We live in an age when history is being re-written, it seems, by the minute. The neo-Marxist theory that is behind the constantly changing, politically-correct view of history, does not care for the factual information of history because they do not believe in objective truth. They say that all we believe to be true is the product of culture. The only people who can step outside the false grip (as they see it) of cultural influences are the few, enlightened elites who have accepted the faith of scientific socialism - Marxism. These modern-day gnostics hold deeply to their atheist-materialist narrative. When the truth or reason contradicts it, they invent facts and rationales to suit them and create a 'history' that corresponds to what they would like it to be. They are afraid of truth and reason and so must destroy adherence to both.
As Christians, our narrative is salvation history and unlike the Marxists and their political allies, in politics, education, and the press (who are either complicit in the deceit or fools who are manipulated by them), our narrative is rooted in the truth, and the facts of history support all that we believe. History may not always be what we would like it to be, but we know that it conforms to the ultimate end that God has for us. Christians, contrary to the way we are portrayed are not afraid of the truth or of reason. We all have an obligation, therefore, to be conversant in those facts of history otherwise it will be forgotten and the revisionists will win. And the history of the Church is at the heart of all history. It is not the whole of history - there is much else that is important to know - but it is a crucial part of the window by which we see and understand who we are and where we are going.
I am grateful, therefore, to Andy Hickman, from the Institute of Catholic Culture for letting me know of a free, semester course on Church History, taught by Dr. John Pepino, who is a professor of Greek, Latin, History, and Patristics at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska. This is the seminary of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP). Registration is open now and until July 9th. Dr. Pepino is a respected scholar and an inspiring teacher. His most recent publication is his translation into English of Yves Chiron's, Annibale Bugnini: Reformer of the Liturgy.
Dr. Pepino's course will cover late antiquity to early modernity. Students will learn about the Roman foundations of Christian civilization, the rise of ecclesiastical institutions in the medieval West, the relationship between Eastern and Western Christianity through this period, the medieval conflict between Christianity and Islam, and the rise of modernity.
You can register to audit the class for free here.
The defaced stature of St Junipera Serra, Los Angeles
