What important historical events can you see illustrated in this slide ?

• To identify events in which God has changed the course of history

• To evaluate whether history is a good way of knowing God

Knowing God through History• How could we tell if God has had a

hand in guiding a historical event ?• What could we learn about God

if God did interfere in history?

Describe a time in your life, or in the life of someone you know, where God might have had a hand in “guiding their history”.

1. Read the “historical coincidences”. 2. Sort them into groups: a. Events that show God IS acting in human history for our

goodb. Events that show God MIGHT be acting in history, but could

be coincidence/ luckc. Events that show God is NOT acting, or are unlucky accidents

3. Overall, do you think God does act in most historical events or not? Explain with PEE.-Your simple answer to this question-PEE for one example that supports this idea. - PEE for one example that suggests God just lets us get on with

our own lives, however bad we are.- Conclusion – what does your evidence prove overall? Does God

act in most historical events or not?*** Is looking at history a useful way of seeing God at work? Explain.

Point: Overall, I think that..Ev: One example of when God did act in history is..Ex: This example shows that..

Pt: However, there are time when God does not act in history. Ev: One example is..Ex: This example shows that..

Draw footprints, & lable them with all the events in history when God acted in a clear way to change the course of history. **What was God’s interference meant to achieve in all these cases ?

Birth of Jesus

Call of Moses

Call and Promise to Abraham & his descendants

Constantine’s vision

Conversion of St Paul, whose preaching helped people understand Jesus, so believe in Him

Is looking at history in general a good way of knowing God as a loving Father?