The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan has been translated into more than 200 languages, set to music, and made into movies. But who was its author and how did he start writing this book? Why did he have to spend 12 years in prison? And what do we know about his courageous wife Elizabeth and other wo

When you think of early American writers, what comes to mind? Perhaps the writings or sermons of Puritans. Maybe you think of the Mayflower Compact. But did you know that Anne Bradstreet, an ordinary wife and mother of eight children in New England, was the first published poet on American soil? Joi

Some time ago, we discussed Guido de Bres and the doctrinal statements known as the Three Forms of Unity used by Reformed churches. However, there is another set of documents used by Presbyterian churches everywhere, known as The Westminster Standards, which includes The Confession of Faith and the

Every year on the 31st of October, an Eastern European country named Slovenia celebrates Reformation Day - the day Martin Luther posted his 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg. It’s a national holiday when people stay home from work and school. Particularly interesting is that less tha

The inscription on John Owen's grave says he is "a traveler on earth who grasped God like one in heaven." Later, he was called "the Prince of Puritans." How did he earn these high praises while navigating one of the most tumultuous times in British history, when hundreds of others were forced to lea

Quakers, Ranters, Seekers, Diggers...so many groups were formed after the Reformation. What were they saying, and why did most Christians warn against them? Did any of them leave a positive legacy? Listen as Trinity, Christian, Emma, and Ruth discuss these questions and more with Dr. Michael Haykin,

When young Thomas Goodwin and his friends went out to have fun, they decided to go to a funeral. Whether they had nothing else to do or were planning to sneer, the sermon Goodwin heard changed his life forever. Join Trinity, Emma, and Christian as they interview Dr. Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen

Have you ever heard of the Canons of Dort? In case you are wondering, they are not cannons fired by a commander named Dort. They are a set of explanations written in the 17th century to answer some protesters. But if you think that a meeting of pastors writing a list of explanations must be boring,

In this episode of Kids Talk Church History, we wrap up our fourteen-episode look at the Reformation, a momentous time that changed the history of the Church. As they did for the early Church and the Middle Ages, most of our hosts get together in this episode to discuss what they have learned and di

Who were the Puritans? Why were they called Puritans, and did they like this name? Did they always wear black? And what can we learn from them today? Join Sophia, Grace, and Linus as they discuss these and many other intriguing questions with their guest, Dr. David Hall, Bartlett Professor Emeritus

Roman Catholics readily agree that God saves his people by grace, through faith, because of Christ. But is it grace alone, faith alone, and Christ alone? Join Emma, Grace, and Christian as they discover the importance of that little word in the Protestant Reformation and in our churches today with t

The Protestant Reformation swept throughout Europe in a way no other movement had before. There was great energy as people rediscovered the gospel - the good news of what Christ has done for sinners. How did the Roman Catholic Church respond? Find out the answer to this question with Emma, Grace, an

On November 2, 1561, the gatekeeper at the castle of Tounay found a package which had been thrown over the wall. It included what is known as the Belgic Confession, plus a letter addressed to King Philip II of Spain, who ruled over much of the Netherlands. The author of the letter and the Confession

On June 27, 1638, Cyril Lucaris was ordered to board a boat, then strangled and thrown overboard. He was one of the most important patriarchs in the Orthodox Church. Why was he murdered? Was he really a Protestant? Join Emma, Grace, and Christian as they discuss this fascinating character with Rev.

Was there a Protestant Reformation in Poland? Who was Jan Laski, the Polish Reformer, and why do so few people know about him? Why did he want a national church, and how did he influence the Reformation in other countries? Join Emma, Grace, and Christian as they discuss Laski’s fascinating story and

Growing up in a small town in southeast Scotland, John Knox could never have imagined that he would play a significant role in a powerful movement that transformed his country. From tutor to bodyguard to slave on a French galley, he was involved in some of the most crucial events of Scottish history

In 1536, an English priest and scholar was led from his cell to a place of execution, where he was burned to death on a pile of dry wood. His crime? He translated the Bible into English. His name is William Tyndale. Why would an esteemed scholar put himself in such danger just to see the Bible place

Did the message of the Protestant Reformation reach Spain? If so, why was it completely repressed while other countries embraced it? Why don't we know more about the thousands of Spanish people who followed the Reformation? Find out all this and more as our hosts, Lucas, Linus, and Grace, interview

In December 1560, Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre, displayed great courage by publicly professing her Reformed faith at a time when the larger Kingdom of France, to which Navarre was strongly connected, was firmly Roman Catholic. Join Lucy, Trinity, and Christian as they discover what happened aft

When we think of the Protestant Reformation, we usually think of countries like Germany, Switzerland, England, and the Netherlands. We rarely think of Italy. And yet, a Reformation started there too, but was quickly crushed by the Roman Catholic Church. What most people don't know is that teachings

Who was John Calvin, and why was he important in church history? Was he a killjoy, as some people say (and some portraits make him look)? What does the word predestination mean, and why is it good news? Find out all these things and more with our hosts, Trinity, Christian, and Linus, as they intervi

When we talk about the Protestant Reformation, most people remember Martin Luther and John Calvin. However, a third man had a significant influence at the start of the Reformation: Ulrich Zwingli. Join Trinity, Christian, and Linus as they travel back to Reformation Switzerland with their guest, Rev

In today's podcast, Emma, Lucas, and Sophia begin their journey through the exciting time of the Protestant Reformation by discussing the life and teachings of Martin Luther with Professor Phillip Cary, author of the audio course Martin Luther, Gospel, Law, and Reformation. Was Luther really the spa

For the first time, the hosts of Kids Talk Church History are joined by two listeners, Priscilla and Hosea, for a fun, lively discussion of favorite episodes, characters, and guests from their survey of the Middle Ages. Learn what encouraged them and what surprised them. And stay tuned for future op