Church History Smashes Cultural Lies and Fortifies Your Faith
- Krista Bontrager
- May 24
- 5 min read
Uncover how church history obliterates today’s woke lies in this powerful interview with church historian, Dr. John Wilsey (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary). In this episode, we explore why Christians must care about church history to strengthen their biblical worldview and spot deception. From the Nicene Creed to ancient councils, learn how historical truths expose modern heresies masquerading as "new ideas." We dive into how the early church fought false teachings, the courage of martyrs, and lessons for resisting cultural compromise today. Discover practical ways to use church history for discipleship and protect your faith from emotional or popular arguments.
In tonight’s episode, (thanks to a connection from Dr. Carl Trueman!), we are introduced to Dr. John D. Wilsey, a professor of church history and philosophy at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Wilsey discusses how understanding church history strengthens a biblical worldview, combats heresies, and fosters courage in the face of cultural pressures.
Here are the show highlights:
Q. Why should we care about church history?
Dr. Wilsey emphasizes that everyone inherently loves history, as it connects to personal and communal identity, reflecting God’s design for humans to be conscious of time. Church history, in particular, connects believers to the legacy of salvation history, showing how faith has been preserved and passed down. It provides a sense of continuity and identity, linking modern believers to past generations who contended for the faith (Jude 3). He highlights that humans, unlike animals, mark time and commemorate events, reflecting God’s character as the creator of time.
Q. How does understanding church history strengthen our biblical worldview?
Dr. Wilsey explains that church history grounds believers in God’s character as the Alpha and Omega, sovereign over time and space (Isaiah, Revelation). By studying the progression of the church post-AD 90, believers see how theology and traditions were developed and defended, often through great sacrifice. He references Edmund Burke’s idea of society as a contract between the dead, living, and unborn, emphasizing the stewardship of faith handed down through generations. This historical perspective reinforces a God-centered worldview, countering secular ideologies like Marxism that prioritize power over truth.
Q. How does church history help believers recognize heresy or errors?
Dr. Wilsey points to biographies of historical figures like Athanasius, who courageously opposed Arianism in the 4th century, as examples of standing for truth against error. By studying such figures, believers learn to identify heresies like modalism, which was addressed centuries ago. He notes that modern errors often echo ancient ones, and church history equips believers to discern truth by understanding how past generations confronted falsehood. For example, Athanasius’ stand against Arianism shows the importance of defending core doctrines like Christ’s divinity.
Q. How can creeds safeguard believers in the current cultural moment?
Dr. Wilsey compares creeds to guardrails on a playground, providing boundaries within which believers can exercise theological freedom while staying rooted in truth. The Nicene Creed, for instance, centers the Christian worldview on God as the creator, countering ideologies like Marxism or critical theory that view reality through power dynamics. By starting with God, creeds ensure a robust metaphysical and ethical framework, protecting against cultural lies that prioritize human constructs over divine truth.
Q. How can we think about churches that claim to uphold creeds but also embrace conflicting ideologies like critical theory?
Dr. Wilsey argues that churches claiming to uphold creeds while embracing critical theory are inconsistent, as these frameworks are mutually exclusive. Critical theory, rooted in Marxist historiography, prioritizes changing the world through non-factual narratives (e.g., the 1619 Project), whereas Christianity is grounded in objective truth. He stresses that justice must be rooted in truth, not feelings or power dynamics, and churches embracing critical theory undermine the logical coherence of their faith.
Q. Is critical theory a modern equivalent to ancient heresies?
Yes, Dr. Wilsey affirms that critical theory, particularly critical race theory, mirrors ancient heresies like Manichaeism, which posited an eternal conflict between good and evil. Marxism and critical race theory frame history as an irreconcilable conflict (class or race-based), akin to Manichaeism’s unresolvable dualism. In contrast, Augustine’s City of God presents history as a conflict between the City of God and the City of Man, with a resolution in Christ’s victory. Understanding this historical parallel helps believers see critical theory as a recycled heresy.
Q. Should Christians today write new creeds based on the current culture?
Dr. Wilsey advises against writing new creeds, arguing that existing creeds like the Nicene Creed are timeless and sufficient, having been tested over centuries. He reiterates Burke’s idea of society as a contract across generations, suggesting that Christians should steward the inherited creeds rather than create new ones. These creeds transcend cultural shifts, providing a stable foundation for faith.
Q. What is the difference between creeds and statements like the Nashville Statement, and is there a place for statements?
Dr. Wilsey distinguishes creeds as timeless articulations of core doctrines (e.g., Nicene Creed) from statements like the Nashville Statement, which address specific contemporary issues (e.g., sexuality). Both are grounded in biblical truth, but statements are culturally contextual and may become irrelevant in different eras. He supports the use of statements to clarify biblical positions in specific cultural moments, like the Nashville Statement’s response to modern gender and sexuality debates.
Q. How can pastors and church leaders practically use church history to disciple believers in truth?
Dr. Wilsey suggests pastors provide a biblical rationale for studying history, noting that Scripture (e.g., Proverbs’ call to acquire wisdom) encourages learning from the past. He recommends teaching history as a way to understand the redemption narrative, using examples like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) to show how historical context deepens faith. Pastors can draw on biographies of courageous figures like Blandina, who endured martyrdom, to inspire believers to stand firm. Practical steps include integrating church history into sermons, Sunday school, and small groups to show its relevance to gospel proclamation.
Resources:
Dr. Wilsey's recently released book:
Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer: https://www.amazon.com/Religious-Freedom-Conservative-John-Wilsey/dp/0802881904/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title
Available for pre-order (releasing Feb 2026): God and Country: Upholding Faith, History, and National Identity: https://a.co/d/7gE9lPv
Come visit us at the Women in Apologetics Conference this September in Grapevine, TX! Find all the info here:
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Connect with the Guest:
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:
FB: @john.d.wilsey
Sponsor:
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