Beneath the Headlines

In the last episode, Mike discussed the fall of Rome and offered a quick summary of the arch of Western Civilization.  In today’s podcast we pick up 125 years after Nicaea. The barbarians now control growing sections of the West – which hopes that the East will come to their rescue. But they do not, in part because the emperor there – a man named Theodosius - is trying to stay on top of a religiou...

Welcome to One Hundred Plus – episode number 13, in which Mike Woodruff will focus on the fall of Rome and also provide a brief overview of the development of Western Civilization.

The man we study in today’s episode was a cranky curmudgeon that few could get along with, but he was a thoughtful scholar and a man determined to chase after God. And in the end, God used him in very important ways.  His name is Jerome, and among the many works he produced was a translation of the Bible that shaped the west for more than 1,000 years.

Today we look at Augustine, who is the most important figure to date – A post-Nicaean Father, A doctor of the Church. A philosopher, a writer, a pastor, a bishop and someone who is so big that in some ways he bridges the divide between antiquity and theMiddle Ages. As a theologian, writer, thinker and church leader, he has shaped your thinking whether you know it or not.

Today we step back and consider the formation of the New Testament. Perhaps you have not thought much about how they determined which books and letters became part of the Bible. But it is an important question, and the hero of last week’s podcast plays a part.

Today we consider a brave and tireless worker named Athanasius. He was born in the last third century, attended the Council of Nicaea, was elected Bishop of Alexandria when he was still quite young and wrote several important books. But what he is most noted for, was tirelessly fighting to defend the Creed of Nicaea (which was drafted to declare the full deity of Jesus) from decades of attacks.  ...

Last week we considered three ways Constantine the Great shaped the world. Today we look at a fourth – he convened The Council of Nicaea , which was the first of the seven major church councils.  The council – which unfolds a bit more like a Chicago political conference than you might expect, and which also includes a cameo appearance by Santa Claus (you’ll have to listen to understand) – is remar...

Today we consider the life of the Roman Emperor Constantine, whose influence was enormous.  

The Apostle’s Creed was not written by the Apostles nor is it found in the Bible, but it is a work of monumental importance. It is the elevator speech of the Christian faith, and every week, hundreds of millions of people recite it – most of whom have memorized it. Perhaps you have as well.   In today’s episode, I look a bit at the history behind the Apostles’ Creed, and also make a few other obse...

Today’s episode finishes our overview of the Ante-Nicaean Fathers – the group of church leaders who bridged the gap between the Apostles and the Council of Nicaea. We began our focus on this 225 year period back in week three, with a look at the apologist Justin Martyr. Last week I mentioned Bishop Polycarp. In today’s episode we look at four leaders and four challenges. 

We remain in the second century today as we consider the life – and death – of Polycarp, an early church leader. Bishop Polycarp was from Smyrna and was discipled by the Apostle John himself. He was considered one of the 3 most significant early church fathers. We can learn much about courage from Polycarp. 

Today we move into the 2nd century – the era of the Church Fathers (also called the Patristic Period). Our focus is on a Samaritan philosopher named Justin Martyr, who is famous for a number of things, principally for writing the First Apology - i.e., the first defense of the faith. (He is also famous for being killed for his faith. “Martyr” was not his last name. As you will learn, he was martyre...

Today we consider the fall of Jerusalem, which happened in 70AD. It’s an event of great importance to both Jews and Christians. 

In this episode, Mike Woodruff looks at the burning of Rome which happened In 64 AD, during the time covered by the book of Acts In the Bible. This led to the spread of the Christian faith.

Welcome to the pilot episode of 100 +, a series about the 100 most significant people, events and Ideas of the last 2,000 years as It relates to Christianity and the Church.  Why do we study church history? Listen to this episode and find out.