For the Christian, there is a way to make history exciting again. For the Secular Humanist, as it is with everything else, there is no hope. Many have no interest in history because it has become a meaningless collection of facts with dates attached to them. The Christian can escape this trap of meaninglessness by viewing history through the lens of God's providence.
Providence can be defined as the hand of God working in events to glorify himself. When you study the events of history with providence in mind the history book is transformed from a quagmire of meaninglessness into a collection of stories pointing to the character of God. Who doesn't enjoy the stories of the Old Testament, good and bad, that testify to God's superintendence over the events of the Israelites? When viewed as providential acts of Almighty God, post-Biblical history will be just as enjoyable.
Take for instance the story of Tisquantum, known by the Pilgrims as Squanto, the Indian who taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn in New England soil. Before Squanto could help the Pilgrims it was necessary that he first be kidnapped by Captain George Weymouth. In 1605 Captain Weymouth kidnapped Tisquantum and took him to England, where he learned English. That was not the end of God's preparations for the meeting between Squanto and the Pilgrims.
In 1614 Captain John Smith attempted to return him to his people in New England. Once again Tisquantum was stolen, this time by Captain Thomas Hunt, who sold him and 24 other Indians into slavery. This time a group of friars rescued him and taught him the Christian religion.
It took Tisquantum four more years, but he made it back to New England, after spending more time in England as the guest of John Slany. He finally set sail with Captain Thomas Dermer for his homeland. Upon arrival he found that his entire tribe, the Patuxet Indians, had died of a plague. He attached himself to the neighboring Wampanoag tribe, after searching in vain for survivors of his own tribe.
Squanto was now prepared for the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. When they arrived he befriended them and was eventually converted to Christianity. He taught them how to fertilize their crops with fish. He acted as an interpreter between Chief Massasoit and the Pilgrims. Through his efforts a peace agreement was reached between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags that lasted 50 years. Despite his trials, Squanto could say with the patriarch Joseph “you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” God had surely prepared him to act as a key link in the chain that led to the founding of America. The Christian must certainly praise God for his providential hand working in the life of Squanto.
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