We need a biblical view of American history

(RNS) —  As students prepare to return to school, parents, teachers and politicians are arguing over the teaching of American history.

On one side are those who feel students should learn only the positive things about our nation. Those who push a positive presentation of our history believe that it promotes patriotism and love of country. Students who take pride in their country become good citizens, good workers and good soldiers. Inculcating students with a positive view of history promotes harmony and protects the status quo. Those who sacrifice themselves for the nation are considered heroes. Stress on the negative, in this view, breeds cynicism, disrespect for authority and civil unrest.

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Traditionally, emphasizing the positive has been the pattern in national histories all over the world. A unified common story unites people of various economic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Public schools are used not only to spread literacy but also to unite people in a common understanding of who they are.

In this approach to teaching history, every nation sees itself as exceptional, as better and more…