It is often important to know where ideas came from, and how these ideas changed over its intellectual history. This study of the history of ideas aims to understand ideas from the past in their contexts, and also, what was it in their past that caused them to change and evolve into what they are today (Collingwood, 1961). For example, when we talk about terms like “Manifest Destiny” or “Industrial Revolution” we often ask ourselves how these ideas came about, and how it came to take root.

It is generally thought to be of importance for a man to know himself: it means knowing not merely his personalities… Knowing himself means knowing what he can do; and since nobody knows what he can do until he tries, the only clue to what man can do is what man has done” – Collingwood, 1961, The idea of history

Due to the same heritage, the Jewish and Christian religions are often referred together as “Judeo-Christian Tradition”

Religious beliefs often have a long history that changes in different historical contexts, Judeo-Christian beliefs are no different in this aspect. Therefore, by understanding the development of these ideas, we can better understand how to handle with present ideas.

A brief history of the Judeo-Christian Tradition

A more complete description of the history of Judeo-Christian Beliefs is provided in the following hyperlinks with regards to its scripture, interpretation, how it changed with cultural influences. Next, major idealogical changes such as the Protest in 1517, and the beliefs in afterlife, could provide the essential paradigm shifts to fuel industrial revolution, American Exceptionalism. Finally, we discuss the modern discourse in contemporary Judeo-Christian communities, and the psychological significance of the findings, and also models that we can emulate such as Saint Francis, and Thomas Berry.

References:
Collingwood, R. G. (1961). The idea of history. Oxford University Press.