Schoolcraft College

Portfolio Reflection

Bonnie Hamilton
Ancient World History 134
Professor Kimberly Lark
August 15, 2016

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History is the foundation in which the present is built upon; therefore, in order to progress
in a desirable manner, it is crucial to evaluate and understand the past. In his article, Why Study
History?, William McNeil highlights the changing perspectives of historical understanding are
the very best introduction we can have to the practical problems of real life (McNeil); the basic
idea that society can learn from its past. There are numerous aspects of society that can be
evaluated in order to gain a better understanding of history, which can then be applied to the
present for the betterment of society. One of these aspects is religion: the core principle in which
most ancient societies were built. By evaluating religion and its role in decision making in
ancient societies, we can apply similar practices in order to better modern society.
During the Imperial Roman era, it was not uncommon for individuals to be crucifieda
heinous act of violence. As emperor, Constantine felt as though it was an unnecessary
punishment for those disobeying the law. Therefore, on the premise of religion, he issued
numerous laws relating to Christian practice and susceptibilities: for instance, abolishing the
penalty of crucifixion and the practice of branding certain criminals (Constantine I).
Constantines decision to band these things was a turning point in history because it altered the
way ancient Rome functioned. According to McNeil, moments like that is why history needs to
be evaluated: we need careful reflection about, and search for, enduring patterns and critical
turning points in the past, for these are the historical facts that everyone needs to know
(McNeil).
Moving forward to ancient India, Asokas conversion to Buddhism can be exemplified as
religion being a driving force to make change. Following a horrendous battle against Kalinga,
Asoka renounced warfare and converted to Buddhism. He determined that henceforward he
would reign in peace (TimeMaps). Asokas decision to introduce Buddhism to India is another

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example of a turning point in history. Rather than continuing to be violent toward those that
share varying ideas, Asoka moved into a direction of kindness. Historic moments such as this can
offer us stories of humility, courage, wisdom, andmost importanthope (Postma).
Finally, ancient African civilizations also utilized their faith in order to benefit society as
a whole. The Bantu tribe had an extremely rich culture that was heavily influenced by their tribal
religion and morals. Similar to other African nations of the time, the Bantus had an unbreakable
kinship system; family is of the upmost importance. This kinship system contributed to the
communal identity and bond that resided within the tribe. This ultimately led to decision made
throughout the community that would benefit all, rather than one individual. Additionally, the
Bantus believed in a greater being. The dead were honored as well as thought to look after those
left behind on Earth. These two deities were prayed to in both times of happiness and hurt. The
Bantu had an unbreakable bond within the family as well as the community (Ancient
Civilizations). Arguably, that has been lost within modern society due to the idea of
individualism. The information gained by historical analysis is sometimes questioned. However,
that main question turns away from whether there is some leeway in the histories we tell and the
futures we plan, toward what we are supposed to do with such leeway (Hodges) when history is
evaluated in depth and applied to the present. Moreover, by studying history, we are able to gain
a better understanding of our past in order to prosper in our future.
Today, we are living in a world that information travels at lightning speed, and
globalization is reaching an all time high. The news is covering heinous stories from Syria that
make your gut wrench, and police shootings across the United States that make you want to cry
for humanity. Ive grown up in an era where Muslims are profiled as terrorists, and hatred is
spewed from the mouths of the uneducated. At the mere age of 21, I should not be losing faith in

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humanity. However, as I have moved throughout this term, and written this reflection, I cannot
help but reflect on what I can do with my knowledge of the past to better the future. Today,
religion seems to have a very negative idea in some peoples headsespecially religions that are
not Christian. With the current situation in the Middle East, people have begun to hate Islam and
popular figures have made radical statements suggesting the banning of all Muslims from the
United States. For a country built on Christian principles, that does not seem very Christian to
me.
Freedom of religion is a beautiful thing, and we are beyond blessed to have that within
our country: it is not something to be taken for granted. As I have moved throughout this paper
and reflected on the actions of ancient folk, it is clear to me how I can make a positive impact.
Constantine and Asoka had one thing in common: they made an executive decision as a leader to
be kind. Rather than stooping to violence, they rose to kindness. We need more of that in our
world today. We live in a world where we can be anything, and I chose to be kind because above
all else, it altered history, thus, it can alter the future.

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Works Cited
"Ancient Civilizations in Africa, 3500 B.C.-500 B.C." DISCovering World History. Detroit :
Gale, 2003. Student Resources in Context. Web. 2 July 2016.
"Constantine I". Encyclopdia Britannica. Encyclopdia Britannica Online.
Encyclopdia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2016
Hodges, Blair. Final Essay, On Rhetorical Uses of History to Understand the Present."
Academia.edu. Academia, n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
McNeill, William. "Why Study History? (1985)." Why Study History? (1985). N.p., n.d. Web. 14
Aug. 2016.
Postma, Michael. "What Can History Teach Us Today?" ASCD Express 6.22 -. ASCD, 2011.
Web. 14 Aug. 2016.
TimeMaps." Atlas of World History. Web. 14 Aug. 2016.