Church History for Chumps
We're not your grandfather's church history podcast. But we'd also really appreciate it if he still listened.
Saints, heretics, councils...and the occasional crazy stuff. We have fun.
IG: @churchhistory4chumps
Episodes
132 episodes
131. The Templar Knights and the Doomed Road to Outremer
The Second Crusade has begun. Louis VII and Conrad III, respective Kings of France and Germany, have gathered their troops and are prepared to walk in the footsteps of their crusading forefathers. Their troops eagerly anticipated sh...
130. The Fall of Edessa and the Beginning of the Second Crusade
The year is 1144. The County of Edessa falls to the Seljuks. The first major blow to the Crusader States takes place, and the Latin Franks have to decide their response. Generations have passed since the successful first...
129. CHUMP TALK: How Christians Can Live United in Dividing Times
Sometimes the doctrinal and cultural differences that exist within the Christian church can feel overwhelming. We want to live united within the Body of Christ, but we also want to honor truth and our own church tradition. How can w...
128. Bernard of Clairvaux: The Monk who Loved God and Preached the Crusades
The rumblings of the Second Crusade have begun. But before that, we have to set the stage with one of the most influential figures, not just in rallying troops to take up the cross, but in all of medieval Christianity: Bernie of Cla...
127. The History of Just War Theory: Augustine's Most Controversial Take (maybe)
Just War Theory seems to be a phrase that's thrown around a lot lately. But where does it come from? Who does it come from? And why is it still relevant today?For this episode, John and Taylor are going to dive into the deep cuts of none...
126. Saints Who Weren't Exactly Human...Three Whimsical Tales
You know, when Taylor and John meet with our Board of Trustees every third Tuesday, we usually ask the same question: Where was the whimsy in the last episode? This week, we're pushing whimsy on all cylinders. We're here to share th...
125. What's the Deal with the Easter Bunny? The History of Easter
Dyed eggs, pastel colors, and of course the Easter Bunny, a Claus-esque creature of the night that brings good tidings to pious children. When you take a step back it really does feel a little strange when we consider the ways that ...
124. Andrew Fuller: The Heart of the Baptist Missionary Society
Many modern observers of trends in Western Christianity have rightly noted a move away from the 'low-church' worlds of typical non-denom and Baptist fare, in favor of a more Anglicanish, fancy-hat-wearing-vibe. If you ask our guest ...
123. CHUMP TALK: Is it still cool to talk about Deconstruction?
Deconstruction feels like a big 2017 idea. Talking about it today feels kinda dated. But you know what? CH4C didn't exist in 2017. So here we are. Deconstruction, popularized by folks like Joshua Harris or Rhett and Link...
122. Saint Anselm: Thinker, Philosopher, Theologian
The "dark ages" really get a bad wrap, if you ask us. The phrase tends to make you think of something from a Monty Python skit: a toothless peasants, constant famine, and a wildly corrupt and inept church. And while ever...
121. Jerusalem has Fallen: The Rise of the Crusader States
July 15th, 1099. The walls of Jerusalem are breached by the Crusaders, and finally the holy city has been conquered by the Franks. To some, a long and arduous road was finally coming to an end. But for many more, things were just ge...
120. The Crusades Begin...The Promised Land Awaits
It's been several years since Pope Urban's call to arms in 1095. Many of the crusaders are worn out and exhausted. For years they have endured famine, starvation, and widespread loss of life. Yet, the Promised Land is on the horizon. Jerusalem ...
119. The Crusades Begin...The Siege of Antioch
So far in our series on the First Crusade, we've discussed the failures in great detail. But what about the victories? Surely our Frankish friends had to taste some success, right?Right you are indeed. After cruising through the Battle o...
118. CHUMP TALK: The One Where the Guys Talk About Christian Nationalism
If there's a more loaded or controversial term in politics right now than 'Christian Nationalism,' well I'll be honest, I don't wanna hear about it. But it's an idea that's on the hearts and minds of Christians all over the nation. ...
117. The Crusades Begin...Godfrey of Bouillon
The Crusades have officially begun, and let's be honest: the crusaders have let us down a little bit. The People's Crusade was a nightmare, and the pillaging of Jewish communities in Rhineland was also not great. Okay it was pretty awful.
116. The Crusades Begin...The People's Crusade
The stage is finally set: the Western Christians have heard the call to the Holy Land, and have responded with resounding affirmation.The first of the waves of Europeans to head for Jerusalem wasn't quite what you'd imagine though. Led b...
115. The Crusades Begin...The Call of Pope Urban II
Blah blah Byzantines, blah blah Seljuks, when do we get to the FIGHTING???How about NOW. Well, sorta. Finally our story finds us back in the West, where Pope Urban II will stir affections far and wide, compelling ...
114. At the Gates of the Crusades: The Great Schism of 1054
Everyone loves a romance story. The initial flirting, then falling in love, then holding an ecumenical council where you promise to always love each other. But alas, then comes...the breakup. As we continue to set the st...
113. CHUMP TALK: How to Start Your Own Church History Podcast
You know what they say: if you can't join them, beat them. And we're not taking any more cohosts on our show unfortunately. So if you want to get into the CRAZY LUCRATIVE world of church history, you're gonna have to start your own ...
112. At the Gates of the Crusades: The Rise and (not quite yet) Fall of the Byzantine Empire
Today we discuss the third major character of our series on the Crusades, the mighty Byzantine Empire. Well...once mighty, that is. For centuries, the Byzantines have been tied up in military skirmishes with foes such as...
111. At the Gates of the Crusades: The Birth of Islam
Welcome to Islamic History for Chumps!Wait a second, that's not right. *checks notes*Welcome to week two of our long, loooong journey into the Crusades This week we'll discuss the second major character of this era, the Islamic ar...
110. At the Gates of the Crusades: The Fall of Rome
OUR CRUSADES SERIES IS HERE. They said we'd never do it. They said it couldn't happen. And they were almost right. Today, we set the stage for the massive undertaking of exploring the Crusades. We begin with an explorati...
109. Islam, Secularism, and Modern Apologetics with Inspiring Philosophy
Happy New Years, Chump Nation!We haven't forgotten about the Crusades, trust us. But we wanted to bring in the new year with a good friend of ours, the mind behind Inspiring Philosophy, Mike Jones. We wal...
108. The Creation of the Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo's Darkest Hour
Rarely is one so compelled to gaze upward than when they enter the majestic Sistine Chapel. Featuring historically renowned art pieces such as the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment, the Pope's private chapel is a spectacle that...
107. Santa Claus, Wreaths, and Caroling: The History of Christmas Traditions
Merry Christmas, Chump Nation! Each year, we find ourselves immersed in traditions that range from decorating a tree, hanging large socks over the fireplace, and preparing for the arrival of a magical Arian puncher. But ...