Learning History through Christian Role Models
Learning history through Christian role models is an important part of our educational journey. It’s a great way to build character and provide positive examples for our children to follow.
Learning History through Christian Role Models
We recently had the opportunity to read Eternity through the Rearview Mirror: How Simple Faith Changes Everything — Seventeen Extraordinary Lives by Annette Hubbell. It’s a living history book that details the stories of seventeen men and women who changed the world by living out their faith.
As the author says —
The seventeen world changers in this book all had something in common: they publicly acknowledged God as the source of their accomplishments. The lives of these ‘greats’ illustrate that anything is possible alongside the power of God. Many of these seventeen are not well-known, but they should all be remembered, for they can inspire us, motivate us, and remind us that with God, anything is possible. They’re great role models!
Who are the Christian role models included in the book?
- Galileo Galilei
- J. S. Bach
- John Newton
- Elizabeth Fry
- Sojourner Truth
- Abraham Lincoln
- Harriet Beecher Stowe
- Harriet Tubman
- George Washington Carver
- Amy Carmichael
- Mary McLeod Bethune
- Aimee Semple McPherson
- Corrie ten Boom
- C. S. Lewis
- Gladys Aylward
- Louie Zamperini
- Johnny Cash
You’ll notice that this covers quite a wide range of history and life circumstances. I’m also glad to note that nine of the featured role models are women, including women of color. I appreciate that kind of diversity when teaching my daughters that there is no such thing as a stereotypical Christian. God can and does use anyone who will come to Him with faith.
Our favorite stories included Gladys Aylward, Mary McLeod Bethune, and C.S. Lewis. I’ve admired Gladys Aylward’s courage since I first saw the movie adaptation of her life, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness starring Ingrid Bergman, when I was ten years old. My daughters and I have studied her before and her accomplishments on sheer faith and perseverance never cease to amaze us. {Keep in mind they take some creative liberties with the movie if you watch it.}
Mary McLeod Bethune is one of the women in history we’ve studied previously and C.S. Lewis is one of our favorite authors.
Unique Format
Eternity through the Rearview Mirror offers an original perspective. Unlike other books we’ve read on Christian history, each story in this book is written from a first person point of view. This makes each narrative feel very conversational and lively.
The stories themselves are only about 4,000 words, making it easy to pick up and read a few in one sitting. I didn’t want to put it down once I started reading. It’s an enjoyable anthology!
At the end of each narrative, the author includes several relevant Bible verses. There are also footnotes for further reference and research. Each chapter could easily be turned into a notebooking project or biographical report for homeschooling.
The last chapter encourages the reader to consider how he or she can also become a strong Christian role model and live out their faith. This is the life application part of the character building lessons in the book.
Living History Book
I think the book is appropriate for ages 12 and up. Middle and high school age can easily read it on their own, or you could consider making it a family read-aloud and add it to your morning basket time. It would also make an excellent graduation gift.
Living history books are a favorite part of our homeschool studies. Using those living books to learn more about Christian role models throughout history is foundational for us. Eternity through the Rearview Mirror has given us another interesting way to do that.
Giveaway
10 winners will receive both paperback and Kindle formats. Paperback valid only for US addresses. The purchase price will be refunded, if desired, of a winner who previously purchased the book from the author’s website.
Connect with the Author
Free shipping is available when you purchase the book through the author’s website.
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