

Christian History Almanac
1517 Podcasts
The Christian History Almanac is a daily 5-minute podcast that highlights those stories- sometimes well known, other times less so- that have shaped the history of the church. Hosted by historian and author Dr. Daniel van Voorhis, each daily podcast concludes with a piece of prose or poetry and the reminder that because of the Good News, everything is going to be ok.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2026 • 8min
Friday, January 23, 2026
Explore the intriguing life of Johannes Hünner, a pivotal figure in the Reformation from Transylvania. Discover how his education in notable European cities shaped his humanist theology and skills in cartography. Delve into Hünner's maps of Transylvania and connections with renowned reformers like Luther. Learn about his moderate approach to reform and contributions to the Lutheran community. Finally, uncover his lasting impact on church life and the confessional diversity in the region.

Jan 22, 2026 • 7min
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Today on the Christian History Almanac, we tell a story about three cages hanging from a church in Münster, Germany. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

Jan 21, 2026 • 7min
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Explore the fascinating origins of the Anglicans and their pivotal Book of Common Prayer. Discover how Henry VIII's marital woes sparked the English Reformation. Dive into the unique elements of Anglican services that reflect core beliefs and practices. Learn about the 1549 Act of Uniformity that established the Book of Common Prayer as the standard for worship. Uncover the revisions and debates surrounding prayer books throughout the centuries and the lasting impact of its language on English itself.

Jan 20, 2026 • 8min
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Today on the Christian History Almanac, we tell a story about maps and the Old Testament and a guy called Sebastian. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

Jan 19, 2026 • 8min
Monday, January 19, 2026
A listener asks about the significance of the 2023 Asbury revival. The discussion highlights the event's impact on social media and its reception among the public. There's an intriguing analysis of whether it truly represented a Gen Z spiritual awakening. The host explores the idea of revival as God's ongoing work alongside the historical context of American evangelicalism. Insights are shared on global shifts in Christianity, emphasizing how the landscape is evolving, particularly towards the global South.

Jan 17, 2026 • 28min
The CHA Weekend Edition Presents — the "Other" Pilgrim's Progress: John Amos Comenius
Explore the life and influence of John Amos Comenius, an important figure shaped by the upheaval of the Thirty Years' War. Delve into his educational reforms and major works, including the unique Orbis Pictus. Discover his connections with notable contemporaries like Descartes and the thematic ties between his writings and iconic pilgrim literature. Unpack the intriguing comparisons between his labyrinth narrative and Bunyan's classic pilgrimage, tapping into deep themes of transformation and spiritual encounters.

Jan 16, 2026 • 8min
Friday, January 16, 2026
Today on the Christian History Almanac, we remember a key advisor behind the Reformation in Germany: George Spalatin. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

Jan 15, 2026 • 7min
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Today on the Christian History Almanac, we remember two saints connected to the Egyptian desert. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

Jan 14, 2026 • 7min
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Today on the Christian History Almanac, we remember an oft-forgotten Norwegian pastor and Nazi resistor. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

Jan 13, 2026 • 7min
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Discover the life of St. Hilary of Poitiers, dubbed 'the Hammer of the Arians,' known for his fierce opposition to Arianism. Learn about his dramatic conversion through the Gospel of John and his consequential rise to bishop. The podcast also explores his exile, his collaborations with Eastern church figures, and his impact on congregational singing. Delve into Hilary's writings that shaped monasticism and his legacy as 'Athanasius of the West.' Plus, hear curious medieval legends surrounding his life and miraculous tales.


