In this episode of The Pilgrim's Interests, we shift our focus to England to explore the unique path of the English Reformation, initiated by King Henry VIII's dramatic break with the Catholic Church. Driven by a desire for an annulment and political control, Henry's actions transformed the spiritual landscape of England forever. Join us as we examine the political intrigue, personal ambitions, and the courageous reformers who helped shape the Church of England's theological direction. From the dissolution of monasteries to the establishment of the Thirty-Nine Articles, we uncover the complex web of power, faith, and transformation that defined the English Reformation.

In this final episode of our three-part series on Martin Luther, we pick up with Luther emerging from his hiding at Wartburg Castle and journey through the remaining years of his incredible life. We explore his marriage to Katharina von Bora, his collaboration with Philip Melanchthon, and his role in the birth of Lutheranism. We'll also dive into Luther's major controversies, including his disagreements with fellow reformers like Zwingli and Carlstadt, and the divisions these conflicts created within the Reformation. Finally, we reflect on Luther's profound legacy—not only on the Church but on world history. Join us as we uncover how Luther's courage, flaws, and unwavering faith shaped the modern world.

This second episode on Martin Luther introduces us to his confrontation with Church authority. We'll walk alongside Luther as he faces excommunication and is summoned to the Diet of Worms in 1521. We'll explore the tension, drama, and courage of Luther as he refuses to recant, declaring, "Here I stand, I can do no other." We’ll examine his rescue by Frederick the Wise and his time in exile at Wartburg Castle.

We continue our series on the Reformation with a three-part series on Martin Luther. In this first episode, we explore the formative years of Luther's life. From his early days as a monk haunted by the fear of never achieving salvation to his discovery of the liberating message of sola fide (faith alone), we'll delve into the experiences that shaped Luther's theology. We'll look at how his encounter with Erasmus' Greek New Testament ignited his inner struggles with the Church, leading to the fateful moment when he nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg in 1517—sparking the beginning of the Reformation.

In this episode of The Pilgrim's Interests, we dive deep into the intellectual ferment of the Renaissance and its profound influence on the Protestant Reformation. Join Blake Hart as he unravels the transformative power of ad fontes—'back to the sources'—and explores how figures like Erasmus laid the groundwork for Luther's revolution. Discover how Renaissance humanism, a renewed focus on Scripture, and the rise of Erasmian thought acted as the seedbed from which the Reformation ultimately sprang. This is the story of how the rebirth of ancient wisdom led to a revolution in faith.

In this episode of The Pilgrim’s Interests, we delve into the lives of four key pre-Reformers—Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and John Ball—whose radical ideas and convictions laid the groundwork for what would become the Protestant Reformation. From translating the Bible into the language of the people to standing against the corruption of indulgences, these ‘forgotten voices’ risked everything for their beliefs. Join host Blake Hart as we explore their stories, their lasting influence, and the dangerous yet transformative ideas that sparked the fire of reform long before Luther’s hammer struck the Wittenberg door.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Pilgrim’s Interests, host Dr. Blake Hart dives into the complex and often overlooked relationship between the Enlightenment and Christian theology. While commonly viewed as a secular movement that championed reason and science, the Enlightenment was deeply influenced by religious ideas, particularly Christian thought. Join Blake as he unpacks how key Enlightenment figures like Descartes, Locke, and Kant were shaped by Christian theology and how concepts such as human rights, progress, and the separation of church and state—often seen as the bedrock of secularism—have their roots in Christian philosophy.

In this episode of The Pilgrim’s Interests, we dive deep into Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, exploring its profound themes of obsession, fate, and humanity’s quest for meaning. But beyond the surface of existential struggle lies an even deeper spiritual battle—a wrestle not merely with fate but with the divine. Join us as we examine Captain Ahab’s tragic pursuit of the white whale, uncover the rich religious symbolism that permeates the novel, and discuss how Melville’s masterpiece reflects both existentialist questions and a deeply biblical worldview. Through key scenes and powerful quotes, we’ll unravel how Ahab’s quest mirrors humanity’s defiance of its own limitations—and its ultimate confrontation with God.

In this episode of The Pilgrim’s Interests, we dive deep into one of history’s most revolutionary discourses: Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Delivered over two thousand years ago on a hillside in Galilee, this sermon shattered ancient notions of power, justice, and human flourishing, and its teachings continue to shape our world today. We’ll explore how Jesus' radical message of humility, mercy, and love challenged the empires of Rome, subverted traditional views of power, and laid the foundation for Western ethics as we know it. From conservative to progressive ideals, modern debates on justice and human dignity are inseparably tied to the Sermon’s profound influence.

Drawing on insights from scholars like Tom Holland and the surprising recognition of thinkers like Nietzsche, this episode shows how the teachings of Jesus remain an indelible force in history—turning the world upside down and reminding us that the kingdom of God operates on a different plane. Whether you’re religious or secular, this discussion will help you see how the Sermon on the Mount has transformed the moral fabric of society and why its influence is inescapable.

Join host Blake Hart for a thought-provoking and reflective journey into the lasting legacy of Jesus' most famous sermon.

In this episode of The Pilgrim’s Interests, we explore one of the most transformative inventions in history: Johannes Gutenberg's printing press. Discover how this groundbreaking innovation democratized knowledge, empowered the common person, and changed the course of religion, science, and politics forever. From fueling the Protestant Reformation to sparking the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, Gutenberg’s press unleashed a tidal wave of intellectual and social change. Join host Blake Hart as we delve into how movable type transformed the world, and why its impact still resonates in today’s digital age.