Church History

I’m excited to announce the release of my newest book, The Church is Corrupted. This is the second volume in my series on church history, crafted especially for those who want to explore Christianity's past in an easy-to-read yet deeply insightful way.

In this latest installment, we’ll journey together through the defining moments that shaped the church we know today. From the foundational theology of the early church to the courageous lives of men and women who defended their faith, this book will immerse you in the heart of Christian history. Key episodes include the Crusades, the Inquisitions, and the church’s complex role in discovering America.

Each chapter introduces you to a different story, a new hero, and a fresh lesson. You’ll gain inspiration from the faithful leaders of the past and learn valuable lessons from the church's successes and stumbles. This book prepares readers for the sweeping reforms on the horizon, ending just before the Protestant Reformation.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious Christian, or simply seeking inspiration, The Church is Corrupted offers something meaningful for everyone.

Get your copy today and begin your journey through our rich heritage of faith!

Thank you for your support. May you be encouraged and inspired by the faith and perseverance of those who came before us.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts on Amazon! Your reviews help others discover the joy and inspiration within these pages.

Link to order: The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

In this episode, we dive into the life and influence of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, and explore how her teachings continue to impact modern-day healing ministries.

Born in 1821 to devout Congregationalist parents, Mary faced a life filled with hardship and illness, which led her to explore alternative healing methods.

After experiencing relief through the controversial healer Phineas Quimby, she developed her own beliefs that combined his methods with her Christian faith.

In 1875, she published her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which became the foundation of Christian Science. She founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, with a core belief in the power of prayer and spiritual healing, emphasizing that illness is a misperception that can be overcome through positive faith.

Mary’s views, especially her rejection of the Trinity and her belief that the material world is an illusion, departed from traditional Christian teachings and aligned closely with Gnostic ideas. Despite these differences, her focus on spiritual healing has inspired contemporary healing ministries. Elements like faith healing, rejection of medical treatments, and practices such as “positive confession” in charismatic movements trace indirect roots back to Christian Science.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

Visions, Folk Magic, and the Birth of Mormonism: The Story of Joseph Smith: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34929378/visions-folk-magic-and-the-birth-of-mormonism-the-story-of-joseph-smith

In this second episode of our series on the Western public school system and its impact on the church, we delve into John Dewey's influence on American education and his alignment with socialist philosophies.

Known as the “Father of American Education,” Dewey, who lived from 1859 to 1952, saw schools not just as places for learning but as tools for shaping society. His 1928 visit to Soviet Russia left a profound impression on him; he admired the Soviet educational system’s focus on social reform and collective values.

Upon his return, Dewey incorporated aspects of this model into the American school system, advocating for a shift from individual knowledge to societal conditioning. In this episode, we explore how Dewey’s progressive education ideas introduced socialist principles into U.S. schools and how this change affected the role of education in shaping citizens. We also discuss the ways Dewey's philosophy impacted the American church by prioritizing secular humanism over Christian values in schools.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

Sunday School: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34670598/sunday-school-the-movement-that-shaped-the-education-of-the-church

Hudson Taylor: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-17846177/hudson-taylor

In this episode, we begin a two-part series examining the foundation of the Western public school system and its anti-Christian origins. We explore the early influence of the church on education, where the primary purpose of schooling was to enable individuals to read the Bible. The episode delves into the utopian experiment of Robert Owen, who attempted to separate children from their parents to shape them into ideal citizens—a project that ultimately failed. However, Owen's ideas laid the groundwork for modern educational systems designed to create obedient citizens. We also explore the life of Horace Mann, considered the father of public education, and his role in shaping the current public school system with a vision that increasingly distanced itself from Christian teachings.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

Sunday School: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34670598/sunday-school-the-movement-that-shaped-the-education-of-the-church

William and Catherine Booth: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34678662/william-and-catherine-booth-and-the-salvation-army

Hosea 4:6 says my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

In 2012, Barna researched teenagers' beliefs in evangelical churches. Here is what they found.

• 80% believe Bible and Koran are both inspired books

• 70% believe one must “earn” salvation

• 58% have a Biblical worldview of God.

• 57% believe their eternal destiny is up to them, not God.

• 56% believe that Jesus Christ is/was simply human.

• 40% believe the “principle” of the Bible, but not words as accurate.

• 32% believe the resurrection of Christ occurred.

• 18% believe in “moral absolute truth”

• 1% have a Biblical World View.

That was ten years ago. Today, these same people are in their late 20s or early 30s. They are the adults of our church. Here is the outcome

• 1 out of 9 (11%) lost faith in Christianity

• 4 out of 10 (40%) leave the Church but still call themselves Christian

• 2 out of 10 (20%) disconnect from Church and express frustration about “church culture” and disconnect with society

• 3 out of 10 (30%) stay involved in church

Here are the five things the people who stayed in church as adults had in common.

• Eating dinner together as a family five nights a week.

• Serving in a faith-based ministry as a family.

• Having at least one significant spiritual experience at home each week.

• Being entrusted with significant ministry responsibility at a young age.

• Having at least one adult mentor outside of the immediate family.

In 2022, the Barna group did another study with teens, and they found that this is what they believed.

• Jesus was a Justice Advocate – 35%

• Jesus was crucified – 47%

• Jesus was raised from the dead – 21%

• Jesus is active in the world today – 21%

Here is HOW to teach children ANYTHING.

• Make it memorable. Keep it simple. Repeat it often.

Here are the things your children must know.

Inspiration of the Bible – God breathed into people the idea of what to write.

The doctrine of God He created us. He is Holy, which means He is separated from sin. He is just; God does what is right and fair. But because He is love, He took the punishment.

Jesus claimed to be God – when he forgave sins - when he commanded creation - when he called himself “I Am,”

Trinity: God is not a human being; he is a different being. God is ONE God, One Being with three persons.

Sin: Anything we think, say, or do that breaks God's law -The punishment of sin is being separated from God -We are all born with a "want to" sin - "God rescues us from sin. From the power of sin, and the penalty of sin."

Salvation - The act of saving or rescuing from danger or harm -

Redemption - To free from captivity by paying the fine.

We are Justified through Grace by Faith

Justified - God took our label of Sin and replaced it with the label of righteousness.

Grace -- Unmerited Favor

Favor - something good. The one you like the best is your favorite.

Merit - Earn something- like a merit badge. - Award

Unmerited Favor -- Getting something good you did not deserve

Faith Is the belief that someone or something is who they say they are and can do what they say they can do.

Resources

o Gotquestions.org is a great option for a place for you to find answers

o Cross Examined

o Frank Turek

o Sean McDowell – Great videos on YouTube

o Child Evangelism Fellowship

o What’s In The Bible Video Series for Kids

o Church History Podcast - loreleesiemens.com

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

In today's episode of the Church History Podcast, host Lorelee Siemens continues her series on the rise of atheism in the 1800s, exploring the lives and philosophies of notable atheists such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Emma Goldman, and Sigmund Freud.

The episode highlights Nietzsche's famous proclamation that "God is dead" and its impact on Western thought, fostering moral relativism and nihilism and inspiring dangerous ideologies. It also delves into Emma Goldman's advocacy for anarchism and birth control. Finally, the episode examines Sigmund Freud's view of religion as an illusion and his contributions to atheistic thought through psychoanalysis.

Throughout the discussion, Lorelee contrasts the rise of atheism with the steadfast Christian response during this period, emphasizing the importance of faith and the gospel in confronting secular ideologies.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

Science and the Church: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-3096439/science-and-the-church

The Enlightenment: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-9897328/the-enlightenment

The French Revolution: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-12199508/the-french-revolution

In this episode of the Church History Podcast, we delve into the history of atheists and their impact on the church today; atheists' philosophies, such as Charles Darwin's and Karl Marx's, shaped the modern church.

We explore Darwin's journey from faith to evolution and how his ideas influenced science and societal ideologies that justified harmful practices. Then, we turn to Karl Marx, whose radical political theories and rejection of religion spurred the rise of communism, resulting in significant global upheaval.

Finally, we discuss the contrasting response from Christian figures like William Wilberforce and Harriet Tubman, whose faith-driven actions led to meaningful change and justice. Join us as we discuss the long-lasting impact of these worldviews and the church's role in today's society.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

Science and the Church: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-3096439/science-and-the-church

The Enlightenment: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-9897328/the-enlightenment

The French Revolution: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-12199508/the-french-revolution

In this episode of the Church History Podcast, we explored the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, and the early development of the Latter-Day Saint movement. We will discuss his story and the difference between Mormonism and Christianity.

We delved into Smith's family background, folk magic use, and experiences with seer stones, which shaped his early spiritual practices. Smith’s claimed discovery of the golden plates, which he translated into the Book of Mormon, sparked the rapid growth of the Mormon faith.

We also discussed the founding of the Mormon Church in 1830, the challenges Smith faced—including violent opposition, legal troubles, and internal schisms—and his vision for a new religious community in Nauvoo, Illinois. His involvement in controversial practices like polygamy and his eventual martyrdom in 1844.

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

Ambrose: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2001534/ambrose

Athanasius: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-1981021/athanasius

Here is a preview for our next season starting Next Monday Morning.

Hymn Series: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

Episode Sponsor:

The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR

The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1

Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

Links:

https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring life of Thomas Chisholm, the humble writer behind the timeless hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."

Born in rural Kentucky in 1866, Chisholm faced numerous hardships, including poor health and financial struggles. Despite these challenges, his unwavering faith in God's goodness never faltered. Chisholm's journey from schoolteacher to minister and eventually a hymn writer highlights his dedication to serving God in every phase of his life.

The episode explores how his most famous hymn, written during a deep reflection, became a beloved anthem of God's unchanging love, touching millions of lives through the decades.

Music: Find this and the rest of the Hymns on all the streaming services https://linktr.ee/worshipcircle

Links:

My Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these from the same period:

Sunday School: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34670598/sunday-school-the-movement-that-shaped-the-education-of-the-church

William and Catherine Booth: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34678662/william-and-catherine-booth-and-the-salvation-army

The YMCA and D.L. Moody early life: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34685328/the-start-of-the-ymca-and-the-early-life-of-d-l-moody

D.L. Moody: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34693937/d-l-moody-preaches-around-the-world