Hi. I am hoping for some help from someone at TOG or any other experienced Tapestry user. I am preparing my teacher notes for week 1. After discussing with the older students the Age of Reason, I want to summarize the impact this thinking had on the American Revolution. I plan to summarize by saying the following, "So while we as Christians recognize the problems inherent in the thinking of this age, it is apparent that God used the political climate of this time to forward his Divine Will (resulting in the American Revolution)." Is this a fair statement? I am really struggling with understanding myself how our founding fathers were influenced for our benefit by this "Age of Folly" as it is describe in the teacher's notes. Also, on a related note. Is it fair to tell the students that theologians are those who devote themselves to the true study of wisdom while philosophers seek wisdom outside of God's Word? That seems to me to be the difference but I want to make sure I am right about that too. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out with these two conclusions. Sheri

Wow, I've been waiting for awhile to see what others would respond, and no one has dared, so I'll take a stab at part of this. I'd like to address the part of your question regarding theologians vs. philosophers. I think I would have to say that that is a misguided characterization, if I am understanding you correctly. Certainly there are many theologians that do not devote themselves to the true study of wisdom. (For example, there are divinity schools that deny the divinity of Christ.) And there are Christian philosophers (http://www.asa3.org/ASA/dialogues/Faith-reason/CRS9-91Plantinga1.html) that tackle philosophical questions while operating from orthodox Christian belief.

I'm very interested to hear what others have to say in this discussion.

Linda

There was thread around the American Revolution in the Year Two history:
http://tapestryofgrace.groupee.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4071049621/m/7961067122

In it the original poster takes a different point of view than you.

I do not believe in a specifically providential view of American history. I believe that God's hand is in all history. If you wish to read more on this there is an excellent book called To Quell the Terror about nuns eventually guillotined during the French Revolution.

I think it is wrong to associate the US with God's City on the Hill. I might note that Augustine also wrote a book on this topic when Rome fell because Christians of his day believed Rome was the city on the hill. The book is called The City of God.