Church History for Chumps

Persecutions are tough. I think we can all agree with that. But an issue that doesn't get as much attention is what the church does after a time of persecution. Specifically with the Christians who may or may not have caved under the threat of harm or violence. The 3rd Century in Rome (as we've discussed on the show before) was a tough time to be a Christian, and while the persecution wasn't long, the problems that it created for the church definitely were. Enter St. Cyprian, a beloved leader from the city of Carthage. Not only will he be called to stand strong in the face of persecution, he will also be tasked with providing wisdom and direction for the church when factions form and threaten to tear the church in two. Also. We tell a lot of jokes in this. Definitely skip the banter if you're not a fan. We think you will be. But you might not be. And we love you still. Also today is John Simon's birthday! Show our boi some love. IG: @churchhistory4chumpsBuy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

For the past few weeks, we've been covering the stories of the Apostles after the biblical narrative concludes. And...we can be honest. This series has gone over like watching a jaded old magician spoiling a handful of classic magic tricks in front of an unsuspecting child's birthday party.But sometimes that's just how history is. But what about Saint Peter? We all know the story: at his hour of martyrdom, he begs his oppressors to be crucified upside down because he was unworthy of a death so similar to his Lord.But was it TRUE? Tune in to find out. And hey, in case no one's said it to you yet today, you look great. I don't know what it is. You're just really glowing. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

The lore surrounding the lives of the Apostles never ceases to amaze. People getting boiled alive (and surviving). Dudes getting thrown off the top of the Temple. Crazy stuff. But what if most of these crazy things are actually false? And what if nobody had a cool martyrdom? And what if Santa Claus is a FRAUD?Well, you'll just have to listen to find out. Join Taylor and John as we continue our journey through the lives of the apostles to see what history has to say about their fates after the close of the biblical narrative. This week, we've got the brother of Simon Peter, Andrew. New podcast alert: Gout of My Mind Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

When you think of the persecution of the Christians in the early church, it doesn't take long for the mind to naturally think of the Colosseum. But how involved was the Roman Colosseum in the practice of executing Christians in the first 4 centuries after the life of Christ? And what about the other stadiums built around that time? Join us as Tommy leads us through a rabbit trail for the ages. Also, the guys discuss what brands they're wearing (weird, I know), and whether or not martyrdom by lion would have been preferable or not. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

James the Greater. James the Lesser. James the brother of Jesus. Three stories. Three mysteries. Three Jameses. Join Jay, Tay, and Tray as we uncover more of the apostolic legacies after the biblical narrative. Also, we discuss Taylor's keto-tastic weight loss journey, and some harsh words he has for the Chump Nation if he doesn't get the fan mail encouragement he needs to stay on track. If you like our stuff, don't forget to hit Follow! IG: churchhistory4chumpsBuy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

Church history this, church history that. Blah blah blah. Let's get ready for some TRIVIA. Join us for a fun time of Chump Talk, where Taylor and Thomas will go head to head over some church history trivia. Listener, feel free to play at home! And then send us messages making fun of Taylor (or Thomas) for getting their questions wrong. Thanks for listening, happy Friday! Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

We all know how the story of the Apostles went down. They all went on missions to different regions of the world, and everyone but John was martyred. Right?...Right?MAYBE NOT! Join us as we dive into a mini-series within our "Early Church Gets the Worm" series, where we'll discuss what history says about the disciples of Jesus beyond the biblical narrative. This week we kick things off with two disciples on the opposite end of the Roman political spectrum: Simon the Zealot and Matthew. Also, all the guys plug their Substacks, which you should follow for more tasty Chump Content. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PREPARE YOUR BALLOTS.Few church fathers have a legacy as controversial as Origen of Alexandria. From rumors of self-mutilation, heresy, and crooked bishops, the story of Origen somehow only got more complicated in the years following his death. So this week, we're gonna take this controversial topic and duel it out. Each of our hosts has researched this topic, and will bring forth an argument about whether Origen was done dirty or not. And it is up to YOU, dear listener, to decide whether Thomas, John, or Taylor shall win the day. Send us a message below, comment on the Spotify episode, shoot us an email...whatever your heart desires. Let the voice of Chump Nation be heard! We love you guys. Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

"Hey! I'm walkin here!" St. Ignatius, probablyNot much is known of the 1st Century early church father known as Ignatius of Antioch. His early life, conversion, and place of origin are steeped in mystery. What we do know is this: after serving as the Bishop of Antioch for many years, Ignatius was captured during the persecution of Trajan. Rather than offer him a merciful execution, the old man was forced to march from his home throughout the Empire, finally ending in Rome where he would be killed by wild beasts. Some might call it a farewell tour. Join your favorite church history dummies as we discuss the legacy of the man known as "The God Bearer." We also talk a lot about therapy, for some reason. It's a good time. IG: @churchhistory4chumpsBuy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory

"F is for friends who do stuff together"-St. Peter, about Clement, probablyYou know what we love about the early church? That with a couple of history books and a number 2 pencil, you can sketch a nice, neat line right from the Book of Acts to the first wave of church fathers. Apostolic succession is a heck of a drug. And chief of these early church leaders was Clement of Rome, author of some neat epistles, and widely revered bishop of Rome. Join the fellas today as we talk about our boy Clem, Father's Day, and Taylor shares about a saint you've probably never heard of before. Thanks for listening!IG: churchhistory4chumps(Banter ends: 10:28) Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/chumphistory