“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana
History is a treasure trove of lessons, insights, and warnings. While not all atheists misunderstand historical events or their significance, some atheists make critical errors when addressing historical topics, particularly when attempting to critique religion or theism. Below are 15 common mistakes and how they fail to hold up under scrutiny.
1. Christianity Suppressed Knowledge During the “Dark Ages”
Many atheists argue that Christianity plunged Europe into intellectual darkness during the “Dark Ages.” However, this oversimplified narrative ignores the Church’s role in preserving and advancing knowledge during this period.
Medieval monasteries preserved classical works, and Christian scholars like Thomas Aquinas and Augustine integrated faith and reason. Historian Rodney Stark writes, “The so-called ‘Dark Ages’ were, in fact, an era of remarkable technological and intellectual progress.”¹
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Christianity stifled progress for centuries.”
- Response: The “Dark Ages” misnomer ignores the Church’s contributions to education, science, and the preservation of classical knowledge, laying the groundwork for the Renaissance.
¹ Rodney Stark, The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success (New York: Random House, 2005).
2. The Crusades Were Purely About Religious Intolerance
Atheists often portray the Crusades as unprovoked acts of Christian aggression, but this narrative ignores the historical context. The Crusades were primarily defensive wars in response to centuries of Islamic expansion into formerly Christian territories.
Historian Thomas Madden states, “The Crusades were not the brainchild of fanatical churchmen, but a response to over 400 years of conquests in which Muslims had captured two-thirds of the Christian world.”²
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “The Crusades were unjustifiable wars of conquest.”
- Response: While abuses occurred, the Crusades were a complex mixture of politics, defense, and religion, not simply acts of intolerance.
² Thomas F. Madden, The New Concise History of the Crusades (Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005).
3. Religion Has Been the Primary Cause of War
Critics often claim that religion is the leading cause of war, but historical evidence shows this is not the case. The Encyclopedia of Wars reveals that only about 7% of recorded conflicts were motivated by religion.³
Wars are far more often driven by politics, territorial disputes, and resources. Atheistic regimes like those of Stalin, Mao, and Pol Pot collectively caused more deaths in the 20th century than centuries of religious conflict.
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Religion is the root cause of most human suffering.”
- Response: Religion has inspired moral reform and charity throughout history, while most wars have stemmed from secular motivations like power and greed.
³ Charles Phillips and Alan Axelrod, Encyclopedia of Wars (New York: Facts on File, 2005).
4. The Inquisition Was an Unparalleled Atrocity
The Spanish Inquisition is often portrayed as an unparalleled example of religious brutality. However, this narrative exaggerates its scope and ignores its historical context.
Historian Henry Kamen notes, “The Inquisition was far more restrained and less bloody than its reputation suggests.”⁴ Most of its trials ended in acquittals or mild sentences, and its death toll is far lower than commonly assumed.
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “The Inquisition proves the Church was barbaric.”
- Response: While abuses occurred, the Inquisition’s historical role and scale have been distorted by anti-Catholic propaganda.
⁴ Henry Kamen, The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997).
5. Constantine Invented Christianity
Critics often argue that Emperor Constantine created Christianity as a political tool. However, Christianity’s core doctrines, such as the resurrection, were already well-established by the early 2nd century, long before Constantine.
Bart Ehrman, a skeptical historian, writes, “The claim that Constantine invented Christianity is a modern myth. The beliefs of Christians long predated Constantine’s reign.”⁵
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Constantine manipulated Christianity to serve his empire.”
- Response: Constantine’s endorsement of Christianity helped its growth, but the faith’s core doctrines and practices were already firmly established.
⁵ Bart Ehrman, The Triumph of Christianity: How a Forbidden Religion Swept the World (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2018).
6. The Middle Ages Were a Scientific Wasteland
Some atheists claim the Middle Ages were devoid of scientific progress, but this is a misconception. Many foundational scientific advancements occurred during this period, particularly in areas like astronomy, medicine, and mathematics.
For example, Robert Grosseteste and Roger Bacon pioneered empirical methods, laying the groundwork for modern science. Historian Edward Grant observed, “The Middle Ages were far from being scientifically stagnant.”⁶
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Religious dominance stifled scientific innovation in the Middle Ages.”
- Response: The Church not only preserved scientific knowledge but also actively supported scientific inquiry through its universities and scholars.
⁶ Edward Grant, The Foundations of Modern Science in the Middle Ages (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996).
7. Galileo Was Persecuted for Proving the Earth Revolved Around the Sun
A common misconception is that Galileo was persecuted by the Church for his scientific discoveries, which is often framed as a conflict between science and religion. However, the actual conflict was more political and personal than doctrinal.
Galileo’s heliocentric model initially had support from many within the Church, but his combative personality and insistence on interpreting Scripture alienated key allies. Historian John Heilbron writes, “The Roman Catholic Church gave more financial and social support to the study of astronomy for over six centuries than any other institution.”⁷
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “The Galileo affair proves the Church is anti-science.”
- Response: The Church was not inherently opposed to heliocentrism; it sought more evidence at the time. Galileo’s trial was influenced by politics, not an outright rejection of science.
⁷ John Heilbron, The Sun in the Church: Cathedrals as Solar Observatories (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1999).
8. The Founding Fathers Were Secularists
Some atheists claim that the American Founding Fathers were strictly secular and sought to exclude religion from public life. However, most were deeply influenced by Christian principles, even if they advocated for religious freedom.
John Adams wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”⁸ While the Founders supported the separation of church and state, they recognized religion’s role in shaping morality and civic virtue.
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “The Founders intended a secular government free from religion.”
- Response: The Founders advocated for religious freedom, not the exclusion of religion. Their writings reflect a respect for the Bible and Christian ethics.
⁸ John Adams, Letter to the Massachusetts Militia, 1798.
9. The Church Opposed Abolition
Critics sometimes claim the Church opposed the abolition of slavery, but history shows the opposite. Many leading abolitionists, such as William Wilberforce, were motivated by their Christian faith.
In 1839, Pope Gregory XVI condemned the slave trade in his papal bull In Supremo Apostolatus. The abolition movement was deeply rooted in Christian theology, particularly the belief in the equal dignity of all people made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Religion justified slavery, so it can’t take credit for abolition.”
- Response: While some misused Scripture to justify slavery, the abolition movement was driven by Christians who understood the Bible’s overarching message of justice and freedom.
10. Christianity Was Always a Tool of Oppression
Some atheists argue that Christianity has primarily been a tool for oppression, ignoring its role in advancing human rights and social justice. Christianity has inspired movements for equality, education, and healthcare throughout history.
For example, the early Church was known for its care for the poor and marginalized, practices that stood in stark contrast to Roman society. Historian Tom Holland writes, “Christianity provided the framework for many of the moral values we take for granted today.”⁹
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Christianity has done more harm than good throughout history.”
- Response: While abuses occurred, Christianity’s legacy includes the establishment of hospitals, schools, and social reforms that continue to benefit humanity.
⁹ Tom Holland, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World (New York: Basic Books, 2019).
11. Religious Belief Was Invented to Control the Masses
Critics often claim that religion, including Christianity, was created to manipulate and control people. However, this oversimplifies religion’s origins and ignores its role in providing meaning, community, and moral guidance.
Christianity’s rapid growth in the Roman Empire, despite persecution, highlights its appeal to personal conviction rather than coercion. Historian Rodney Stark notes, “The rise of Christianity was not orchestrated by elites but driven by ordinary people who found its message transformative.”¹⁰
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Religion is just a tool for societal control.”
- Response: Christianity’s history demonstrates that it has often been countercultural, challenging unjust systems rather than supporting them.
¹⁰ Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1997).
12. The Enlightenment Was Anti-Christian
Some atheists portray the Enlightenment as a rebellion against Christianity, but many Enlightenment thinkers were deeply influenced by Christian ideas. The movement’s emphasis on human dignity, liberty, and reason was rooted in Christian theology.
John Locke, a foundational Enlightenment thinker, based his philosophy of natural rights on biblical principles, writing, “The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges everyone; and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind.”¹¹
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “The Enlightenment rejected Christianity and embraced reason.”
- Response: The Enlightenment built upon Christian ethics and values, even as it sought to challenge institutional authority.
¹¹ John Locke, Two Treatises of Government, 1689.
13. Atheism Was the Driving Force Behind Progress
Atheists sometimes claim that secularism and atheism were responsible for societal progress, particularly in the modern era. However, many of history’s most significant advancements were driven by people of faith.
The scientific revolution, abolition of slavery, and establishment of modern hospitals were largely inspired by Christian values. Alvin Schmidt writes, “The impact of Christianity on Western civilization is so immense that it is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without it.”¹²
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Atheism liberated society from the constraints of religion.”
- Response: Secular ideologies often fail to acknowledge the foundational role of Christian ethics in shaping modern progress.
¹² Alvin J. Schmidt, How Christianity Changed the World (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004).
14. Religion and Science Have Always Been in Conflict
A common misconception is that religion and science have always been at odds. In reality, many of the greatest scientific minds, such as Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler, were devout Christians who saw their work as uncovering God’s design.
Historian James Hannam explains, “The supposed ‘conflict’ between religion and science is largely a myth created in the 19th century.”¹³ The Church’s support for education and research laid the foundation for scientific inquiry.
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Science advanced only after it rejected religion.”
- Response: Christianity’s emphasis on an orderly universe created by a rational God was instrumental in the development of the scientific method.
¹³ James Hannam, God’s Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science (London: Icon Books, 2009).
15. Christianity’s Contributions to History are Overstated
Some atheists argue that Christianity’s contributions to history are exaggerated. However, from human rights to education and healthcare, Christianity’s influence is undeniable.
For example, the concept of universal human dignity stems from the biblical belief that all people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). The world’s first universities and hospitals were established by Christians motivated by their faith.
Anticipating Objection:
- Objection: “Christianity’s impact on history is overblown.”
- Response: Christianity’s foundational role in shaping Western civilization, ethics, and institutions is well-documented and widely acknowledged by historians.
A Final Challenge to Misunderstandings About History
History reveals a complex relationship between religion and society. While critics often focus on missteps, the overall legacy of Christianity includes advances in human rights, science, and education. Could it be that the full story of history points not to the irrelevance of faith, but to its enduring importance in shaping civilization?
Tom's Theology Blog 
Leave a comment