why study?

     Why do we study history? No, seriously, why? If you ever want to know anything, just Google it. So why do I have to memorize all these key facts, dates and events. And why in the world do I have to know the details of a dead guy’s life? Why is the study and memorization aspect of history necessary in the an age where news travels the world in a matter of seconds and a Flash Drive the size of eraser can hold a small library of information? It is necessary, not because the information is not available, not because information is no longer credible, but because the information is no longer complete.
     Often, the argument is made that we must know the facts because the information we have is no longer credible. If all information is no longer credible, then we can’t even believe our school textbooks. Now, this argument is valid to a degree. If you Google a question, read the first website that comes up in your search and then decide you have all the information, you are obviously mistaken. The keyword in that sentence is obvious. Making sure you have at least three different sources on any given piece of information, is a generally accepted rule. In school, there are times when students try to avoid this rule, but the general populace acknowledges the rule, even if they don’t always abide by it.
     The greater concern, is lack of completeness in historical accounts. Faulty information can easily be weeded out with the assistance of mutable sources. Each source’s level of credibility can also be acquired easily in this day of technology. What is not so easily recognized is the omission of certain details in any given historical subject. And this omission of certain details is often used as current historical authors wish to wipe the hand of God out of HIStory. This omission of certain details is used whenever an author seeks to adapt history to suit their own purposes. The memorization of history is necessary because only then can these accounts be questioned.
     I have been seriously blessed with my education. Most of my schooling was lead by my parents. While they certainly presented the information through their own worldview, nothing is truly unbiased, they also made sure that I thoroughly investigated all sides of any given subject and presented my own conclusion based on solid facts. My junior and senior years have been and are being spent at New Covenant Christian School. I have also been blessed by this educational institution. I understand that not everyone has the opportunities I have been presented with, but I hope that everyone will take hold of the opportunities they do have and maintain a desire to know the whole truth and nothing less.