CSTU101
Circular Versus Linear History Assignment
Kimberly Barber, L34620003
Liberty University
CSTU101_D02_202420 – Western Culture
Professor Dennis Rawls
CSTU101
Introduction
The Early Greeks’ cyclical view and the Christian linear view are quite different. In this
paper, I am going to tell you three differences: cyclical view, naturalism, and Christian view. To
me, only one of them makes any logical sense or provides me with an answer.
Cyclical View
The Early Greeks believed in the cyclical view. This means the belief that the world was
just a cycle of life restarting as one ended. They believed there was no beginning, that we were
just here repeating and starting over nothing new was to come. As stated in Understanding the
Day of the Lord, they believed they were basically chasing their own tail. Another word used to
describe cyclical view is newism also known as reincarnation.
Naturalism
Most of today’s world considers themselves as naturalists. Also known as an atheist.
They believe that human life is linear. There is no end that the world is moving into nothingness.
That we do not have a purpose on the earth. As stated in Understanding the Day of the Lord, “We
aren’t going in circles, we’re going in a straight line, but the straight line is going nowhere. There
is no end to the straight line; there is no goal; everything is meaningless.”. (1.)
Christian View
The Christian view is so much more logical to me. God created the world and all creation
with a purpose. We are telling and living a story he has already planned and foreseen. The world
has a beginning as well as an end. There is one central figure in a Christian View. His name is
Jesus Christ. He is a story of life, death, and resurrection. Prophets told of him long before he
CSTU101
was born. The Bible states he came in humility and when he returns, he is coming back to reign
and condemn. This will be called and is known as the “Day of the Lord”. The final judgment also
known as cataclysmic judgment, will fall on all who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord
and Savior, as well as repenting of their sins. The Bible states in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, “Now,
brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very
well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace
and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman and
they will not escape.” Not a soul will know when Jesus is going to return. But it does say one day
in Heaven is one thousand days on earth. So, I feel that day is drawing near. The end of days is
playing out just as described in the book of Revelations right before our very eyes. So, our
Christian view is there is an end, and it will be a glorious end for those who have given their
hearts to Christ.
Conclusion
When looking at the differences in these three views, it is really hard to compare them. To
me, only one of them makes any sense. The cyclical view does not change or move forward. We
are not in a roundabout life cycle. Naturalism says we have no beginning or end and have
absolutely no meaning on this beautiful earth we call our temporary home. However, the
Christian view makes very logical sense! Someone had to have created this wonderful place!
God created the world, and it was good! We have an end in our heavenly home! All you have to
do to get there is accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and let him come into your life.
CSTU101
References
1. Sermons. (2018). Understanding the Day of the Lord, Part 1. Grace to You
Understanding the Day of the Lord, Part 1 (gty.org)
2. Jackson, D. (2020). The Bible. New International Version.
