Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

What does a nineteenth century German philosopher, (Friedrich Nietzsche), a thirteenth century Italian theologian, (Thomas Aquinas), and a fifth century African bishop (Saint Augustine); all have in common? They all believed in the tension and contrast of original sin and original goodness. It seems of whatever theological persuasion, the general consensus of opinion over the centuries has been the understanding of humankind's origin of innocence and purity; marred, stained and distorted by sin.

Some would insist that sin only wounded the human character. That Eden reflected a dent in our nature and not a death-blow. How do we understand the garden? Sin? The fall? Is there a carry over from Eden or a very distinct disconnect?

In this opening episode of a brand new series looking at contrasts and comparisons both theological and practical; the Curious team reflect on the idea of Original Sin and Original Goodness (or ‘original blessing’ as it has been termed by some). Where do the two understandings differ? Where do they meet and agree? What do they tell us about humanity and how does it effect the way God deals with us if at all? Join the team this week as they embark on a new journey seeking to define some key contrasts of life and scripture


Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
Original Sin vs Original Goodness - WhiteHorseInn.org
Original Sin or Original Blessing - Impact360Institute.org


What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a couple of recommendations especially for this episode;

(Please be aware. Theology for the Curious do not endorse everything taught in the books they recommend. Often for the sake of balance and contrast, they will recommend opposing views to offer balance that may or may not reflect their own particular opinion.)

Edited by David & Jonathan Gibson — Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective

Danielle Shroye — Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

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Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

What did the reformation teach us? There is no definitive answer to this question, largely because in asking it we are not simply zeroing in on a decade or two, but we’re spanning up to two centuries of significant history! The reformation reinforced key understandings of the believers position, the role of faith, the singular importance of God’s Word, as well as the rite of nations, the personal power of monarchs and rulers… individualism, nationalism and authentic spirituality

In this twelfth and final episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team reflect back on three months of doctrines, ideas, teachings and movements. Together they land on a few key aspects that emerged from those turbulent years, and discuss their impact then, and ongoing influence now. Join the team on this concluding episode as they attempt to draw together some significant lessons from the reformation

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
3 Lessons I've Learned from the Reformation - TheGospelCoalition.org
What We Can Learn from the Reformation 500 Years Later - Crossway.org
Lessons from the Reformation - ChristianStudyLibrary.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation
Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)
Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther
Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther
Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame
Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation
Bruce Gordon — Calvin
Jane Dawson — John Knox

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin: Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

To many, the sixteenth century reformation conjures up almost romantic images of sacrifice, heroism and courage far beyond the call of duty. And yet there was a darker side to all the heroics and sacrifice. A side of brutal conflict, of hostile intolerance, and violent partisanship. The German Peasants Revolt of 1524, the horrors of the St Bartholomew’s Day massacre of 1572 and the thirty years Europe-wide war beginning in 1618; are just some examples of the darker, more distasteful realities of the European reformation .

This week the Curious team pause to reflect on the darker, less celebrated aspects of what was a deeply conflicted religious and political struggle. They will take a more thoughtful look at the peasants war, asking the question why the outcome succeeded in placing Luther in a less than favourable light. They will reflect on the atrocities of Paris in August 1572, and the prolonged conflict that swallowed up most of Europe in the decades between 1618 to 1648.

In this eighth episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team explore when Europe went to war and religion and politics showed their more troublesome sides. Join the Curious team this week as they walk the basement of reformation hostility

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
German Peasants' War - WorldHistory.org

The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Day - HuguenotSociety.org.uk

The Thirty Years War - BBC.co.uk

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

Bruce Gordon — Calvin

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin: Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

William Tyndale, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, Anne Boleyn, John Jewel and John Foxe all carried one thing in common; they each became significant voices in the ongoing growth and development of the English Reformation. From the dogged tenacity of Tyndale, who spent the best part of twelve years on the run as a fugitive across Europe being declared Britains most wanted; to the studious balance of Jewel, and the bold abandon of Foxe, each of these characters stood for what they believed and in some cases would pay the ultimate price!

In this eleventh episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team embark on a glorious hike through the landscapes of six key figures who helped shape not only the English reformation of their time, but its future direction. They will ponder their great sacrifices, their formidable challenges, and their unspeakable courage; as well as highlight those friends and allies who offered much needed encouragement and support. Tune in this week as the team conclude this third and final part exploring the English reformation.

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…

William Tyndale - Christianity.org.uk

The British Candle - DesiringGod.org

Anne Boleyn Facts - HistoryExtra.com

Bishop John Jewel - ElizabethFiles.com

John Foxe Biography - dhi.ac.uk

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation 
Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)
Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther 
Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther
Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame 
Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation 
Bruce Gordon — Calvin
Jane Dawson — John Knox

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin: Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

Elizabeth stands as the longest reigning Tudor monarch. From being crowned queen of England on the death of her half sister Mary I in 1558, she reigned a remarkable 44 years on the throne. Having no heir, Elizabeth I was not only the longest-reigning Tudor monarch, she was also the last reigning Tudor. Under Elizabeth, religion in England was transformed. Despite the fact that historians have pondered the depth and reality of Elizabeth’s faith, John Knox once describing her as; “neither a good protestant nor yet a resolute papist”! Anglicanism nevertheless strengthened and further defined under her reign, with further developments of the Book of Common Prayer and the Articles being trimmed down from 42 to 39. In addition to her reforms, Elizabeth also faced the national threat of the Spanish Armada under the Duke of Medina Sidonia, and the growing struggle with Mary Queen of Scots which would eventuate in her execution 

In this tenth episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team take a close look at the Elizabethan years and their impact on England, its ongoing religious development, and its wider impact on the European reformation. Tune in this week as the team continue to uncover interesting and insightful aspects of Englands reformation .

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…

https://wou.edu/history/files/2015/08/Anna-Keaton-HST-499.pdf
Elizabeth I - bbc.co.uk
Elizabeth I - Royal.uk

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

Bruce Gordon — Calvin

Jane Dawson — John Knox

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin: Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

Who was Henry VIII and how did he come to power? Why did his marriage to Catherine of Aragon get into to trouble? Who was Anne Boleyn and why did she become such a significant influence among the Protestants and yet simultaneously such a thorn in Henry’s side? How did Henry’s only son Edward influence the charge of the reformation, and what were the unthinkable consequences of his early death and the ascension of his half sister Mary to the throne?

The English reformation was beautiful, glamorous and intriguing whilst also exceedingly ugly, scary and brutal. Henry’s departure from the Roman Church was epochal. It changed everything. What he started would change the face of english religion, the monarchy and politics. When Edward succeeded his father, he would accelerate the reformation whilst becoming the Pope’s public enemy number one. With Edward’s unexpected premature death, came the arrival of his half sister Mary who promptly set about undoing everything Edward had built.

In this ninth episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team take a walk through the lives of three of the largest and most influential characters who shaped the English reformation. Henry, Edward and Mary. Looking at their ups and downs, their truths and contradictions. This week the team place the complexity and power of the English reformation under the microscope. Join the team this week as they traverse England’s part in the sixteenth century

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
The Reformation in England and Scotland - Britannica.com

How the English Reformation Silenced a Noisy Generous Way of Life - ProspectMagazine.co.uk

The Reformation in England - StFrncis.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

Bruce Gordon — Calvin

Jane Dawson — John Knox

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin: Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

Scotland was a land of religious conflict and tension long before the sixteenth century reformation and the arrival of such thunderbolts as George Wishart and John Knox. As early as the late 14th and early 15th centuries, Scotland experienced heavy influence from the Lollards—followers of John Wycliffe—who questioned the authority of the Pope, the wealth of the Church, and promoted the translation of the Bible into the vernacular. But in the sixteenth century, the unashamedly, uncompromising Wishart served as a galvanising factor that would first awaken and then forcibly inspire a young Knox.

Known to many historians as the “Thundering Scot”, a man of whom Mary Queen of Scots once conceded she feared his prayers more than any army; John Knox became the single most influential voice of reformation in the mid sixteenth century. This week the Curious team unpack the life, thinking and impact of John Knox. His early role as priest and notary, to the heights of becoming royal chaplain to King Edward VI of England. Knox kindled a fire in Scotland that would not only transform Scottish religion and politics, but reshape its national identity.

In this eighth episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team take a walk in the footsteps of Knox. Form his early years in Haddington East Lothian, to his transformation alongside Wishart, to his time as a French galley slave, to national notoriety; this weeks episode will take a Scottish journey in discovery of the enigma that was John Knox!

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
John Knox - ReformationHistory.org

John Knox - UndiscoveredScotland.co.uk

John Knox and the Scottish Reformation - ChristianHistoryInstitute.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation
Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)
Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther
Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther
Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame
Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation
Bruce Gordon — Calvin
Jane Dawson — John Knox

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

Accounts of the reformation are often wonderful, even glamorous, courageous and adventurous but predominantly centred around the rise and development of Protestantism. But what did that mean for the then established Roman Catholic Church? How did the Pope react to the burgeoning influence of Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and others? What measures did they take, what decisions did they come to that would ensure not only their survival, but their continued development and expansion?

This week the Curious team explore how the Pope and the church of Rome bit back and counteracted the Protestant tidal wave of advancement. They’ll be exploring why the Council of Trent became so important, and in what eat it became a major reformer of the Catholic Church. What role Ignatius of Loyola played, and how influential his newborn order of Jesuits were.

In this seventh episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team explore the reordering of the Church of Rome, and how it equipped itself to confront and counter the propelling force of Protestantism. 

Join the Curious Team this week in what promises to be a very intriguing episode 

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…

The Counter Reformation - NewAdvent.org

The Catholic Reformation - Christianity.org.uk

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

Bruce Gordon — Calvin

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

One of the pondering questions that arose out of the reformation was that of the Anabaptist’s. Who were they? Why were they so vilified? What led both Catholic and Protestants alike to despise them as much as they did with equal animosity? Were they truly heretics or simply misunderstood?

This week the Curious team explore the birth and journey of the 16th century Anabaptist’s, looking at their founders, their particular beliefs and practices, the specific persecution brought to bear against them, the extremities they displayed at times, and the disastrous events of Münster!

In this sixth episode of our series, The Reformation Road, the Curious team explore the impact and influence of the Anabaptist’s and question whether the persecution they suffered was justified, or whether they were deeply misunderstood

Join the Curious Team this week in what promises to be a very intriguing and revealing episode

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
Anabaptism: A Brief History - AMNetwork.uk

Anabaptists - Baptist.org.uk

The Origin of Anabaptist Churches - BaptistHistoryHomepage.com

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

Bruce Gordon — Calvin

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious

Click here to text us your thoughts and questions!

There has perhaps been no other figure more celebrated yet more vilified, more appreciated yet more misunderstood, more eulogised over and yet more criticised and condemned, than the controversial French born theologian John Calvin. To some Calvin is little more than the originator of the theological system we call Calvinism today, even though he had nothing to do with the formulation of such a system. To others he was the tyrant of Geneva, and yet others would see him as one of Europe’s most significant and impactful thinkers.

This week the Curious team have the great honour of interviewing Matt White, a keen observer and student of John Calvin. Together with Matt, Pete and the Curious team walk-through the life, thinking and influence of John Calvin, warts and all. They’ll be exploring Calvin the student, the person seeking asylum, the unwilling organiser, the gifted thinker and strategist, the father and husband, the leader, influencer and reluctant reformer. This episode will look at the high points of Calvin‘s life, his Institutions, his development of Geneva as a “school of Christ”, as well as his low points, his controversial run-in with Servetus.

In this fifth episode of our series, The Road to Reformation, the Curious team take a no-holds-barred dive into Calvin’s life and influence, asking why he has often been labelled a misery or a tyrant, and why perhaps such characterisations may not be particularly accurate.

Join the Curious Team this week in what promises to be a very intriguing and revealing episode.

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…

The Life and Times of John Calvin - ChristianHistoryInstitute.org

Calvin: A Biography - TheGospelCoalition.org

John Calvin - Ligonier.org

What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

Bruce Gordon — Calvin

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify

Send your questions or thoughts to: [email protected]

Support us on Instagram @theologyforthecurious
Find us on TikTok: @theologyforthecurious