WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 2024

 Tuesday, Wednesday April 23 and 24,2024 History is Written by the Victors

The phrase “History is written by the victors" is often attributed to Winston Churchill, but there is no evidence that he said it. The phrase implies that history is not based on facts, but on the winners' interpretation of them. The victors can force their narrative down on the people. The phrase is often used in tweets from WWE wrestlers, on Pinterest macros, and at Brainy Quote. 

The phrase has been used for millennia to describe how historical records can be skewed and shaped by political or cultural agendas. Historical accounts often reflect the perspectives and biases of those in power or who have achieved victory, while the experiences and narratives of the oppressed or marginalized are often overlooked. 

For example, the Bayeux Tapestry is propaganda that justifies William, Duke of Normandy's claim to the invasion and conquest of England. The tapestry was created during a time when few people could read or write. However, historians have been able to find more information written by others who were there or were told something different

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“The writers of the Bible were inspired by God, but they were “children of their time”, their writings determined by the cultural contexts in which they wrote. This view, while recognizing the special status of the Bible for Christians, allowed for errors.”

In our day and age, it seems as if some news articles (or the internet) are hyped up.  Sports seem well suited to the hype.  The Kansas City Chiefs won the latest Super Bowl 25 to 22 in overtime.  But writers supporting Kansas City might say, “The overtime victory was the result of excellent coaching, exquisite play calling and execution, and extraordinary attitude”.  The San Francisco 49ers might have another story - “The game was lost due to inept and inconsistent referee calls and faulty coaching.  We have fired our coach for not being able to win “the big one”.  

Bible writers may also have through in sufficient hype.

Exodus 9:5-6

5 The Lord set a time and said, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land.” 6 And the next day the Lord did it: ALL THE LIVESTOCK OF THE EGYPTIANS DIED, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. 

But later in this same chapter:

Exodus 9:18-19

Therefore, at this time tomorrow, I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now. 19 Give an order now to bring YOUR LIVESTOCK and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every person and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die.’”

(Time out—all the livestock is dead, but now Moses tells Pharoah to move them to shelters.)

Other plagues ensued:

On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals,  (Exodus 12:12 - hey - the livestock is dead)

At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. (Exodus 12:29) 

Karen adds:  Somebody “hyped” the story - All the livestock died in Exodus 9:5-6.  (Did they import new livestock overnight?)

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Now, I am a believer in the Judeo-Christian heritage.  But, I also think some skepticism is allowed. (Blind faith is like being a puppet). 

1 Corinthians 14: 33-35 “As in all the congregations of the Lord's people. Women should remain silent in the churches, They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says.

How about head coverings?  (Catholics have this discussion): “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. I Corinthians 11:4-5)

I sometimes feel that some historical events of the Old Testament (Cain killing Abel) are embellished to “preach” morality rather than give the story.

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So, I retreat to 1 Peter 4:8  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

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I know (believe) that LOVE WINS

I know (believe) that LOVE TRANSFORMS

I know (believe) that LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS

Karen Anne White, ©, April 23-24, 2024