"In an effort to move to the direction of practical application, Land examines the assumptions and interpretations found in several historical works from the perspective of both philosophy of history and Christian theology. By focusing on the understanding of human nature, a key element in all three disciplines, the paper seeks to demonstrate that the often unspoken assumptions with which one begins the scholarly endeavors of teaching and writing shape the end assumptions, therefore, makes a difference in what one teaches and writes." This paper was presented at the 3rd Institute of Christian Teaching.