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Tag: Sects

The Origins of the Shakers: Visionaries, Celibates, and Radical Communal Christians

Posted on May 12, 2026May 12, 2026 By Stephen Bedard No Comments on The Origins of the Shakers: Visionaries, Celibates, and Radical Communal Christians
The Origins of the Shakers: Visionaries, Celibates, and Radical Communal Christians
New Religions

Among the many unusual religious movements that emerged in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, few were as distinctive as the Shakers. Officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, the Shakers became famous for their ecstatic worship, communal living, celibacy, craftsmanship, and radical commitment to equality between men and women. At their … Read More “The Origins of the Shakers: Visionaries, Celibates, and Radical Communal Christians” »

The Origins and Development of Christian Science

Posted on April 2, 2025December 11, 2025 By Stephen Bedard 1 Comment on The Origins and Development of Christian Science
The Origins and Development of Christian Science
New Religions

Christian Science is a religious movement that emerged in the 19th century, blending elements of Christianity, metaphysical healing, and idealist philosophy. It was founded by Mary Baker Eddy, who claimed to have discovered a spiritual system of healing based on the teachings of Jesus. This article explores the origins, inspirations, beliefs, and evolution of Christian Science, as well as what it looks … Read More “The Origins and Development of Christian Science” »

Heresies: Now and Then

Posted on March 7, 2019March 20, 2020 By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Heresies: Now and Then
Heresies: Now and Then
New Religions

Heresies have been connected to Christianity from the beginning. Because this is a historical more than theological blog, I’m defining a heresy as a smaller group breaking off from the main group with significantly different doctrines. Some time ago I taught a course on what are often called cults or sects. I was amazed at … Read More “Heresies: Now and Then” »

Historical Timeline of Religion in the 19th Century

Posted on September 14, 2018March 20, 2020 By Stephen Bedard 1 Comment on Historical Timeline of Religion in the 19th Century
Historical Timeline of Religion in the 19th Century
New Religions

I am especially interested in the development of new religions in the 19th century, including the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. I taught a course on this for Tyndale University College. As a part of the background, I put together a bit of timeline of the major religious figures from the 19th century (and early 20th … Read More “Historical Timeline of Religion in the 19th Century” »

Prophets and Bible Teachers in New Religions

Posted on August 23, 2018March 20, 2020 By Stephen Bedard No Comments on Prophets and Bible Teachers in New Religions
Prophets and Bible Teachers in New Religions
New Religions

I just finished teaching a course on Contemporary Religious Movements at Tyndale University College. One of the things that I enjoyed about the course was seeing the connections between the different groups. We focused on groups that developed during the 19th and early 20th centuries. What was interesting was that there were two basic types of … Read More “Prophets and Bible Teachers in New Religions” »

Episode 76 – The Roman Empire in the Fourth Century

Episode 76 – The Roman Empire in the Fourth Century

The fourth century was a century of great change for the church. It was equally so for the Roman Empire. In fact, from this century onward it would be difficult to separate the history of Rome from the history of the church. In this episode, we look at the major events of the fourth century ... Read More "Episode 76 – The Roman Empire in the Fourth Century" »

https://historyofchristianitypodcast.com/podcast-player/1607/episode-76-the-roman-empire-in-the-fourth-century.mp3

Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 00:20:50 | Recorded on July 28, 2026

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