QUESTIONS ON "WHY HISTORY MATTERS" VIDEO LESSON:

• Why is it so important for Christians to remember the “former times”—particularly the founding roots of America?

• How has America changed in your lifetime? What do we accept as “normal” and “acceptable” what was once “abnormal” and “unacceptable?” What have we lost that was once common and traditional? Why do you think we lost these traditions?

• How do you feel when you hear how textbook writers and historians with agendas have altered the true story of America for “economic” or “secular” reasons? Should that fact concern us? Why or why not?

• The desire to end slavery was a major reason we declared independence from Britain. Thomas Jefferson wanted a statement to that effect in the Declaration of Independence and yet opposition by southern slave states forced a deletion of Jefferson’s conviction. When you consider this historic fact, how does it make you feel? Why didn’t the majority of the states simply overrule the opposition (most states were abolitionist originally)?

• The number one reason for “independence” was the propagation of the gospel. And yet many history books today state the reason various colonies chartered were for economic reasons (gold, land, etc.). If the truth is really a more “Christian” reason, why would America want to forget such an idea?

• Forty-five percent of evangelicals, according to election surveys, vote for candidates based upon their economic policies rather than their morality, integrity and character. Does a candidate’s morality matter if he or she can keep America financially prosperous and solvent? Explain.