Church History for Chumps

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 show Join our ...

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. ...

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 show Join 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...

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 show Join our Discord! Support the Show!