Episodes and Posts - Page 7 of 38 - History of Christianity

Religion in the Original Thirteen Colonies: Faith at the Birth of the United States

October 13, 2025October 13, 2025 Stephen Bedard 1 Comment

When the United States declared its independence in 1776, the thirteen colonies were not only politically diverse but also religiously varied. The colonies reflected a patchwork of traditions—some rooted in official state churches and others founded on ideals of religious liberty. Understanding this religious landscape helps us see how the American principle of separation of … Read More “Religion in the Original Thirteen Colonies: Faith at the Birth of the United States” »

How the American Civil War Divided and Transformed Christian Denominations

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Modern History

The American Civil War (1861–1865) was not only a political and military struggle but also a profound religious crisis. Nearly every major Christian denomination in the United States faced internal conflict over slavery, sectional loyalty, and moral authority. Churches that had once united the North and South found themselves torn apart—reflecting the same divisions that … Read More “How the American Civil War Divided and Transformed Christian Denominations” »

Different Groups Among the Anabaptists

October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Anabaptists

The Anabaptist movement began during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century as a radical branch that sought to restore what it believed to be the true New Testament church. The name Anabaptist means “rebaptizer,” referring to their rejection of infant baptism and insistence on baptizing only believers who made a personal confession of faith. Their beliefs … Read More “Different Groups Among the Anabaptists” »

A Poem on the Passion of the Lord

September 4, 2025September 4, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Church Fathers

This early poem was for a time thought to be have written by the Church Father Lactantius. That authorship is no longer accepted but it is still a very old poem. The words are powerful. Whoever you are who approach, and are entering the precincts of the middle of the temple, stop a little and … Read More “A Poem on the Passion of the Lord” »

Major Roman Catholic Orders: Origins, Differences, and Their Role Today

September 1, 2025September 1, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Roman Catholic Church

Since the early centuries of Christianity, men and women have sought to dedicate their lives wholly to God through religious communities. These communities, known as religious orders, have been central to the life of the Roman Catholic Church. They differ in their origins, missions, and styles of spirituality, but all share a commitment to prayer, service, … Read More “Major Roman Catholic Orders: Origins, Differences, and Their Role Today” »

The History of the Anglican Church

August 28, 2025August 28, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Reformation

The Anglican Church is one of the world’s major Christian traditions, with a rich history that stretches from the political and religious struggles of the 16th century to a global communion spanning continents today. Its story involves royal politics, theological reform, liturgical creativity, and the challenge of balancing tradition with innovation. Origins: Henry VIII and … Read More “The History of the Anglican Church” »

Episode 69 – The First Council of Constantinople

Many people are aware of the Council of Nicaea in 325, which gave us the Nicene Creed. Fewer people are aware that the form of the Nicene Creed we have now came from lesser known First Council of Constantinople in 381. This was an important council that helped clarify the nature of the Holy Spirit … Read More “Episode 69 – The First Council of Constantinople” »

What is the Filioque?

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Church Fathers

Few theological phrases have had as much historical impact as the Filioque. This short Latin word, meaning “and from the Son,” was at the heart of one of the most significant controversies in church history and remains a point of division between Eastern and Western Christianity to this day. The Meaning of the Filioque The Filioque refers to a phrase that … Read More “What is the Filioque?” »

The Origins and Development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

New Religions

The Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) is one of the most distinctive Protestant denominations to emerge in North America during the 19th century. Known for its emphasis on the Sabbath, health reform, and the imminent return of Jesus Christ, the movement arose out of a particular religious climate and has since grown into a global denomination … Read More “The Origins and Development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church” »

The Earliest Interactions Between Christians and Muslims

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Islam

The encounter between Christians and Muslims began not on the battlefield, but in conversation, diplomacy, and shared communities. By the time Islam emerged in the early 7th century, the Christian world stretched from the Atlantic to the Near East, with major centers in Constantinople, Alexandria, and Antioch. The rise of Islam brought a new religious … Read More “The Earliest Interactions Between Christians and Muslims” »