A Podcast All About Christianity
Many people are vaguely aware of Mennonites but do not understand where they came from or what they believe. They may think of the Amish and a rejection of technology, but that is only one part of a larger groups called the Anabaptists. An important figure and the man who has lent his name to … Read More “Who Was Menno Simons?” »
One of the most influential New Testament scholars today is N.T. Wright. While some find him controversial, it is difficult to argue against his intelligence and output of biblical and theological content. One of his major projects is on Christian Origins and the Question of God. While I had read the second and third volumes … Read More “The New Testament and the People of God – Review” »
I don’t just record podcasts, I listen to them as well. Here are a list of history podcasts I listen to. This does not mean I agree with everything they say. But I don’t expect you to afgree with everything I say either. Ancient Greece Declassified Ancient World British History Podcast Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History … Read More “History Podcasts I Listen To” »
It is very common to find claims that Christianity was a mystery religion, similar to the worship of Dionysus, Isis, Orpheus, etc. I do not deny that there are some similarities. Christianity emerged and grew at a time when mystery religions were popular throughout the Roman Empire. Mystery religions were seen as more vibrant than … Read More “Was Christianity a Mystery Religion?” »
One of the challenges for doing history in any area is that of bias. This can appear in number of ways, from the bias of our sources to the bias of our interpretation. We should not become too discouraged by this. I strongly disagree with those who say we can’t do history because of bias. … Read More “History and the Problem of Bias” »
One of the most influential theologians of all Christianity is Augustine of Hippo. Roman Catholics and Protestants look to him for inspiration. Even non-Christians who are interested in the history of philosophy take Augustine seriously. But what do you know about him? This short video provides some of the basic information for who Augustine was.
Today when people speak of Puritanism, they often use it in a pejorative way meaning a harsh religious system. However, the Puritans have a rich heritage that has and continues to bless the Christian church. While there may have been some abuses within Puritanism, the same can be said about every religious movement. It is … Read More “Overview of Puritanism” »
Christians can explain the rapid spread of Christianity with theological reasons. Related but distinct from that are the historical reasons why Christianity was able to be successful. I see five reasons that helped Christianity to ultimately take over the Roman Empire. Jewish Diaspora – During the Second Temple period, Jews were dispersed throughout the Mediterranean … Read More “Five Historical Reasons Why Christianity Spread So Quickly” »
One of the most important figures in church history is John Calvin. Calvin didn’t start the Reformation but he put his stamp on it. Today, many people use Reformed theology and Calvinism as synonyms. In this short video, John Piper shares some background of John Calvin. Piper is obviously passionate about Calvin’s ministry. It is … Read More “A Short Introduction to John Calvin” »
There is some debate when it comes to the dating of the Gospels. Some would like to date the Gospels in the 50s or 60s. There are others who will argue vehemently that the earliest Gospel must have been written after 70 AD. The most popular dating of the Gospels puts Mark (as the earliest … Read More “The Dirty Little Secret About Dating the Gospels” »
