Many modern observers of trends in Western Christianity have rightly noted a move away from the 'low-church' worlds of typical non-denom and Baptist fare, in favor of a more Anglicanish, fancy-hat-wearing-vibe. 

If you ask our guest host, Mr. Tyler Sanders, why that is, he's likely to say it's because Baptists don't get enough credit for the depth of history that they bring to the table. Andrew Fuller for example (not the cake guy) is a great example of an influential figure who shaped modern missions and wrote Baptist theology, all while shepherding his own church. 

Regardless of where you fall on the pastor-wears-a-fancy-hat vs. no-hats-in-church spectrum, we think you'll enjoy our discussion today.

So yeah, we're back with another Baptist episode (per the demands in Taylor's podcast host contract). But it's a good time, we promise. Thanks again Tyler for joining! 

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Deconstruction feels like a big 2017 idea. Talking about it today feels kinda dated. 

But you know what? CH4C didn't exist in 2017. So here we are. 

Deconstruction, popularized by folks like Joshua Harris or Rhett and Link, is a common term for taking certain religious views with a critical eye. It's a reasonably pretty controversial idea. 

Some Christians view it as a helpful way to grow from the false ways that we've understood the faith. Other Christians worry that it will cause a downward slide that will lead believers out of the faith. All of these views are honestly pretty valid. 

So let's talk about it! Join Taylor and John as we chop it up, chump style.

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The "dark ages" really get a bad wrap, if you ask us. 

The phrase tends to make you think of something from a Monty Python skit: a toothless peasants, constant famine, and a wildly corrupt and inept church. 

And while every bit of fiction has some truth to it, there's one big problem to that narrative. Anselm was an absolute BALLER. 

Listen as Thomas leads the lads through the story of Anselm of Canterbury (Handsome Anselm is what Taylor calls him), Doctor of the medieval church. 

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July 15th, 1099. The walls of Jerusalem are breached by the Crusaders, and finally the holy city has been conquered by the Franks. To some, a long and arduous road was finally coming to an end. 

But for many more, things were just getting started. 

Join us as we talk about the rise and not-quite-yet-fall of the Crusader States, sometimes known as Outremer, consisting of the counties of Tripoli and Edessa, the principality of Antioch, and of course, the Kingdom of Jerusalem. 

Also, on a totally different note, how does Taylor pick what songs to lead at church? And why doesn't he like Chris Tomlin? Just kidding Mr. Tomlin, thanks for enjoying our show. 

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It's been several years since Pope Urban's call to arms in 1095. Many of the crusaders are worn out and exhausted. For years they have endured famine, starvation, and widespread loss of life. Yet, the Promised Land is on the horizon. Jerusalem awaits. 

Join the gang as we dive into the great climax of the First Crusade, the arrival at the object of every Frank's eyes, the Holy City of the Levant. 

Also...why IS Coke Zero so much better than Diet Coke? Does anyone have a reason? We really don't know. Huh. 

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So far in our series on the First Crusade, we've discussed the failures in great detail. But what about the victories? Surely our Frankish friends had to taste some success, right?

Right you are indeed. After cruising through the Battle of Nicaea, the Crusaders would earn a massive dub, after the grueling and painfully slow Siege of Antioch. 

This story has it all: human catapults, inside agents, comparisons to Lord of the Rings, and even a holy relic. It's a fun time!

Also shoutout to Ben Watson, wherever you are, we hope you're doing good. 

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If there's a more loaded or controversial term in politics right now than 'Christian Nationalism,' well I'll be honest, I don't wanna hear about it. But it's an idea that's on the hearts and minds of Christians all over the nation. 

So what's the deal with it? How can we define it? And how do the three of us (as all-powerful podcast hosts with limitless wisdom) believe that faith and government should interact with each other? 

Wonder no more! We'll talk about it all, right here. Do you have thoughts on Christian Nationalism? We'd love to hear them! Share them in the comments!

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The Crusades have officially begun, and let's be honest: the crusaders have let us down a little bit. The People's Crusade was a nightmare, and the pillaging of Jewish communities in Rhineland was also not great. Okay it was pretty awful.

But what happens when an army of crusaders is led by a man with pious character, integrity, and (apparently) a head of flowing, golden locks? Well, we get today's feature: Godfrey of Bouillon. A key military figure of the First Crusade and first political leader of Jerusalem. 

Speaking of the Crusades, we want to hear from the people: How are you enjoying the Crusades series so far? Should we stay the pace, or take a break and cover some different topics? Let us know in the comments!!

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The stage is finally set: the Western Christians have heard the call to the Holy Land, and have responded with resounding affirmation.

The first of the waves of Europeans to head for Jerusalem wasn't quite what you'd imagine though. Led by the charismatic open-air preacher Peter the Hermit, a band of thousands of untrained soldiers headed East to participate in the early crusade. The results were...mixed to say the least. 

Join us as we explore the honestly kind of terrible People's Crusade. We'll also discuss whether we've been kind to the Anabaptists, what our next Chump Talk should be, and whether Taylor's mom needs to wear sunglasses. 

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Blah blah Byzantines, blah blah Seljuks, when do we get to the FIGHTING???

How about NOW. 

Well, sorta. 

Finally our story finds us back in the West, where Pope Urban II will stir affections far and wide, compelling the feudal Franks to storm the Holy Land. 

But what were the motivations of these war-hungry comrades? Fame? Piety? Dollar bills?? You'll have to tune in to find out.

You'll also find out all about skull shavers, Myrtle Beach, and whether golfing is cool yet (it's not). 

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