In this episode, we embark on a profound exploration of the Church's role during World War I. As we delve into the events leading up to the war, we uncover the complexities of faith amidst conflict, examining how the Church responded to the call of nationalism and the moral dilemmas faced by believers.

From the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to the spiritual fracture within congregations, this episode sheds light on the intersection of faith and war, revealing the struggles and resilience of the Church during one of the darkest chapters in history.

Chapters:

(02:27) The Holy Roman Empire was founded in 962, sprawling across central Europe

(08:03) At the outbreak of World War I, most powerful leaders were cousins

(09:13) The shooting of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife sparked WWI

(13:51) President Woodrow Wilson declared United States would remain neutral in European conflict

(18:24) An explosion in New York on July 30, 1916

(22:34) President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany

(27:26) A German American Christian coal miner is lynched by a mob in 1918

(33:18) Churchs were under pressure to preach patriotism during World War I

(37:31) November 11, 1918 marks the 11th anniversary of the end of WWI

(41:00) An estimated 15 to 22 million people died during the Great War

(43:20) The trauma of war and plague tore at the very foundations of faith

(43:48) Christendom was once a political and spiritual empire of Christian nations

(44:47) How did the church respond during World War I? Historians face major obstacles

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Links:

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An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

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

The 30-year war: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2705878/30-year-war

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

Napoleon: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-13519598/napoleon-bonaparte-and-the-end-of-the-holy-roman-empire

Prohibition: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34829448/prohibition-the-vote-for-a-dry-america

The Russian Revolution: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35063416/how-faith-survived-when-empires-fel