Episodes and Posts - History of Christianity

What Is Deism? The Rise, Influence, and Legacy of the “Religion of Reason”

July 14, 2026July 14, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Heresies

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Europe witnessed dramatic intellectual and cultural changes. Scientific discoveries challenged traditional assumptions about the natural world, philosophers emphasized the power of human reason, and many began to question the authority of established churches. Out of this environment emerged Deism, a religious movement that sought to affirm belief in God while … Read More “What Is Deism? The Rise, Influence, and Legacy of the “Religion of Reason”” »

Church and Nation: Christianity in Canada’s Earliest Years After Confederation

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Modern History

When the Dominion of Canada came into existence on July 1, 1867, it was a deeply religious country. Christianity permeated nearly every aspect of public life, from politics and education to social services and national identity. Churches were among the most influential institutions in the new nation, and religious affiliation was considered a normal and … Read More “Church and Nation: Christianity in Canada’s Earliest Years After Confederation” »

The Separation of Church and State in the United States: Origins, Meaning, and Modern Debates

June 30, 2026June 30, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Modern History

The phrase “separation of church and state” is one of the most discussed and often misunderstood concepts in American history. Some view it as a wall protecting religion from government interference, while others see it as a principle preventing religion from influencing public life. The reality is more nuanced. The idea emerged from centuries of … Read More “The Separation of Church and State in the United States: Origins, Meaning, and Modern Debates” »

Billy Sunday: Baseball Player, Evangelist, and the Man Who Changed American Revivalism

June 26, 2026June 26, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Revivalism

Few figures have left as deep an imprint on American evangelicalism as Billy Sunday. A former professional baseball player turned revivalist preacher, Sunday became one of the most famous and influential evangelists in American history. At the height of his ministry in the early twentieth century, millions of Americans attended his revival meetings, newspapers covered … Read More “Billy Sunday: Baseball Player, Evangelist, and the Man Who Changed American Revivalism” »

From the Jesus Movement to the Mainstream: The Origins and Rise of Contemporary Christian Music (1960s–2000)

June 25, 2026June 25, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Modern History

Today, Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) is a multi-billion-dollar industry with artists filling arenas, songs topping Christian radio charts, and worship music becoming a central feature of churches around the world. Yet its origins were surprisingly humble—and controversial. Emerging from the countercultural Jesus Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, CCM combined the message of … Read More “From the Jesus Movement to the Mainstream: The Origins and Rise of Contemporary Christian Music (1960s–2000)” »

From Restoration to Division: The Origins of the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ

June 24, 2026June 24, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Modern History

The Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ trace their roots to one of the most influential religious movements in American history: the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. Emerging during the religious ferment of the early nineteenth century, the movement sought to restore the simplicity and unity of the New Testament church. What began as a … Read More “From Restoration to Division: The Origins of the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ” »

Episode 75 – The Popes of the Fourth Century

The fourth century was one of the most formative eras for the church. A part of that story are those men who were the bishops of Rome, those we call popes. In this episode, we summarize their experience in this century of rapid change. Please consider supporting me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason or consider a one time … Read More “Episode 75 – The Popes of the Fourth Century” »

The Origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: From Joseph Smith to Brigham Young

June 10, 2026June 10, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

New Religions

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often referred to as the Mormon Church, is one of the most significant religious movements to emerge from North America. With more than seventeen million members worldwide, it has grown from a small frontier movement into a global faith. Understanding its origins requires exploring the lives … Read More “The Origins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: From Joseph Smith to Brigham Young” »

Women in Leadership and the Southern Baptist Convention: A Historical Debate

May 25, 2026May 25, 2026 Stephen Bedard 2 Comments

Modern History

The question of women in church leadership has been one of the most significant and controversial debates within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Over the past century, Southern Baptists have moved from a period in which women occasionally served in pastoral and leadership roles to a much stricter complementarian position that limits the office of pastor to … Read More “Women in Leadership and the Southern Baptist Convention: A Historical Debate” »

The Oxford Movement and the Renewal of Anglicanism

May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

English History

The Oxford Movement was one of the most influential religious revivals in nineteenth-century England. Emerging within the Church of England during the 1830s, it sought to recover the church’s ancient catholic identity, sacramental theology, and spiritual seriousness. What began as a small circle of scholars at the University of Oxford eventually reshaped Anglican worship, theology, architecture, and spirituality across … Read More “The Oxford Movement and the Renewal of Anglicanism” »