Learning Activity: Circular Versus Linear History Assignment
Salena Massie
Liberty University
CSTU101_D14
Prof. Gammon
Due: 11/6/23
The very old Greeks held the Regularly repeating View of History, also known as the View of
History. It was their belief that history followed a regularly repeating approach, much as the four
seasons of the year repeat themselves year after year. According to the Greeks, human power
could not change history; it was simply a re-showing of events. In general, they thought that
history had no purpose or importance. This opinion was supported by some responsible people.
History was written by Herodotus, thought of as the person of history, while the Peloponnesian
War was recorded/talked about in Thucydides' History. Both people had the same conviction that
history constantly (forever) repeated itself and that there was no goal in history.
The Christians' linear interpretation of history was predicated on the notion that it developed in
a linear fashion. According to this perspective, civilizations grow and fall because of God's
decrees, which govern the cosmos. As far as the Christians were concerned, the world was
moving toward a certain goal because of God's purpose for it. According to the article
Understanding the Day of the Lord, Part 1, "Naturalism would say that history really is linear,
and human life is linear." It's traveling in a certain direction; it's not rotating indefinitely
(MacArthur, 2018). This historical perspective was predicated on the notion that history was
moving in a linear fashion and that the same things would not keep happening again and over.
Furthermore, predicated on the notion that God oversaw human destiny and global events was
the linear perspective on history.
To summarize, everyone has the right to think whatever they wish. For my part, though, I like
to hold onto ideas that have a purpose rather than ones that are endlessly repeated and have no
conclusion. Especially when the prize is an eternal victory with serenity. (305)
MacArthur, J. (Dec 2, 2018). Understanding the Day of the Lord, Part 1. Retrieved date, from,
https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/81-29/understanding-the-day-of-the-lord-part-
1Sproul, R. C. (Dec 1, 2009). Moving Toward the Goal of History. Ligonier Ministries.
Retrieved date, from https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/moving-toward-goal-history
