Somebody had to do it...

[Jay-qu]

I could say the same to you boerseun

I like the definition of if its still having an effect on current events then its not quite history yet.

[cwes99_03]

I too enjoy discussing historical events and their effects on current events.

Is there a current events category on this forum. If not, perhaps the history forum would be a good place for it.

But then there is a social sciences forum, which I believe discusses political news and events, so possibly current political events may not be covered.

I think this is why Tormod had such a hard time determining if a History forum was necessary. Perhaps Jayqu is correct. Let's keep things to past events not directly affecting current decisions?

[Panjandrum]

Originally Posted by Jay-qu

I could say the same to you boerseun

I like the definition of if its still having an effect on current events then its not quite history yet.

Then you would reject Nazism as historical? What about christianity? Or writing? Or fire-making?

[cwes99_03]

Let's not go too far. President Bush is still having a direct effect on current events because he is still currently president. We may talk about Bush's election bids, promises, etc. but so long as we aren't looking for current discussion of how those things are going today, or affecting his current activities as president.
President Clinton on the other hand, while still a speaker and an occasional activist is no longer acting president. Therefore, to discuss his presidency would be to discuss history, but to discuss the effect his presidency is having on current events, would be current events.

[Jay-qu]

Originally Posted by Panjandrum

Then you would reject Nazism as historical? What about christianity? Or writing? Or fire-making?

toche panj, ok so there are some exceptions, but thats more the history of writing, it itself evolves over time.

[Qfwfq]

I wouldn't quite call them exceptions though, how about the Roman Empire, Charlemagne and the Middle ages, the French and American revolutions and what led up to them, just to mention prominent things.

I can still remember, back when I was at high school, the teacher starting the subject by explaining why we study it. The answer is simple, understanding history helps to understand who we are and why things are the way they are.

[Pyrotex]

Originally Posted by Qfwfq

I wouldn't quite call them exceptions though, how about the Roman Empire, Charlemagne and the Middle ages, the French and American revolutions and what led up to them, just to mention prominent things.

I can still remember, back when I was at high school, the teacher starting the subject by explaining why we study it. The answer is simple, understanding history helps to understand who we are and why things are the way they are.

History in high school was bland and boring. I think there was too much that "somebody" found offensive, so we were taught the drab bits. History in college was mesmerizing--great teacher--great lectures.

I am particularly fascinated with the way History seems to transmogrify with sudden saltations or "leaps" of new facts and interpretation. For example, the History of Christianity has for centuries suffered from a near total lack of evidence for the origin of that religion, and its first 400 years. First, Constantine took it as his state religion. Then nothing. Suddenly, 400 years later, there was Pope Leo II, on the throne in Rome, issuing bulls and burning pagans. What happened?

Over the last century and a half, a wealth of archeological evidence has emerged. Including the Gnostic Gospels which had nearly been eradicated from the Earth--by the early Roman Church, apparently. A factless and boring story has now become a great mystery and riddle, with piles of evidence and smoking guns!! Fascinating!!

I am well aware that there are millions of people who do NOT like this turn of events.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Pyrotex

History in high school was bland and boring. I think there was too much that "somebody" found offensive, so we were taught the drab bits. History in college was mesmerizing--great teacher--great lectures.

I am particularly fascinated with the way History seems to transmogrify with sudden saltations or "leaps" of new facts and interpretation. For example, the History of Christianity has for centuries suffered from a near total lack of evidence for the origin of that religion, and its first 400 years. First, Constantine took it as his state religion. Then nothing. Suddenly, 400 years later, there was Pope Leo II, on the throne in Rome, issuing bulls and burning pagans. What happened?

Over the last century and a half, a wealth of archeological evidence has emerged. Including the Gnostic Gospels which had nearly been eradicated from the Earth--by the early Roman Church, apparently. A factless and boring story has now become a great mystery and riddle, with piles of evidence and smoking guns!! Fascinating!!

I am well aware that there are millions of people who do NOT like this turn of events.

Constantine the Great did not make Christianity the state religion of Rome during his lifetime, he only put it on an equal footing. In fact, he only converted on his deathbed in 338. He followed his original faith, the pagan, Sol Inviticus cult, throughout his life while financing Christian churches and missions throughout the Empire. Talk about a conflicted ruler. Actually, he used Christianity as a means to better organize the empire. He also murdered one son and that son's mother. Some Christian he was. It was the emperor Theodosious in 392 who made Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire.

[Qfwfq]

Originally Posted by Pyrotex

History in high school was bland and boring. I think there was too much that "somebody" found offensive, so we were taught the drab bits.

Not over here!

[Jay-qu]

Originally Posted by Qfwfq

I wouldn't quite call them exceptions though, how about the Roman Empire, Charlemagne and the Middle ages, the French and American revolutions and what led up to them, just to mention prominent things.

I can still remember, back when I was at high school, the teacher starting the subject by explaining why we study it. The answer is simple, understanding history helps to understand who we are and why things are the way they are.

did a mention of 'to learn from our mistakes' come up? I think thats an important part of history, although it may not be used that way all that often..