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Church History for Chumps

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Church History for Chumps
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133 episodes

  • Church History for Chumps

    132. The Crushing Collapse of the Second Crusade

    19/05/2026 | 56 mins.
    "So great was the disaster of the army and so inexpressible the misery that those who took part bemoan it with tears to this very day."
    The Second Crusade failed to capture lightning in a bottle a second time. What was proposed as a rousing show of support to Christian brothers ended with dissent, accusations, and rumors of betrayal. 
    It's a bad time. 
    Thanks for joining us as we wrap up our coverage of Crusade #2!
    Also, do John and Taylor need to start a fitness podcast? Or maybe just starting taking care of ourselves better? 
    Hmmm.
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  • Church History for Chumps

    131. The Templar Knights and the Doomed Road to Outremer

    12/05/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
    The Second Crusade has begun. Louis VII and Conrad III, respective Kings of France and Germany, have gathered their troops and are prepared to walk in the footsteps of their crusading forefathers. 
    Their troops eagerly anticipated sharing the glory of the heroic first crusaders. The morale was sky high. 
    But things were not as they seemed. Both German and French armies faced tough losses right away, and soon they realized that this may not be the walk in the park that they'd hoped.
    Also, we're going to take a deep dive into the most meme-able face of the Crusades, the Templar Knight. Where did they come from? Where did they go? Something something Cotton-eyed Joe??? 
    Also guys, Taylor is so excited about our BuyMeACoffee perks that he has literal chest pains. Check it out! 
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  • Church History for Chumps

    130. The Fall of Edessa and the Beginning of the Second Crusade

    05/05/2026 | 1h 13 mins.
    The year is 1144. The County of Edessa falls to the Seljuks. 
    The first major blow to the Crusader States takes place, and the Latin Franks have to decide their response. 
    Generations have passed since the successful first Crusade where Western Christendom accomplished one of the most stunning military victories in recorded history. It's time to see if lightning can strike twice. 
    Join John and Taylor as we dive through Eugenius, Bernard, and the rumbling of thunder before the downpour of the Second Crusade. 
    Also we talk about whether it's sanctified to write negative Yelp reviews. What fun! 
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  • Church History for Chumps

    129. CHUMP TALK: How Christians Can Live United in Dividing Times

    01/05/2026 | 58 mins.
    Sometimes the doctrinal and cultural differences that exist within the Christian church can feel overwhelming. We want to live united within the Body of Christ, but we also want to honor truth and our own church tradition. 
    How can we do it? Is it even possible?
    Fear not, dear listener. Two podcasters are here to shine the light for you. 
    Join Tay and John as we share about our experiences in different church settings, and how we believe the church can walk united through its differences. 
    And thank you again to Isaac P. for executive producing and recommending this episode! You da best. 
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  • Church History for Chumps

    128. Bernard of Clairvaux: The Monk who Loved God and Preached the Crusades

    28/04/2026 | 57 mins.
    The rumblings of the Second Crusade have begun. 
    But before that, we have to set the stage with one of the most influential figures, not just in rallying troops to take up the cross, but in all of medieval Christianity: Bernie of Clairvaux. 
    Bernard was a man of many hats: monk, mystic, theologian, teacher, papal advisor, and even a reformer (but not the protestant kind). 
    To us, Bernie is a perfect example of someone who represented a kind of intellectual piety and love for Christ that *feels so strange* in lieu of his historical context. But that's just what we think, what do YOU think??? Let us know in the comments. 
    Also, serious question, can you hear Taylor's fan? If you can let us know. It's really obnoxious. He's really obnoxious, too. This is John btw. 
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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