma). Learning about these
particular individuals and how they started or continued the foundation for Christianity and Islam
has shown me that I can continue to show my faith through my actions in life.
Caylin Hindle
HIST-135
18 June 2017
Bibliography
Freeman, Paul. "The Meroyingians." M10 The Meroyingians Transcript. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 June
2017.
Hodges, Blair. "Hodges- Final Essay, On Rhetorical Uses of History to Understand the Present."
Matthews, J.F., and Donald MacGillivray Nicol. "Constantine I." Encyclopdia Britannica.
McNeill, William H. "Why Study History?" Why Study History? (1985) | AHA. N.p., 1985.
Postma, Michael. "What Can History Teach Us Today?" ASCD Express 6.22 - What Can