Episodes and Posts - Page 6 of 38 - History of Christianity

The Development of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy: Origins, Debates, and Lasting Impact

November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Few modern theological documents have shaped evangelical identity as profoundly as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978). Emerging from decades of debate over the nature of Scripture, the Chicago Statement marked a major moment in the late-20th-century effort to define and defend the authority of the Bible. Understanding its development requires appreciating the intellectual, cultural, and … Read More “The Development of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy: Origins, Debates, and Lasting Impact” »

Vatican I: Origins, Decisions, and Lasting Impact

November 22, 2025November 22, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Roman Catholic Church

The First Vatican Council, better known as Vatican I, represents one of the most significant moments of self-definition in the modern history of the Roman Catholic Church. Meeting from 1869 to 1870, it set doctrinal boundaries that continue to shape Catholic theology, authority, and identity today. Though commonly remembered for defining papal infallibility, the council’s origins, purpose, … Read More “Vatican I: Origins, Decisions, and Lasting Impact” »

How the Church Has Used the Old Testament Apocrypha

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

General History

The Old Testament Apocrypha—also known as the Deuterocanonical books—occupies a fascinating and sometimes controversial place in the history of the Church. These writings, composed between the close of the Old Testament (around 400 B.C.) and the time of Christ, were highly valued by Jewish and early Christian communities. Yet their canonical status has varied widely across Christian traditions. … Read More “How the Church Has Used the Old Testament Apocrypha” »

Martin Luther and John Calvin: Allies, Rivals, and Architects of the Reformation

November 5, 2025November 5, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Reformation

The Protestant Reformation was not the work of one man but of many reformers whose ideas reshaped Christianity in Europe. Among them, Martin Luther and John Calvin stand as two of the most influential. Though they never met in person, their theological and historical legacies were deeply intertwined. Luther laid the groundwork for Protestant reform, while Calvin refined and … Read More “Martin Luther and John Calvin: Allies, Rivals, and Architects of the Reformation” »

From Puritans to Unitarians: The Evolution of a Radical Faith

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Puritans

The story of how some Puritans evolved into Unitarians is one of the most fascinating transformations in religious history. What began as a movement seeking to purify the Church of England of Catholic influences eventually gave rise to one of the most liberal and rational forms of Christianity. This journey—from the rigid orthodoxy of Puritanism … Read More “From Puritans to Unitarians: The Evolution of a Radical Faith” »

The Burned-Over District in New York

October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Uncategorized

In the early decades of the 19th century, a region in upstate New York became the most spiritually and socially combustible area in the United States. Known as the “Burned-Over District,” this stretch of land witnessed such intense waves of religious revival that it was said there was no more “fuel” (souls) left to burn. … Read More “The Burned-Over District in New York” »

John Wyclif: The Morning Star of the Reformation

October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Reformation

John Wyclif (also spelled Wycliffe or Wiclif) was one of the most influential and controversial figures of the late medieval church. Born around 1328 in Yorkshire, England, Wyclif lived during a time of political turmoil, religious corruption, and intellectual ferment. He is often called “the Morning Star of the Reformation” because his teachings anticipated many of the … Read More “John Wyclif: The Morning Star of the Reformation” »

Episode 70 – Cyril of Jerusalem and Epiphanius of Salamis: Guardians of the Faith

Two of the important Church Fathers in the later fourth century are Cyril of Jerusalem and Epiphanius of Salamis. You may not know much about them and that is why I have recorded this episode. Learn about these two Christian leaders who attempted to guide the Church in one of the most turbulent centuries of … Read More “Episode 70 – Cyril of Jerusalem and Epiphanius of Salamis: Guardians of the Faith” »

The Shepherd of Hermas: A Window into Early Christian Faith and Practice

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Church Fathers

Among the fascinating writings that emerged in the early centuries of Christianity, The Shepherd of Hermas holds a special place. Though it never became part of the New Testament, it was one of the most widely read and respected Christian works of the second century. It offers valuable insight into how early believers understood sin, repentance, and … Read More “The Shepherd of Hermas: A Window into Early Christian Faith and Practice” »

Origen: The Brilliant and Controversial Church Father

October 17, 2025October 17, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Church Fathers

Few figures in early Christianity have inspired as much admiration — or controversy — as Origen of Alexandria. A towering intellectual of the third century, Origen was both a philosopher and theologian whose writings profoundly shaped Christian thought for centuries to come. Though later generations debated his orthodoxy, his influence on biblical interpretation, theology, and spirituality … Read More “Origen: The Brilliant and Controversial Church Father” »