Church History for Chumps

Francis of Assisi had it made in the shade to be a handsome, wealthy Italian noble. But boy did Lord have other plans. John and Thomas talk about our new favorite wolf-talking, poverty-living, Gospel-preaching son of a gun. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

Nope, don't worry, we didn't accidentally sneeze on the keyboard when we typed this episode's title. Wilgefortis was a popular folk saint during the Middle Ages, and her story is...well...just hit play. It'll make sense real soon. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

Okay, hear us out...is it possible that the Prosperity Gospel formed as a teaching as a trauma response to the Great Depression? Seriously, I'm still not sure. Anyways. This week we'll talk about one of the most polarizing faith healing evangelists of the 20th century: A.A. Allen. We'll talk about his legacy and the strange amount of controversy around it. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

Lawrence (not Brother Lawrence, but he was dope too) was one of the seven deacons in the city of Rome in the 3rd Century. While he was one of many martyrs under the reign of Emperor Valerian, his story is one for the ages. In this episode, John and Tom chat about the role of deacons in the church, awesome pre-martyrdom punchlines, and why patron saints are kind of cool. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

If the name is any indication, the Black Death was probably NOT a good time. In the shadow of a sweeping disease that killed half of Europe's population, a young English woman committed to a simple life of prayer and isolation as an anchoress. In her small and prison-like cell, this woman would experience remarkable visions from God. Her name is unknown, but history would later deem her Julian of Norwich. Tune in as John and Thomas discuss England following a time of disease and darkness, and how the words of this mystic would speak to a wounded and discouraged Church. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

For this special episode, John and Tom sit down with Ben Lansing, the artist and creator behind the page @ourchurchspeaks. Ben is a talented artist who has used his skills to highlight prominent church figures from across the centuries on his IG page. During this conversation, Ben shares his wild and fascinating theological journey, and how his deep appreciation for church history became formative to his spiritual life.  Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

No matter how many times you hear the haunting accounts of the slave ships traveling across oceans, in conditions that would be inexcusable for cattle, let alone humans, it always puts a pit in your stomach.This was the reality for much of the Western world in the mid-18th century. But slowly and steadily, the Spirit of God was awakening a conviction among His people to foster a change that would shake the United Kingdom, and eventually the United States as well.Tune in as Thomas and John share the story of William Wilberforce, a man whose conviction as a servant of Christ compelled him to dedicate his life to the abolition of the English slave trade.Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

February 1692. Salem Massachusetts. Two young girls, feeling unwell, begin to go into "fits." This consists of screaming, vomiting, contorting their bodies, and making strange noises. This began one of the most well known religious controversies in American history. #spookyhours Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

John, Thomas, and the esteemed Dr. Melle are BACK. And they're all out of bubble gum. The good doctor leads the guys through yet another captivating conversation on the Celts. The guys discuss the missional posture of the Celtic monks, how we as Westerners can adopt a more Celtic lens of the world, and Brad's favorite Irenaeus quote. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

It's the 5th century, and the slightly complicated relationship between the Christian church and the Roman Empire is in full swing. A dusty missionary named Patrick arrives at the coast of Ireland. He finds a unique, nature-centered culture with a rich relationship with the spiritual realm. The table is set for the birth of Celtic Christianity.John and Thomas are joined by Dr. Brad Melle of Freestyle Theology to chat. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory