Church History for Chumps

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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The Siege of Acre has been a punishing ordeal for both Muslim and Christian armies. Each time the Crusaders believe they're inching towards victory, Saladin pulls yet another trick out of his seemingly endless hat. 

But today we will see the riveting conclusion of the grandest siege of the Crusade era, and perhaps of all medieval history. 

Also, did someone say Discord? Yeah we have a Discord. Check it out riiiiiiiight HERE.

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Finally, the question that everyone (usually our wives and loved ones) constantly asks us.

"Why bother studying church history?" 

"Isn't it all so boring?"

"Isn't it just a bunch of dead guys?"

So after putting on a brave face and pretending these questions didn't hurt our feelings, Taylor and John have decided to put this discussion to bed once and for all.

Join us as we discuss why we believe that studying church history is beneficial for any believer looking to understand theology, have a better grasp of the Scriptures, or just be more tuned into God's family. 

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Frederick I was no ordinary crusader. 

As a young man, he'd participated in the disastrous Second Crusade. Now in his sixties, Frederick was adamant to not follow in the footsteps of those who attempted to liberate the Holy Land before him. Discipline, organization, and preparation were pivotal to how his massive army would be run. 

And yet the German crusade through Asia Minor would end in sudden and abrupt tragedy on a fateful day in June of 1190.

Join us as we discuss the other side of the Second Crusade, as we gear up to finish the Siege of Acre next week!

Also do you guys want a Chump Nation discord? Let us know!

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The disgraced King of Jerusalem, Guy of Lusignan, had lost everything. 

His kingdom, his freedom, his integrity. 

When Saladin, Sultan of the Islamic world, agreed to free him from captivity, he was forced to swear no retaliation upon release.

Guy agreed.

But he would not keep that vow. In no time, Guy gathered a small army of willing Crusaders to attempt an impossible mission. 

To retake the Holy Land. 

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The fall of Jerusalem in 1187 sent shockwaves all throughout the Christian world. 

The holy city had been a prize proudly held by the Crusaders since 1099, and now it was held firmly in the grasp of their enemies. 

However, a new storm was brewing in Europe. Widespread propaganda, recruitment campaigns, even a newly instituted "Saladin Tithe" to pay the way to the Levant. 

The Third Crusade was coming. 

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In the 12th Century, Saladin is steadily gathering the infinity stones of Islamic territories. 

Mosul, Aleppo, Damascus. The threat of a united Islamic front appears plausible, and this is a terrifying reality for the Crusader States.

Because they know that their foes have their eyes fixed on Jerusalem. 

And in 1187, the city that had been a Christian stronghold for nearly a century, falls to the Ayyubids.

Is the siege as brutal as the one in 1099? Is Saladin the pious leader that he's often made out to be? Are John and Taylor EVER going to do a watch party so we can all experience Kingdom of God together??? 

Soon you'll have the answers to all these questions and more. 

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It's pretty fascinating to look at the idea of 'church membership' through a historical lens. 

It's fair to assume that the early church probably wasn't having people fill out visitor cards or handing out coffee mugs with the church logo on it. 

So that leaves us in a tricky position: what does it look like to truly 'belong' to a church in this day and age? And what should be required of someone who does choose to commit to their church?

Join us as we esteemed podcasters provide answers that you should honestly just talk to your pastor about. But hey, thanks for listening to us anyway! You ROCK!

Note from John: "Hey, I realized after recording this that I forgot that ELDERS exist! Really embarrassing on my end. I don't believe that pastors should have supreme control, elders are great and biblical assets for checks and balances. Pls don't beat me up in the comments."

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