The role of historicism in Christianity.

Historicism is the belief that social structures--including religions--are best understood in the context of their historical origins. If we don't know where we come from we cannot be objective about ourselves or anyone else.  I believe we become adults when we are able to see our parents as people who make mistakes.  This can be applied to us as well.  We need to understand the flaws that have been intrinsically added to religious practices by virture of the humanity involved.  Historicism minimizes the work of God at that particular point in history and makes it all about us.  But it must always come back to Jesus.  Our faith is not built on an institution but on a relationship.  That's what makes our religion different.  When we spend too much time talking about the how something works i.e. programs, principles then we totally miss the point.  Jesus will draw people to Himself if we will stay out of the way long enough for people to see Him.  God, Father, Son and Spirit, do not need us to defend them.  The test has been and will always be, "Can you say Jesus is Lord of my life?"