FACTS

St. Hildegard of Bingen was one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages—a Benedictine abbess, mystic, theologian, composer, writer, and student of the natural world. But she also has an unexpected connection to something many people still enjoy today: beer.

In this episode of FACTS, we explore the life of St. Hildegard, from her childhood visions and monastic formation to her rise as one of the most influential religious voices of the twelfth century. We’ll look at her writings, her relationship with figures such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Pope Eugene III, her work in medicine and natural science, her music, and the remarkable influence she exercised over bishops, popes, and political leaders.

We’ll also examine the story behind “The Nun Who Changed Beer.” Hildegard did not invent beer or hops, but in her Physica she recorded one of the most famous medieval observations concerning hops and their ability to keep beverages from spoiling. At a time when monasteries were important centers of agriculture, medicine, hospitality, and brewing, Hildegard’s writings give us a fascinating glimpse into the development of medieval beer.

So how much did St. Hildegard actually change brewing? Why is she so closely associated with beer today? And how did a twelfth-century Benedictine nun eventually become a Doctor of the Church?

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Did Cardinal Francisco Ximenes actually reject the Deuterocanonical books as Scripture?In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce responds to recent claims by Wes Huff concerning Ximenes, the Complutensian Polyglot, and the biblical canon before the Council of Trent.We examine Ximenes’ famous phrase libri extra canonem (“books outside the canon”), his statement that these books were nevertheless “received by the Church,” his dependence on St. Jerome, and the broader canonical witness of Rome, Hippo, Carthage, Pope Innocent I, Florence, and Trent.Did Trent create a new Catholic canon—or formally define one the Church had long received?#Catholic #Bible #Apocrypha #Deuterocanon #CouncilOfTrent #WesHuff #CardinalXimenes🎁 Support our ministry: If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7Link to Wes's initial video: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbEZLjby7Jr/CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:43 Wes Huff’s Argument4:31 What Wes Gets Right6:37 What Cardinal Ximénez Actually Said14:14 The Complutensian Polyglot22:06 Who Was Cardinal Ximénez?25:41 Ximénez and St. Jerome35:39 Does This Prove Wes’s Point?37:18 Did Trent Invent the Catholic Canon?40:10 Rome, Hippo, and Carthage42:43 Pope Innocent I45:39 The Council of Florence48:11 What Actually Happened at Trent?53:36 The Final Question55:23 Conclusion

For many Christians, the papacy is one of the greatest points of disagreement between Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. But what did the earliest Christians actually believe?

Tonight we’ll examine the evidence from the first two centuries of Christianity—before Nicaea, before Constantine, and long before the medieval papacy. We’ll look at the writings of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Hegesippus, Irenaeus, and the Muratorian Fragment to ask a simple historical question:

What role did the Church of Rome and its bishop play in the earliest generations of Christianity?  

We’ll discuss:

• The authority of Clement’s letter to Corinth
• Why Ignatius says Rome “presides”
• Hegesippus’ investigation into apostolic succession
• Irenaeus’ famous statement that every church should agree with Rome
• Whether these sources support, challenge, or complicate modern claims about the papacy

Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Church history, this livestream is designed to engage the primary sources directly.

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Why does the Roman Canon—the Roman Church’s ancient Eucharistic prayer—preserve the names of seven women? In this episode, Stephen and Pat continue their exploration of the female saints of the Roman Canon by turning their attention to Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, and Anastasia. Together, they examine what history tells us about these remarkable martyrs, distinguish early historical evidence from later tradition, and explore why the Church has commemorated these women in her liturgy for well over sixteen centuries. Their stories of courage, fidelity, and sacrifice continue to inspire Christians today and offer a fascinating window into the faith of the early Church. Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Christian history, this episode provides a deeper appreciation for the women whose names have been preserved in one of Christianity’s oldest Eucharistic prayers.

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What would you do if following Christ meant losing everything?In AD 203, two women from completely different backgrounds stood side by side in the Roman city of Carthage. Perpetua was a young noblewoman and new mother. Felicity was an enslaved woman who was eight months pregnant. Arrested for their Christian faith, they refused to deny Christ, even when faced with imprisonment, separation from their families, and ultimately death in the arena.In this episode of FACTS with Stephen Boyce and Pat May, we explore one of the earliest and most remarkable documents in Christian history—the Passion of Perpetua and Felicity. Part prison diary, part eyewitness account, this ancient text gives us a rare glimpse into the lives, faith, and courage of two women whose witness has inspired Christians for nearly eighteen centuries.We’ll examine the historical setting of Roman North Africa, the persecution under Emperor Septimius Severus, Perpetua’s emotional encounters with her father, Felicity’s childbirth in prison, the visions recorded in the diary, their trial before the governor, and the powerful legacy they left behind. We’ll also discuss what their story reveals about the early Church, martyrdom, prayer for the dead, baptism, and why their names are still spoken in the Roman Canon of the Mass today.Their story is more than history—it’s a testimony to unwavering faith in the face of impossible odds.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in Church history and the early Christian faith.

If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#ChurchHistory #Perpetua #Felicity #ChristianMartyrs #EarlyChurch #Catholic #ChristianHistory #Patristics #AncientChristianity #FACTSPodcastLink to their story: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0324.htm?utm

For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have spoken of the Chair of St. Peter, but what exactly is it? Is it simply an ornate chair housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, or does it represent something far more significant? In this episode of FACTS with Stephen Boyce, we trace the biblical and historical origins of one of Christianity’s most misunderstood symbols of authority.Beginning with Moses’ Seat in Matthew 23, we’ll explore how Scripture presents the idea of a continuing teaching office before examining Isaiah 22, the Davidic steward, and Christ’s gift of the Keys to Peter in Matthew 16. From there, we’ll follow the evidence into the earliest centuries of the Church, examining the testimony of the Muratorian Fragment, Tertullian, Cyprian, Damasus, Augustine, and Leo the Great to see how the earliest Christians understood the Chair of Peter.We’ll also discuss why the phrase ex cathedra literally means “from the chair,” what Catholics actually mean by papal infallibility, and how this doctrine is rooted in the biblical concept of a continuing office rather than the personal holiness of any individual pope. Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Church history, this episode offers a historically grounded look at the evidence behind one of the most important doctrines in Christianity.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves studying Scripture and Church history. Your support helps us continue producing historically grounded content that strengthens Christians in their faith.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#ChairOfStPeter #SaintPeter #Papacy #Catholic #CatholicChurch #ChurchHistory #BibleStudy #Matthew16 #Matthew23 #Isaiah22 #ExCathedra #ApostolicSuccession #ChurchFathers #EarlyChurch #ChristianHistory #Christianity #BiblicalTheology #FACTSPodcast #StephenBoyce

Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Few books in the New Testament have generated more discussion than Hebrews. Unlike Paul’s letters, the author never identifies himself, leaving Christians for centuries to debate its origin.In this episode, we examine the earliest historical testimony from the Church, the internal evidence of the letter itself, and the leading candidates—including Paul, Luke, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, and others. We’ll look at what Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Jerome had to say, while comparing those traditions with the text of Hebrews itself.We’ll also explore:* Why Hebrews is considered Scripture despite its anonymous authorship.* The evidence for its audience and historical setting.* Whether it was written before or after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.* The central message of Hebrews: Jesus is greater—greater than the angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, the sacrificial system, and the old covenant.Whether you’re new to Hebrews or have studied it for years, this episode will help you understand why this remarkable book has remained one of the Church’s most treasured writings despite the mystery surrounding its human author.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in biblical history, the early Church, and the New Testament.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#Hebrews #BibleStudy #ChurchHistory #NewTestament #BiblicalStudies #EarlyChurch #Christianity #Paul #Apologetics #theFACTSPodcast

For centuries, critics have claimed that the Catholic Church either supported slavery or remained silent in the face of it. But what does the historical evidence actually say?In this episode, we examine Sicut Dudum, the 1435 papal bull of Pope Eugene IV, issued nearly sixty years before Columbus reached the Americas. In response to the enslavement of the inhabitants of the Canary Islands, Eugene IV ordered that those unjustly enslaved be restored to their freedom and threatened those who refused with excommunication.We’ll examine:* The historical context of the conquest of the Canary Islands.* What Sicut Dudum actually says.* Whether Pope Eugene IV truly excommunicated slave traders.* How this document fits into the broader history of Catholic teaching on slavery.* Common misconceptions about the Church’s historical position.Rather than relying on modern talking points, we’ll read the primary source itself and place it within its proper historical context.Primary Source:https://www.papalencyclicals.net/eugene04/eugene04sicut.htmIf you enjoy historically grounded discussions on Church history, theology, and primary sources, be sure to subscribe.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#Catholic #ChurchHistory #Slavery #PopeEugeneIV #SicutDudum #History #CatholicAnswers #Apologetics #MedievalHistory #FACTSPodcast

Why does Scripture call Jesus the Lamb of God? Was it merely a metaphor, or is it the key that unlocks the entire story of redemption?

In this episode, we trace the biblical theology of the Lamb from Genesis to Revelation. Beginning with the first sacrifices after the Fall, we follow the thread through Abel, Noah, Abraham, the Passover, the Tabernacle, the Temple, and the prophets, showing that biblical worship has always been sacrificial at its core.

We then examine John the Baptist’s declaration: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Why did he identify Jesus this way? How does Christ fulfill the Passover? Why does John’s Gospel carefully structure the Passion around the slaughter of the Passover lambs? And what does Revelation’s vision of the Lamb standing as though slain reveal about worship in heaven?

Along the way, we’ll explore the testimony of the Church Fathers, including Melito of Sardis, Irenaeus, Cyprian, Chrysostom, and Leo the Great, who all saw Christ as the fulfillment of every sacrificial type in Scripture.

Most importantly, we’ll consider what Revelation 5 reveals about the heavenly liturgy and how the worship of heaven centers forever upon the Lamb who was slain and now reigns. The Lamb is not merely part of the Christian story—He is its center.

From Cain and Abel to the heavenly throne room, Scripture points to one reality:

The Lamb who was slain now stands forever, receiving the worship of all creation.

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#AgnusDei #LambOfGod #Catholic #Eucharist #Mass #BookOfRevelation #Passover #JesusChrist #ChurchFathers #BiblicalTheology #Christianity #CatholicPodcast #FACTSwithStephenBoyce #JohnTheBaptist #Revelation5 #HeavenlyLiturgy #Sacrifice #Worship #BibleStudy #CatholicFaith

The Southern Baptist Convention recently voted to move forward with a constitutional amendment formally prohibiting women from serving as pastors. In this episode, I examine the SBC’s decision, the reaction it sparked, and why I believe they arrived at the correct conclusion—but for the wrong reasons.

Using the SBC article and Pope St. John Paul II’s Ordinatio Sacerdotalis as a point of comparison, I explore a much deeper question: What is the nature of the ministerial office in the Church, and who has the authority to define it?

The problem with the SBC’s position is not necessarily its conclusion regarding women’s ordination. The problem is that within a Baptist framework, the debate ultimately becomes an issue of biblical interpretation. If Scripture alone is the final authority, and individual churches or denominations possess the authority to interpret it differently, then the argument over women’s ordination becomes difficult to settle in any lasting way.

Historically, the Church’s rejection of women’s ordination was not based solely on isolated proof texts. It was rooted in a sacramental understanding of the priesthood, apostolic succession, ecclesiastical authority, and a consistent tradition maintained throughout Christian history in both East and West. The early Church Fathers, the historic episcopate, and the universal practice of Christianity all provide a much broader framework than a simple appeal to competing interpretations of Scripture.

In this episode, we’ll examine the SBC vote, the theological assumptions behind it, what Ordinatio Sacerdotalis actually argues, and why the larger issue is not women’s ordination itself—but the authority of the Church to define and preserve the offices Christ established.

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#SouthernBaptistConvention #WomensOrdination #WomenPastors #OrdinatioSacerdotalis #CatholicChurch #ChurchHistory #ChurchFathers #ApostolicSuccession #Ecclesiology #FACTSPodcast