Strand Baptist Church

In today's episode we look the the beginnings of modern theology and the two German philosophers who greatly influenced this theology: Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Schleiermacher. Although very different people, they came to similar conclusions. In the midst of this modernizing of theology, God's gospel was still going forth into the nations as the power of God unto salvation. Great missionaries were raised up such as William Carey, Henry Martyn, David Livingstone, Hudson Taylor and others. This century also saw the ministry of Charles Spurgeon rise to prominence along with the great Princeton scholars such as Charles Hodge.

In today's episode we look at revival and in particular the revival known as the "Great Awakening". This revival came at a time that no one could have expected. The church was in spiritual darkness as the ideals of the enlightenment were embraced and reason was accepted by many as the ultimate authority. The Great Awakening brought many to faith and the leaders of this revival are remembered to this day as an inspiration and source of encouragement for many Christians. They include Howell Harris, George Whitefield, the Wesley Brothers, the Moravians and Jonathan Edwards. What can we learn from this great movement of God?

In today's episode we look at the Reformation in England. The Reformation in England is a tale of political and religious strife. Yes, the reformation was a revival, but no revival is without its hurdles. And in England, there were plenty of hurdles. The Puritans come to the fore in the 17th century as they zealously sought for a pure reformed church. However, their desire for a reformed national church was not granted. When the Book of Common Prayer was forced upon the church, the Scottish Presbyterians and the English Puritans were determined to resist such tyranny. This resulted in a civil war. Eventually, the puritans were jailed as criminals.

In today's episode, we look at the birth of the protestant reformation and its chief figures in the 16th century. When we speak about the reformation, we have to speak about Martin Luther. We look at the circumstances which led him to nail his objections to the church door. The reformation never stood still. It spread throughout Europe. The reformation influenced John Calvin and his work of reform in France. Calvin's work was vast and some have said that "Calvin wielded greater influence over our history and culture than any other individual in the last millennium or since the close of the New Testament Canon".

In today's episode, we look at the importance of the European Renaissance under the banner "ad fontes" (back to the sources). It was this truth which spurred men to look at the Bible in its original languages (back to the source) instead of the received Latin translation. In the shadow of this Renaissance, we look at men like Jan Hus, and Savoranola. We find that once the gospel is discovered, nothing can had hold it back.

The 14th century was eventful. We see the that the church has ignored the attempts of early reform in order to pursue worldly power which eventually results in what is called "the great schism" where you have two popes reigning simultaneously in both Avignon (France) and in Rome. While the battle of the popes raged on, John Wycliffe was pursuing reformation. He has rightly been called "the morning star of the reformation."

In today's episode, we find the church preaching a theology of bloodshed to defend the "sacred" places of the Christian faith. In light of this, there were attempts at reformation which culminate and the famous and influential Francis of Assisi. Another important figure which rose to prominence in the 13th century was a man named Thomas Aquinas, who was also known as "the dumb ox" . We look at his contribution to the church.

In today's episode, we look at at one of the most controversial armies in history - the crusades. As Islam militantly made ground in the world, the church was ready and willing to respond. How? By assembling an army for battle whilst forgetting the very mission of the church. We also look at the noteworthy figures of Peter Lombard and Peter Waldo.

In today's episode, we look at at one of the most significant events in church history known as "the great schism", which divided the visible church. Although darkness was still within the church, God raised up Anselm of Canterbury who stood out as the great light of the 11th century. We briefly look at his theological contribution.

In today's episode, we look at the the dark ages and note the similarities to our own day and age. As many have said, "history repeats itself".

In the 9th century, we see the tension between the West and the East rising as the papacy claims absolute power. We find the "apostles to the Slavs" walking with "beautiful feet" and the controversial figure of Gottshalk imprisoned.

In todays episode, we look at the Eastern tradition within the church and the controversy over the use of images in worship.

In todays episode, we look at Justinian I and his great achievements in the Roman empire. We also spend a bit more time on the conversion of Scotland and the power of a gospel community as lights that shine in a dark world.

In this episode, we look at Augustine's contribution to the church in his great works on the city of God and his battle with Pelagius over the sufficiency of grace.

In today's episode, we delve into the 4th century. This is one of the most pivotal centuries in Christian history. Here we find the beginning of a Christian empire, a battle over the person of Christ and we witness the birth of one of the greatest minds to ever grace the church in Augustine.

Today we look at the third century and see how they responded to the threats of their day. Two great figures, Origen and Tertullian, help us to understand the times.