289. How Protestantism Became a Continental Movement

What happened after Luther's 95 Theses? In this episode, we trace the explosive spread of Protestantism across Europe—from the Lutheran state churches of Germany and Scandinavia to the persecuted Reformed communities of France. Dr. Alan Strange guides us through the wars of religion, the Formula of Concord, and the complex church-state entanglements that shaped the legacy of the Reformation. Discover how the Reformed tradition adapted to kingdoms, city republics, and hostile territories alike, and learn about the tragic St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre that nearly destroyed French Protestantism. This is the story of how a theological movement became a continental transformation—complete with political intrigue, bloodshed, and the struggle to establish Protestant churches across a resistant Europe.