Church History for Chumps

There are few passages of Scripture more influential than the Great Commission. The words of Jesus to His followers, calling them to go out into the world and make disciples, have rung out for two thousand years.
And the Church's answer to that call has often been as diverse as the Christians responding to it. In some periods, Christians were committed to a grassroots method of simple living, relationship, and evangelism. Celtic Christianity brought its own flavor as well. As the Church and Empire walked hand in hand, missions efforts grew to have more of a political punch.
So join Taylor and John as we attempt the gargantuan effort of condensing the history of missions into, say, 60 minutes? Maybe 70? We'll do our best. Pray for us. 
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Irenaeus of Lyon was easily one of the most influential early church theologians of this time. At the very least he definitely had the most vowels in his name.
Just a quick glimpse at his rap sheet: he was (sorta) discipled by Polycarp. He endured a wave of Roman persecution. He fought tooth and nail against the Gnostics. AND he wrote the most enduring, detailed defense against a wide range of early heresies.
There's a reason he's a Doctor of the Church. If your tradition cares about that kind of thing.
So let's talk heresy, let's talk apostolic succession, let's talk Irenaeus!
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Was the early church truly pacifist?
Oof, that's a tough question to answer.
And to be honest, we're not quite sure there is a neat and simple answer for that question. 
But if you want to hear enough church father quotes to make your head spin, then THIS is the episode for you. 
And remember, you don't have to be a pacifist so make sure you SMASH that Follow button! Or Subscribe button! Ha ha ha, was that good? 
Haha. 
We have fun. 

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The late 17th century was a wild time for Christianity in England. 
While the Catholics and Anglicans fought to be the top dog of the land of beans and toast, Baptists quietly went about changing stuff with no one's permission. 
Benjamin Keach was such a Baptist as these. Torn between the worlds of Particular and General Baptists, Keach was an innovator of catechism and liturgy. 
But perhaps his greatest contribution, not just to the Baptist world but to the evangelical world as a whole, was his fight to popularize hymn singing during Sunday worship. 
Will he succeed? Will he be put into the stocks?! Tune in to listen!

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The siege of Acre was a grueling yet spectacular success for the Crusader armies. With the coastline cleared and easy access to supplies secured, the greatest task was before them: to siege the city of Jerusalem and retake the True Cross.
In the Islamic camps, fear and paranoia were spreading through the ranks as Saladin's health continues to ravage him, and murmurs of betrayal are were frequently heard.
Does Richard the Lionheart have what it takes to complete his pilgrimage to the Holy City? Does Saladin have the strength to ward off the Crusaders one last time?
Tune in for the conclusion of the epic Third Crusade.
ALSO: Disregard what John said near the end of the episode...
Our Kingdom of Heaven Watch Party is August 29*** at 5pm PST.
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