Church History for Chumps

More than a century before the English Reformation kicked off, there was already something cooking across the pond.  And it wasn't blood sausage.  In this episode, John and Thomas talk about the so-called Morning Star of the Reformation, John Wycliffe.  Support the show

Francis of Assisi had it made in the shade to be a handsome, wealthy Italian noble. But boy did Lord have other plans.  John and Thomas talk about our new favorite wolf-talking, poverty-living, Gospel-preaching son of a gun.  Support the show

Nope, don't worry, we didn't accidentally sneeze on the keyboard when we typed this episode's title.  Wilgefortis was a popular folk saint during the Middle Ages, and her story is...well...just hit play. It'll make sense real soon.  Support the show

Okay, hear us out...is it possible that the Prosperity Gospel formed as a teaching as a trauma response to the Great Depression? Seriously, I'm still not sure.  Anyways. This week we'll talk about one of the most polarizing faith healing evangelists of the 20th century: A.A. Allen. We'll talk about his legacy and the strange amount of controversy around it.  Support the show

Lawrence (not Brother Lawrence, but he was dope too) was one of the seven deacons in the city of Rome in the 3rd Century.  While he was one of many martyrs under the reign of Emperor Valerian, his story is one for the ages.  In this episode, John and Tom chat about the role of deacons in the church, awesome pre-martyrdom punchlines, and why patron saints are kind of cool.  Support the show

If the name is any indication, the Black Death was probably NOT a good time.  In the shadow of a sweeping disease that killed half of Europe's population, a young English woman committed to a simple life of prayer and isolation as an anchoress.  In her small and prison-like cell, this woman would experience remarkable visions from God. Her name is unknown, but history would later deem her Jul...

For this special episode, John and Tom sit down with Ben Lansing, the artist and creator behind the page @ourchurchspeaks.  Ben is a talented artist who has used his skills to highlight prominent church figures from across the centuries on his IG page.  During this conversation, Ben shares his wild and fascinating theological journey, and how his deep appreciation for church history became formati...

No matter how many times you hear the haunting accounts of the slave ships traveling across oceans, in conditions that would be inexcusable for cattle, let alone humans, it always puts a pit in your stomach. This was the reality for much of the Western world in the mid-18th century. But slowly and steadily, the Spirit of God was awakening a conviction among His people to foster a change that would...

February 1692. Salem Massachusetts.  Two young girls, feeling unwell, begin to go into "fits." This consists of screaming, vomiting, contorting their bodies, and making strange noises.  This began one of the most well known religious controversies in American history.  #spookyhours  Support the show

John, Thomas, and the esteemed Dr. Melle are BACK. And they're all out of bubble gum.  The good doctor leads the guys through yet another captivating conversation on the Celts. The guys discuss the missional posture of the Celtic monks, how we as Westerners can adopt a more Celtic lens of the world, and Brad's favorite Irenaeus quote.  Support the show

It's the 5th century, and the slightly complicated relationship between the Christian church and the Roman Empire is in full swing.  A dusty missionary named Patrick arrives at the coast of Ireland. He finds a unique, nature-centered culture with a rich relationship with the spiritual realm.  The table is set for the birth of Celtic Christianity. John and Thomas are joined by Dr. Brad Melle o...

Takashi Nagai was the biblical Job of the 20th century.  A Japanese radiologist and convert to the Catholic faith, he lost everything when his home, and the home of thousands of other believers, became an atomic wasteland at the conclusion of the Second World War.  Like Job, his story would become a monument to faith and perseverance in the face of tremendous suffering and carnage. In the midst of...

The year is 70 AD.  Christianity has existed for less than 40 years.  Unrest is growing in Jerusalem between factions of militant Jewish citizens and their Roman captors.  A siege is about to break out that will alter the history of Christianity and Judaism forever.  Thomas and John are joined by Pastor Joshua Palmer to chop it up.  Support the show

Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish priest who, while imprisoned at a concentration camp, volunteered to die in the place of another man.  But his legacy doesn't end there. His life was marked by deep devotion to his faith, service to the needy, and a sacrificial love that lasted until he died.  He also REALLY vibed with the Virgin Mary, which can make talking about him a little awkward for us as P...

Polycarp (not a Pokémon) was a beloved and well respected church leader in the 2nd century.  After facing tensions from the oppressive Roman Empire, this 86-year old legend refused to deny his faith in Jesus and was burnt at the stake as a result.  In this episode, John and Tommy explore the life of Polycarp, the supernatural occurrences around his death, and the response of the Christian communit...

Around 270 AD, years before anyone ever contemplated “van life,” a dude named Anthony had a similar idea: “What if I got rid of all my stuff, left this terrible city, and wandered around in the desert until God spoke to me?” What followed was an explosion of communities of men and women that would commit themselves to simple lives of work, prayer, and solitude. And, of course, living in the desert...

I'm sure you have a lot of questions. What is church history? Am *I* a chump if I'm listening to this? Why didn't Thomas join John for this trailer? This trailer will answer all of that and more.  Support the show