Slaves in the American South Claimed Jesus as their Own
White Christians who evangelized to Black slaves had different motives – some greedy and sinful, and others sincere. Despite law after law, many Black folk found and held onto Jesus.
Before the Laws were Clear, Some Slaves Filed Lawsuits for Freedom and Won
In the English colonies before the laws on slavery were clarified, being baptized a Christian was a consideration for whether or not you would be free.
Rescuing the Man Who’s After You: Dirk Willems
Even though he was persecuted for his Anabaptist faith, Dirk Willems still saved the guard who was chasing him.
The Reformation’s African Ties: Abba Mika’el & Martin Luther
Martin Luther was thrilled to find theological connections with Abba Mika’el – a deacon from Ethiopia. They saw unity in their Christian faith looking backwards and forwards.
Finding Peace and Befriending Bears: Seraphim of Sarov
In the late 18th-early 19th centuries, Seraphim of Sarov fasted, prayed, and meditated for decades. He became a miracle worker, a source of peace, and a friend of bears.
Role of Women in the History of the Church
Women had leadership roles in the early church, but then that power was taken away. Reformer John Knox railed against women’s leadership, as did men at a General Assembly meeting in America in 1811.
History & Transmission of the Lord’s Prayer
Catholics took their Lord’s Prayer from one preferred by Henry the VIII in 1545; Protestants, perhaps, from Martin Bucer from 1539.
The Affair of the Sausages: Huldrych Zwingli
Huldrych Zwingli once scandalized Catholic authorities by eating sausages during Lent.
History & Transmission of the Bible
The history of translation and transmission of the Bible was complex, contentious, and sometimes violent.
Missionaries to China Trying a Different Approach: Michele Ruggieri & Matteo Ricci
16th century missionaries to China Ruggieri & Ricci learned Chinese, wore Chinese robes, and did not insist that western cultural values were a part of learning the Gospel.