A Podcast All About Christianity
If you’ve ever wondered why we date years as “2024 AD” or refer to ancient events as occurring “BC,” you’re not alone. The development of our current dating system is deeply intertwined with the history of Christianity and the influence of Christian scholars in the medieval period. The “Anno Domini” (AD) system and its counterpart … Read More “The Origins of the Modern Dating System for Years” »
Herod’s Family and Their Rule Herod’s descendants, collectively known as the Herodian dynasty, played significant roles in the governance of Judea and neighboring territories. Upon his death in 4 BCE, Herod’s kingdom was divided among his sons, creating a tetrarchy. The family’s influence extended well into the 1st century CE. Key Members of Herod’s Family: Historical … Read More “Herod the Great and His Dynasty: Builders, Rulers, and Their Lasting Legacy” »
The introduction of the polio vaccine in the 1950s was a groundbreaking moment in medical history, offering hope to millions affected by the debilitating disease. Christian communities across the United States and beyond responded in diverse ways, shaped by theological, ethical, and social perspectives. For many Christians, the vaccine was seen as a divine blessing, while others … Read More “How Christians First Responded to the Polio Vaccine” »
The Barmen Declaration, written in 1934, was a theological and political response to the Nazi regime’s attempt to infiltrate and control the Protestant Church in Germany. Drafted primarily by Karl Barth and endorsed by members of the Confessing Church, the declaration asserted the church’s allegiance to Jesus Christ alone, rejecting the Nazi-backed “German Christian” movement, which sought to subordinate Christian … Read More “The Barmen Declaration: A Stand for Faith Against Nazi Ideology” »
There have some pretty momentous centuries in the history of Christianity. The 16th century comes to mind with all of the incredible events of the Reformation. But what about the fourth century? There is so much that happened in the fourth century and it goes far beyond the Council of Nicaea (although that’s part of … Read More “Was the Fourth Century the Biggest Century for Christianity?” »
Different churches and denominations have responded differently to the concept of military service. Some have promoted military participation and others have prohibited it. How religious people, Christian and otherwise, respond to this question is a part of our history. One aspect of this is conscientious objection. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia pf Philosophy, conscientious objection … Read More “Conscientious Objection and the Church” »
The First Council of Nicaea was held in 325 AD. This is probably the most well known of the ecumenical councils and yet there is so much misinformation about it. The two claims that are often made is that Jesus was made God by a vote and that Emperor Constantine chose the books of the … Read More “What Was Decided at the First Council of Nicaea?” »
When we think of the Crusades, we think of wars with Muslim armies in the Middle East. But at least one Crusade took place in Europe and the opponents were not Muslims. This was the Crusade against the Cathars, also known as the Albigensian Crusade which took place in the thirteenth century. Who were the … Read More “The Mystery of the Cathars” »
I have seen numerous churches that are named after St Methodius but knew very little about him. Recently, in my reading of the Church Fathers, I was able to read his surviving works. So who is Methodius? The truth is that we do not have a lot of biographical information about him. This may be … Read More “Who Was Methodius?” »
The Protestant Reformation took place in the 16th Century with two of the prominent leaders being Martin Luther and John Calvin. While Luther and Calvin disagreed on many things, they agreed on more than just separating from the Roman Catholic Church: They held onto close ties to the governing authorities, such as the local princes. … Read More “What is the Radical Reformation?” »
