Furthermore, while looking backwards, we should also note that church history enables voices from the past to take part in the conversations of the present. Of course, this does not mean that in our times Christians must say exactly the same things on questions like these or do the same things as previous generations. But it is the height of foolishness not to consult those of our faith and commitment who have had to deal with situations similar to our own. And church history is the discipline that best permits us to have these conversations with the past. But systematic theology tends to ignore the personalities-it abstracts theology from the theologian and emphasizes the truth that is confessed rather than the one who confesses it.
Church history puts flesh on the bones and revels in the personalities.
It does not let us forget that the Church has always consisted of real, flesh and blood people with all of their faults, flaws, and weaknesses-real people who confessed their faith, built their institutions, and put their Christianity into practice at particular times and places. And ultimately, this truth is very encouraging, for it demonstrates that God works to accomplish His good purposes through people like us. He does not let human faults and frailties deter Him from keeping the promises of His Word. Finally, just as stories are more appealing than essays and drama more interesting than lectures, history can move us as well as challenge us, inspire us as well as instruct us. The Christian faith is not just an intellectual system, but a way of life that derives from particular historical events.