What’s History Got to Do With It?
By J. Jeff Toler for Shenandoah Christian Alliance j.toler@sca4christ.org
Both professional and personal obligations have interfered with my regularly scheduled post. God willing, I will have a fresh one for you next week. Today, I am publishing the following edited reprint from March 12, 2025. It seems like that was not so long ago, yet think how much has happened!
- “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” —1 Corinthians 2:12
What do we defend, and what do we promote? Is it possible to promote something simply by being philosophical? Why do Christians use the term apologetics when defending the faith? Must we explain everything as we go—and if so, do we preach doctrine or share our “philosophy”?
These are questions that should give us pause as we speed down the highway of this new road trip that President Trump has set us on. A lot has happened in the past six weeks, and as I write this, now is a good time to stop long enough to catch our breath. It’s time to take stock of it all.
Why this pause matters became clear to me last week. America—and indeed the world—has been made dizzy by the speed of change. Events, actions, and decisions are unfolding at a breakneck pace.
Elon Musk
For example, following recent Senate confirmations, President Trump reminded his Cabinet members that they are in charge of their departments—not Elon Musk. To me, this was a sign of political pragmatism on his part—both refreshing and reassuring.
Make no mistake, not everyone is pleased with the change we’ve experienced. And what do Trump’s critics have to offer? Be honest—very little. As the old expression goes, “They got nothin’.”
For the CBS pundits, President Trump’s joint session speech “signaled a rejection of bi-partisanship.”
Well, you think? Save for all but a small minority of Americans, why then, was it so very favorable? The CBS News poll showed 76% viewers approved of his speech, with only 23% disproving. In this day and age, that is a remarkable majority of people. 51% of those watching identified as Republicans, 27% as independents, and only 20% admitted to being Democrats. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-speech-joint-address-congress-poll-2025/]
Well, you think? Save for a small minority of Americans, why then was the speech so favorably received? A CBS News poll showed that 76% of viewers approved of it, with only 23% disapproving. In this day and age, that’s a remarkable majority. Of those watching, 51% identified as Republicans, 27% as independents, and 20% as Democrats. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-speech-joint-address-congress-poll-2025/
For anyone still able to think objectively, bipartisanship ended long before this speech. Which then raises an obvious question: why have congressional Democrats behaved so poorly, so immaturely? Perhaps because, while they are adults, their minds have not kept pace with their biology. Why else the catcalls and cheap paddles?
Ultimately, it all comes down to what each political party promotes as an agent of governmental authority. Is it philosophy—the ideas they hold to—or doctrine—the demands they impose on others?
I have long been concerned about how conservatism is understood in a world shaped by decades of consistently bad doctrine. Doctrine is not the issue. It’s the flawed ideas that give rise to bad doctrine that are at the root of the problems conservatism aims to expose.
Judging by how congressional Democrats acted on March 4 in the House Chamber of Congress, I don’t believe I have ever witnessed a clearer example of how corrupted our politicians have become. I am far from alone in this estimation.
Donald Trump
Trump’s speech was the longest in modern history: over one hour and thirty-nine minutes, beating Bill Clinton’s record by more than 10 minutes. For the entire time, with one notable exception, not one Democrat applauded, cheered or rose to their feet to signal agreement, appreciation, or enthusiasm. Yet, there were several opportunities they could have done so. Why didn’t they?
The answer is apparent: to a person, they are fully committed to an ideology that will not permit them to evince even the most poignant moments of pride or respect lest they dilute their doctrinal gravitas. In plain terms, they are at some stage of losing their humanity, not to mention their minds over what amounts to bad doctrine. If this shapes their worldview, then in their world there is no room for agreement with another person’s worldview.
What is a Worldview?
What exactly is a Christian, or biblical, world view? This illustration provides what many would agree any worldview ought to answer in the context of a philosophical domain:
Comparing Worldviews
For the committed Progressive Liberal, his ontology is materialistic—no God. It is explained by scientific observation, and relying only on predictive models of the present world. His axiology is vague, allowing only scientific inquiry. His praxiology offers no guide for constructive action. For him, there is only theory and observation as his epistemology.
In time, the scientific worldview, whose origins emerged in the eighteenth century Enlightenment era, evolved into the Societal worldview. Here, ontology is merely shared culture, explained only by the present, and predicted by political forecasts. His axiology is unattainable utopia. The praxiology relies only on political slogans. The society worldview model of epistemology feeds on media sound bites.
For the committed Christian, his worldview is ontologically biblical and explained in the word of God. His prediction holds to the promise of life after death. His axiology is fixed and concrete. His praxiology encourages precise actions—such as, repent and be saved. His epistemology flows from the word of God.
The Final Stages of the Ages
So what do we take away from the stark contrast of the two political party’s leadership that we witnessed in the House Chambers last week? Simply put, worldview matters. One party celebrates hope, accomplishment, and optimism; the other seems angry, pouty, and out of good ideas. I mean, really, paddles?
We are witness to the late stage effects of the secular/societal worldview. The Oscar Awards show is but another example of how even entertainers can be manipulated to promote that worldview. They are not satisfied any to longer merely entertain, so they are not truly thankful to receive the award for doing what they are paid to do.
Sharing Our Worldview Comes With Sharing Our Faith
Between the speeches and the Oscars—which I no longer watch—I got my haircut. As my stylist and I discussed world events, I asked how she was doing, knowing she’s a single mother to a thirteen-year-old boy. That’s when she told me her son needed surgery in three weeks for a spinal defect that doctors had only recently diagnosed. She tried to sound casual, but she was afraid.
As I sat in the chair, our conversation about “worldview” naturally turned to hope and faith. I shared words of encouragement and told her I would be praying for them both. She was touched—and deeply grateful.
Worldview matters, but the Christian worldview matters most when its praxiology inspires specific action. Prayer has the power to bring change, peace, and encouragement. I would ask you to pray for Jackson and his mother, Allie. Even as you pray for this nation.
Update: Jackson’s surgery was a success! He and mom are both doing well. Praise God!
- “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” —Isaiah 40:31
