Once upon a time, theology, the study of God, was considered the queen of all disciplines. Of course, nothing is more important in life than cultivating an understanding of and a relationship with God. So, I believe in the preeminent importance of theology. A lifelong study of God helps us understand our purpose in life, God's grace offered through Jesus Christ, and how we are to live with others, among other things. John Adams, America's second president, observed that American democracy would not long endure unless its citizens were marked by the selfless love for God and neighbor that come to those who have genuinely surrendered to the God known in Jesus Christ. I think that he was right and I believe that whether its importance is appreciated today or not.
But if theology is most important for us to study, second in importance, it seems to me, is the equally neglected discipline of History. People without an understanding of History operate in an anchorless vacuum. To be responsilble citizens, parents, neighbors, or human beings, it is simply imperative that people know about History. Jefferson spoke of this and convinced the young American Republic to make public education, including a strong commitment to civic education, a feature of our national life. Ronald Reagan, I noted today as C-Span aired his presidential farewell address of January 11, 1989, spoke of how important History and civic education are.
So, on the eve of the sixtieth anniversary of D-Day, I want to recommend a great book that families can read together. It's one I read to my own family a few years ago. Citizen Soldiers, written by the late historian and biographer, Stephen Ambrose, tells the story of the soldier's war in Europe. I guarantee you that when you read it, there will be times when it moves you to tears and it will demonstrate how American democracy gave our fighting forces a leg-up in facing down tyranny during the Second World War.
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