Civic Engagement Essay

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With the United States pushing students towards degrees in science, math, and technology, a degree in history can appear to be obsolete to some. However, the study of history doesn’t just teach students about events, dates, and names, but it helps to develop certain characteristics in students that not all fields of study are able to do. Throughout my study of history at College of the Ozarks, I have learned the necessity of civic engagement in society, as well as gained a deeper understanding and the importance of American ideals, including freedom and democracy, as well as the Christian virtues of selflessness and empathy. First, by studying history, an individual learns the importance and necessity of upholding American ideals. The nation needs educated citizens to make informed decisions about important issues, as well as continue on with the values and traditions of democracy and freedom the country was originally founded on. The Republic was built and sustained because of educated and active participants who desired a common good. However, the nation has begun to lose the founding fathers’ original vision and desire …show more content…

Through the study of history, we are able to understand the brokenness of the world and that human beings are flawed. Furthermore, the imago Dei is the idea that humans are created in the image of God, and therefore have dignity and worth. Therefore, the study of history reinforces the belief that all life is precious, and no matter what choices or actions people make, all are made in God’s image and thus have value and deserve the opportunity to have their story told. So, the study of history develops Christian faith by reinforcing the notion that all are created and belong to God, and therefore everyone, past, present, and future is important and worth getting to

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