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” »
Among the highlights of the fourth century was a group of theologians, two brothers and a close friend. These were the Cappadocian Fathers, called that because they were from Cappadocia. They included Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus. This is their story. Recommended book: Three Wise Men from the East: The … Read More “Episode 65 – The Cappadocian Fathers” »
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” »
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Emily Conroy-Krutz, author of Missionary Diplomacy. In the 19th Century, the United States was expanding its presence around the world at the same time that American missionaries were travelling to new lands. Some of these missionaries doubled as diplomats. The story is fascinating. Purchase Missionary Diplomacy at https://amzn.to/4ev5koS … Read More “Episode 64 – Missionary Diplomacy” »
