The History of the Early Church

The son of a martyr, Origen of Alexandria would in time become possibly the most influential Christian thinker and greatest biblical scholar of antiquity...Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

We begins our look at the Church of Alexandria, one of the most important centers of early Christianity.Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

On March 7, 203 A.D., five young catechumens were martyred in the amphitheater of Carthage. The most prominent of whom was a noblewoman named Vibia Perpetua, who left an intimate account of the days leading up to her martyrdom...Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

Tertullian of Carthage lived and wrote in Roman Africa during the reigns of the emperor Septimius Severus (193-211) and his son Caracalla (211-217). He was the first major Christian author to write in Latin and hence is remembered as the father of Latin Christianity. His views and theology would shape the Western Church for centuries to come...Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

Why were certain books accepted and others rejected? How soon were the gospels and epistles regarded as scripture? This episode, we take a break from the narrative to look at the development of the Christian New Testament up to c. 195 A.D.Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

Dive into the fascinating life of Irenaeus of Lyons, a pivotal figure in the second century Christian church. Discover how he championed unity amidst the Easter controversy, mediating between conflicting traditions. Learn about the early church's identity formation during tumultuous times and the influential role of bishops in shaping Christian doctrine. Irenaeus's legacy as a peacemaker against heretical teachings showcases the struggles and triumphs that defined early Christianity.

On top of persecution, the Church now begins to face the first well informed pagan critics of Christianity, Galen and Celsus.Music “Sons of Constantinople” by Tyler Cunningham, licensed under Pond5.HistoryoftheEarlyChurch.wordpress.comHistoryoftheEarlyChurch@gmail.comFacebook.com/EarlyChurchPodcast

In the summer of 177 A.D., Gaul saw a shocking anti-Christian pogrom, approved by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Around forty-eight Christians were brutally martyred, showcasing immense courage in the face of brutal torture. The story of Blandina, a key martyr, highlights the resilience and unwavering faith of early Christians under persecution. This episode also introduces Irenaeus, whose influential work would help shape the future of the Church during this tumultuous time.

The podcast delves into the chaotic aftermath of Antonine Rome, marked by wars, plagues, and escalating persecution of Christians. It unveils the rise of Montanism, a movement fueled by the fervent prophecies of Montanus that stirred up passionate debates within the church. Key figures like Severianus and Hegesippus emerge to combat rampant heresies, while the sentiments of martyrdom echo through early Christian communities, highlighting a turbulent but transformative period in religious history.

Discover the fascinating life of Justin Martyr, a key figure in early Christianity and philosophical thought. Explore his debates with Trifo, weighing authenticity against creative storytelling. Delve into Justin's role in blending Greek and Jewish traditions, as he boldly defended Christianity against critics. Learn about his significant writings, the persecution faced by early Christians, and the ultimate martyrdom of Justin, which illuminated the trials of faith in a tumultuous era.