Church History for Chumps

King Louis IX was not an ordinary king. For starters, he's recognized today as a saint in the Catholic Church, so that should tell you something. Louis was a man of piety, perhaps more than any other King to take up the cross and go on crusade. He spared no expense so that his crusade might succeed where others had failed. He spent exorbitant amounts of money. He insisted on the frequent confessions of his and his soldiers' sins. On August 12th 1248, King Louis departed, intending to achieve a monumental goal. To avenge the slain Christians of Jerusalem, and finally cut off the head of the Ayyubid Caliphate in Egypt. But will he succeed? Tune in and find out! Also Taylor talks about Oakwood Hills Baptist Church and why he loves it so very much, and John explains why his degrees don't matter. Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

Frederick II didn't have the greatest showing during the 5th Crusade.Some would even argue that he left his boys hanging. But Freddie has always had an ace up his sleeve, and now he's ready to start playing. Pretty soon he's going to set off on a crusade unlike any we've seen, full of deceit, conniving, and some well-played politicking. But can Frederick finally return Jerusalem to the hands of the Christians? There's only one way to find out!!!Also why is John singing Good, Good Father? Does he think that it's 2016 again? There's (still) only one way to find out!Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

The best thing about the Fourth Crusade? After such a crushing failure, there's no way to go but up! **sunglasses emoji**Pope Innocent III has learned from his mistakes after many years, and he's ready to strike again to reclaim Jerusalem. King Frederick II stands to be a valuable asset to take up the cross, if he can only get his political affairs resolved first.Join us as we discuss Crusade numero cinco! And wait, Saint Francis is in this episode? How???Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

Martin Luther is a man known for many things. To name a few: nailing documents on doors, wearing stylish German headwear, and spending time in a place named after worms.Oh, and the whole Protestant Reformation thing. But where did Marty Supreme stand on the issues of ghouls? Changelings? Devils, demons, possessed children?That's what we're here to talk about today. Join us as we speak with our special guest, Dr. Robb Torseth, and dive into the absolute coolest topic known to man. Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

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?Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

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. Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

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. Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

'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. Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

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. Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show! 

Ever since the Venetians got involved, we knew the crusaders were in trouble.(Apologies to any listeners from Venice) Led by the grizzled military veteran Doge Dandalo, the crusaders were forcibly detoured by the exploits of the Venetians in order to repay their massive debt. Eventually, they found their way outside the walls of the gem of the Eastern Roman Empire.What would follow would be one of the darkest days of all the medieval era. The crusaders would break through the walls and subject the Eastern city to all kinds of atrocities. It was not fun. But you know what IS fun? Our discord :DBut also, D: Support the showJoin our Discord! Support the Show!