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Church History for Chumps

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Church History for Chumps
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160 episodes

  • Church History for Chumps

    159. Medieval Christianity, Purgatory, and Visions of the Afterlife

    20/10/2026 | 1h 4 mins.
    We've had a spook-tastic time exploring the history of the church's relationship with ghosts, spirits, and apparitions. 
    But what about a thoroughly documented vision of the afterlife?
    This week we'll close out our mini-series on a 13th century source detailing a vivid display of a "wild hunt," where the souls of the damned and tormented are displayed before the very eyes of a priest.
    Or so they say?
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  • Church History for Chumps

    158. Did Medieval Christians Talk to the Dead?

    13/10/2026 | 1h 9 mins.
    Last week, in true spooky fashion, we talked about how the early church dealt with the topic of the ghostly ghouls. 
    This week, we'll go forward in time and consider the ways of our medieval brothers, particularly Saint Bede and Anselm. 
    Both have interesting key writings that engage with the topics of talking to the dead, receiving messages from the dead, or the special insights that the dying can receive from the other side. 
    It's all very interesting. Or at least we think so. 
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  • Church History for Chumps

    157. Did the Early Church Believe in Ghosts?

    06/10/2026 | 1h 15 mins.
    It's a phenomenon that's as old as time itself. 
    Just about any culture you can think of has some example of ghostly creatures wandering the earth. 
    But what did the early church think? Were they 'superstitious' by modern standards? Or maybe just a little stitious? 
    Join us as we discuss Augustine and Gregory the Great and their unique views on the ghouls of history. 
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  • Church History for Chumps

    156. CHUMP TALK: So what IS Evangelicalism??

    01/10/2026 | 56 mins.
    'Evangelicals' is one of those terms that the news loves yet doesn't seem to understand. 
    It's a strange word in Christian circles. It doesn't connect neatly to one tradition or denomination. It's often lumped in with voting blocs, and usually it's a bad word. Or a really, really good word. Depending on who you're talking to. 
    So let's get down to the bottom of this, once and for all. What is an evangelical? Where did they come from? Are they good? Are they safe for your skin? Are they gluten free? Do they come in different flavors?
    Taylor and John will answer all of those questions and many more. 
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  • Church History for Chumps

    155. The Earliest Reformers in Europe: The Story of the Waldensians

    29/09/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
    The 12th century was kind of a strange time. While knights and tough guys all across Europe were fighting crusades, everyday people seemed to be starting their own movements. 
    Most of them were heretical. 
    In the fog of heresy however a new group arose. Led by a lay preacher with a penchant for poverty and a love for the lingua franca, Peter Waldo launched the Waldensians. These proto-reformers would spend much of their lifespan in hiding, enduring religious wars, inquisitions, and persecutions far and wide. 
    Join us as we discuss a truly fascinating bunch of believers that unknowingly paved the way for the great Reformation. 
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About 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
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Church History for Chumps: Podcasts in Family