Troublechurch Browne
Meet “Troublechurch” Browne, the man who was arrested for his views 32 times over the course of his ministry. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the life and work of this English separatist.
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Martin Micronius
Who was Martin Micronius, and why was he important? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols offers a brief synopsis of this sixteenth-century Dutch Reformer who was intent on carefully ministering the Word of God.
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Alexander of Hales
From his beginnings in a remote English valley, Alexander of Hales went on to field theological questions for three straight days at the University of Paris. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols surveys the history of the medieval scholar who would become known as “The Irrefutable Teacher.”
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History of Atheism
We are witnessing a rise of professing atheists and practical atheism in the 21st century. Where did all this unbelief come from? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols outlines the development of atheistic thinking in the modern world.
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Luther and Difficult Times
In 1524, German peasants began a massive revolt against the lords and princes of the land, and the Roman Catholic Church blamed Martin Luther. How did he respond? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols tells the gripping story.
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Sawdust
In the first half the 20th century, no tent revival meeting was complete without an invitation to “hit the sawdust trail.” On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols paints a vivid picture of this memorable era.
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Glossa Ordinaria
What was the most important book of the 12th century? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols reveals his answer: a collection of annotations and commentaries that became the standard text in biblical studies for 600 years.
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What Governs History?
What guides the direction of history? Fate? Random chance? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols evaluates how one Princetonian scholar went about answering this age-old question.
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1910 Edinburgh Missionary Conference
Early in the 20th century, 1,200 Protestants gathered in Scotland to discuss the global need of evangelism and missions. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols probes into five important features of this 10-day conference.
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The Plague of Justinian I
As he sought to bring back the glory days of the Roman Empire through conquest, lawmaking, and building projects, Justinian I was faced with the first pandemic of recorded history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols looks into the life of an emperor who survived the bubonic plague.
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Augustine’s Teenage Coauthor
Augustine’s beloved son, Adeodatus, died as a teenager. A year earlier, they worked together on a book. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines their insightful volume and the relationship Augustine shared with his son.
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Christina Rossetti
Writing of God’s redeeming grace, Christina Rossetti described herself as a “broken bowl” that had been remolded into “a royal cup for Him, my King.” On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the works of this Victorian-era poet.
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Carthage
Second only to Rome within the empire, the city of Carthage was the site of many significant and foundational events in ancient church history. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols provides an overview of this Mediterranean harbor city and its influence.
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To the People
The Reformation was characterized by a desire to deliver the truth of God’s Word out of the hands of a privileged few and into the minds of everyday people. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Stephen Nichols examines how Martin Luther embodied this principle by using the printing press to publish his writings in German.
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James Montgomery Boice
From the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology to the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy, James Montgomery Boice partnered with R.C. Sproul and others to defend the gospel and build up the church. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols takes a look at the life and legacy of Dr. Boice.
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Moby Dick Chapter Eight
Some people are surprised to discover the rich theological reflections that appear in Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines the vivid description of a pulpit in an early chapter of the book.
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The Pulpit
Some ministers preach from pulpits, others speak from lecterns, and some stand beside a table. Does it really make any difference? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols observes the significant role of the pulpit from the earliest centuries of the church.
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David Hume the Philosopher
Can we have certainty in what we know? On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols revisits David Hume, the father of philosophical skepticism.
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David Hume the Historian
Today, David Hume is known primarily for his skeptical philosophy. But in his own day, Hume received more recognition for his historical writings. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols examines Hume’s account of the Westminster Assembly.
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Handel
From the prophecies of the coming Christ to the day of judgment when He comes in glory, Handel’s Messiah reflects on the promises and person of Jesus. On this episode of 5 Minutes in Church History, Dr. Stephen Nichols offers a synopsis of what might be considered Handel’s magnum opus.
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