Period of Imperial Rome following the Roman Republic (27 BC–476 AD)
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In this Bible Story, we learn about the birth of John. We also witness the call of Mary to be the mother of God's son. Although she's a virgin, she would bear the child of God - the promised messiah. This story is inspired by Luke 1:5-80. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Luke 1:13 from the King James Version.Episode 172: Four hundred years had passed since the last prophet of God was alive. Israel was now under the rule of the Roman Empire. During this time a priest named Zechariah was on duty to burn incense in the Temple when an angel of God appeared to him. The angel told him that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son! And that this son would be the messenger to proclaim the coming of the Lord. Meanwhile, Mary, the cousin of Elizabeth, also received a word from the angel Gabriel that she would bear a son, but her's would be different, her son would be from God and would be the people's Messiah.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A controversial pipeline project in Michigan has been stuck in legal limbo for years. But this month, the Michigan Supreme Court sided with environmentalists and leaned on an ancient legal framework: the public trust doctrine. This doctrine, which dates back to the Roman Empire, says that natural resources, like water, belong to the public, and development must do no harm. Legal experts say this argument is cropping up more and more in climate and environmental lawsuits. Joining Flora to get into the details are environment reporter Vivian La, and law professor Oday Salim. Guests: Vivian La is the climate solutions reporter for Interlochen Public Radio and Grist in Northern Michigan. Oday Salim is director of the Environmental Law & Sustainability Clinic and a co-director of the Environmental and Energy Law Program at the University of Michigan Law School. Transcript will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Follow our show on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky @scifri and sign up for our newsletters. Got a science question that's keeping you up at night? Call us: 877-472-4374 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In 533, a twenty-eight-year-old general named Belisarius sailed from Constantinople with 15,000 men to reconquer North Africa from the Vandals, a kingdom that had held it for nearly a century since the sack of Rome. The last time the Eastern Empire had attempted the crossing, the entire fleet had been destroyed. Belisarius landed, defeated the Vandal king in two battles, entered Carthage without a fight, sat on the enemy's throne, and was awarded the first proper Roman triumph in five hundred years. Then Justinian sent him to retake Italy with 7,000 troops. He took Sicily, took Naples, took Rome, and held it against a Gothic army that outnumbered him roughly twenty-to-one for over a year, personally leading cavalry charges from the crumbling Aurelian Walls. When the Goths offered him the crown of the Western Roman Empire, he pretended to accept, walked into Ravenna, arrested the Gothic leadership, and shipped them to Constantinople. Italy was Roman again. And Justinian, terrified of the man who had made it possible, recalled him, stripped his command, and never gave him the resources to finish anything again. Today's guests are Matteo and Matthew Storm, the father-and-son hosts of Lost Roman Heroes, who devoted a five-part series and over five hours to the life of Belisarius. We discuss why a man who did more than anyone since Aurelian to restore the Roman Empire has been almost completely erased from popular memory, how the Plague of Justinian and a volcanic winter destroyed everything Belisarius had reconquered, why Procopius wrote two radically contradictory portraits of the same man, and whether Antonina was the most unfairly maligned woman in Byzantine history or one of its most destructive. We look at why Justinian gave the eunuch Narses everything he never gave Belisarius and what that reveals about how empires manage the men they depend on, why the legend of Belisarius blinded and begging in the streets has persisted for fifteen hundred years despite being almost certainly false, and whether a civilization truly dies when its last true believer falls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A three-year-old develops abdominal pain, constipation, profound lethargy, and a sudden seizure after a family gathering. The crucial clue appears in an unexpected place—and points toward a mysterious Civil War artifact. Along the way, discover what movies get wrong about gunshot wounds and how one toxin may have influenced the Roman Empire.Send us Fan Mail
Slavery has unfortunately been common in many civilizations, including the Roman Empire during the first century A.D. But Paul gave instructions to both slaves and masters, elevating “bondservants” to equal status within the body of Christ. Then he used the same term “bondservant” to describe himself in his relationship with Jesus. The Bible encourages all of us to understand what it means to live a surrendered life to Jesus, our Master. Join Pastor Gary as he shares the historical and practical application of what it means to be a “bondservant of Jesus Christ.”
The Book of ACTS continues the story of Christianity and is the fifth book of the New Testament. It recounts the founding of the Christian Church and the spread of its message across the Roman Empire. Breathe Bible Audio CD available at https://amzn.to/3CPRa4x The Acts of the Apostles book available at https://amzn.to/3M6sTId Historical Jesus books available at https://amzn.to/43rnYbq ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark's video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's Books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Breathe Bible podcast (LifeAudio Podcast Network, Salem Web Network). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read OnlineOvercoming the Gates of hellJesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13–16The symbolism associated with Caesarea Philippi is central to today's Gospel. Located north of Jesus' home base in Capernaum, it was a predominantly pagan city known for its shrines to false gods. One of the most prominent was Pan, after whom the region was named Panias (later Banias). Pan, a Greek god, was honored at a shrine near a large cave and spring considered the entrance to Hades. Pan was the god of nature, shepherds, flocks, wild places, fertility, and rustic music, and was often depicted as half man, half goat, with horns and hooves. He played the pan flute and was associated with lust, chaos, and sudden fear—from which we get the word panic.Additionally, the city was the site of a temple dedicated to the late emperor, Caesar Augustus, who was worshiped as a god throughout the Roman Empire. It was into this spiritually dark pagan setting that Jesus led His disciples—on what may have been a two-day journey—for what culminated in a single, monumental question.Jesus took the Twelve away from the comfort of their familiar fishing village and Jewish neighbors for a reason. He wanted them to answer His question not in the midst of the familiar and safe, but in a place marked by spiritual confusion and idolatry. Why? So that faith could be professed even there, and divine grace could confront the darkness that permeated the region.At first, He asked who the people said He was. They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But then He posed the question that reached the heart of His mission: “But who do you say that I am?” This was a moment of divine testing—one which Simon passed with profound faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus' extraordinary and consequential response has enduring significance to this day. He declared:“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17–19).With these sacred words, Jesus founded His Church upon Peter, making him the first pope. In biblical tradition, a change of name signifies a new mission and identity. Simon, son of Jonah, was now to be called Peter—Petros in Greek and Cephas in Aramaic—meaning “rock.” Peter became the solid foundation upon which Christ's Church would be built. No pagan power, false god, or earthly ruler would ever overcome what Christ established with divine authority.Reflect today on the significance of the papacy. Even now, in the successor of Saint Peter, the words of Simon continue to echo throughout the world: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the pope's first and most important duty—to bear witness to Christ, the Son of God. Despite the personal weaknesses of some popes and the saintliness of others, it is Jesus who established Peter and his successors as the visible foundation of the Church. Pray for the Holy Father, and trust in the timeless witness of every pope since that first moment in Caesarea Philippi—a witness upheld not by human strength, but by Christ's own promise. To profess faith in the papacy is to profess faith in the One who instituted it and endowed it with His divine authority.My Lord, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. With Simon, I profess this truth and place my faith in You, who established Simon, son of Jonah, as Peter—the rock and foundation of Your Church. I believe and profess that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the Church, not because of human strength or perfection, but because of Your eternal promise. I pray for our Holy Father, the pope, and for all his successors. Make them true and faithful witnesses to the confession first spoken by Saint Peter. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Christ handing the Keys to St Peter, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
On today’s episode of the podcast, Roman Empire expert Jeremy Ryan Slate breaks down the rise and fall of Rome, from its origins and wars to the Roman view of Jesus and Marcus Aurelius. He also explores the parallels between Ancient Rome and modern America, including inflation and the world’s largest economies.Subscribe for more. Timecodes (Episode #180):0:00 - Start3:33 - How BIG Was the Roman Empire27:40 - Punic Wars34:07 - End of Persian War, Republic Starts to Change39:48 - 100BC - 0AD1:23:00 - How the Romans Saw Jesus1:41:05 - How Accurate Is the Movie Gladiator1:41:33 - Marcus Aurelius1:41:41 - What Made Marcus Aurelius So Special?2:02:50 - What Is Inflation?2:46:04 - Correlation to Rome and USA2:46:10 - Correlation Between Rome and US2:55:21 - World's Largest GDP'sFollow The John Rondi ShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnrondipodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrondipodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xuYMlfFAXUfReoHKGHjb6?si=e13220a9830e4463Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-rondi-show/id1670365515Follow Jeremy Ryan SlateInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyryanslate/Follow John RondiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnrondiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnnyrondi#podcast #johnrondi
Fulvia was born into wealth, privilege, and prestige around the year 80 BCE, yet there was nothing inherently special about her—she was not a saint, an empress, or a queen. But during the years leading up to the fall of the Roman Republic, Fulvia was moving in the most powerful social circles, and by her death in 40 BCE she had amassed a degree of political and military power unprecedented for a woman. Fulvia's success came at considerable cost, however. None of her three marriages to politically powerful men—most famously to Marc Antony—lasted, and three of her five children died violently. She was repeatedly ridiculed for daring to step outside the confines of the domestic sphere. The deliberate and systematic destruction of her reputation shaped her legacy for two millennia.Ample literary, documentary, and archaeological sources for Fulvia exist, yet most contemporary depictions of her were extremely negative. In Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome (Yale UP, 2025) historian Jane Draycott, reading between the lines of the ancient evidence, proposes a more nuanced interpretation. Using Fulvia as a guide, she invites readers to visit an unfamiliar Rome, one in which women played a crucial role during Rome's violent transition from a republic to the dictatorship of the Roman Empire. Jane Draycott is a historian and archaeologist, and the author of Cleopatra's Daughter: From Roman Prisoner to African Queen. She is a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow and co-director of the university's Games and Gaming Lab. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon! Have you noticed that our tech overlords cannot be normal about the Roman Empire? Elon Musk has approximately 14 known children, which he refers to as his “Legion.” Mark Zuckerberg famously took the Emperor Augustus on his honeymoon. And in some of the darker corners of the Internet (and real life), wildly rich techbros openly fantasize about a “Red Caesar” who will come to rule us all. Why is that? Where does this obsession with ancient Rome come from, specifically among our techbro overlords? In this episode, we're going to attempt to unpack that. Sponsors and Advertising This episode is sponsored by Taskrabbit. Get $15 off your first task at Taskrabbit.com or the Taskrabbit app using promo code FANGIRL. This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is America approaching an end similar to Rome's?No.But are there lessons from how the Roman Empire collapsed in the West that nations and leaders can apply to their own situations? Of course, so Joe and Jon explore those topics today.Join us every Thursday this summer for new pop quizzes and on Mondays for rebroadcast episodes!
The Sanhedrin, or rabbinical council, is officially petitioning heaven to reveal the Jewish messiah (Mashiach ), destroy all the enemies of Israel called “mixed multitudes,” and to construct the third temple. In Jewish eschatology, this would bring about the end of the world as we know it and the establishment of a global Judaic empire. Numerous rabbis have spoken about why and how this would be accomplished. The most powerful “mixed multitude” is the United States which must be destroyed as punishment for Rome, or Edom. The false prophet Jesus Christ must be mocked and his followers defiled. The temple must be built at all costs, including the provocation of a global war. The billions of deaths are necessary because these people are idol worshipers, i.e., Jewish leaders seek to slaughter almost everyone on the planet because their god commands it in the name of idol worship. Rabbis have said that the non-religious would be protected by their god to destroy the religious before they themselves would be enslaved. This is why they embrace every form of immorality and perversity, as duties to destroy the nonbelievers and the non-chosen. Additionally, we learn that the first and second Temples were actually destroyed by the Jews themselves, and that both Nebuchadnezzar and Titus offered numerous peace proposals to the revolting Jews before deciding to march on them with force. We also learn how the Jewish covenant with god and their divine laws were plagiarized from far older and more sophisticated cultures, from Babylon to Egypt. https://israel365news.com/420045/sanhedrin-rules-it-will-formally-petition-heaven-to-reveal-mashiach-and-rebuild-the-temple/*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, subscribe below.
For many years, I chased other things on this planet. Money. Cars. Houses. Fame. Businesses. A family. And the craziest thing is after all of the chasing of tangible things tied to this Earth, I fgured out what I want. I'm chasing the purpose of taking complex concepts and breaking them down for everyone to use in their lives. Put them into practice. I'm here to teach, help people, and do so in a rough and aggressive way to make it happen. Jesus did it. To clarify, I'm not compariing myself to Jesus. He pissed off the Rabbis, Pharisees, the Roman Empire.......there's a long list. He never chased people, money, power, fame, or anything like that. No matter what or who you believe in, once you lock into your purpose, you will be unstoppable. Believe me....... I know it. About the ReWire Podcast The ReWire Podcast with Ryan Stewman – Dive into powerful insights as Ryan Stewman, the HardCore Closer, breaks down mental barriers and shares actionable steps to rewire your thoughts. Each episode is a fast-paced journey designed to reshape your mindset, align your actions, and guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Join in for a daily dose of real talk that empowers you to embrace change and unlock your full potential. Learn how you can become a member of a powerful community consistently rewiring itself for success at https://www.jointheapex.com/ Rise Above
Josiah Osgood — Multi-Part, Part Two: Professor Josiah Osgood continues with 58 BCE, when the rivals took separate paths; Cato went to Cyprus to model honest administration while Caesar sought military glory in Gaul. The death of Julia, Caesar's daughter and Pompey's wife, eventually severed the alliance between the two generals, allowing Cato to convince the Senate to appoint Pompey as sole consul to restore order. When Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BCE, sparking civil war, Cato reluctantly followed Pompey's retreat. Following Pompey's defeat at Pharsalus, Cato fled to Utica, where he chose suicide over Caesar's clemency, stabbing himself and tearing open his own wounds to mar Caesar's victory. His death transformed him into a saint of the Republic, inspiring generations of poets and dissidents under the later Roman Empire. (2)
Was the Roman Empire really made by conquest? Or was it powered by something much darker?For centuries, millions of enslaved people sacrificed their lives and their labour on the altar of Roman progress, an integral cog in the grinding imperial machine. And so today on The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Emma Southon, author of Servus: How Slavery Made The Roman World to bring their overlooked stories back into the limelight. From the mines and farms to the households of the imperial elite, they discover how slavery was woven into the fabric of the Roman society and ask what life was really like for enslaved Romans.MORESpartacus:Listen on AppleListen on Spotify Zenobia: Queen of Palmyra:Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Tristan Hughes. Producer is Joseph Knight. Edited by Natasha Hughes. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode: 1617 Reflections on the dicey question of cause and effect in history. Today, the connections problem.
From Lucius to Eutychian, the papacy entered a quieter but still important period marked by disputes over baptism, renewed persecution, plague, and early Trinitarian debates. This episode shows how the church survived instability in the Roman Empire while internal arguments over authority and doctrine continued to simmer before the great conflicts ahead.#HistoryOfThePapacy #ChurchHistory #EarlyChristianity #RomanEmpire #TrinityLet us know what you think about this episode in the comments section below! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on the links below and on YouTube! Support the show and listen:Patreon: http://patreon.com/historyofthepapacyBuy me a coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/historyofthepapacyBuy me a book: http://bit.ly/40ckJ8EYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehistoryofthepapacyEmail Us: steve@atozhistorypage.comHow to listen: https://www.atozhistorypage.com/podcastListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7DelfggbL0Au4e3aUyWDaS Music Provided by:"Sonatina in C Minor" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) "Funeral March for Brass" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Crusade Heavy Perfect Loop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Agnus Dei X - Bitter Suite Kevin MacLeaod (incomptech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Emma Southon is no stranger to this show, but just in case you have somehow missed her many previous appearances, here's what you need to know!Emma holds a PhD in Ancient History and is the author of a number of fabulous books about the ancient world. This includes: A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women, A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Agrippina: Empress, Exile, Hustler, Whore. Not only a writer, Emma also co-hosts the History is Sexy podcast. Besides all this, she's an all round fabulous human and cat-lover.In this episode, we were fortunate enough to chat to her about her latest book, Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire - or, if you are based in the US, the alternative title is Not Built in a Day: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire.Along with deep research into the source material, Emma considers the emotional experience of being an enslaved person in various contexts within the Roman world. This can be a challenging topic to study, and not only because of how truly awful it was. We just don't have as much as we would like from the perspective of enslaved people, or about their lives in general. Enslaved people were not considered to be suitable subjects for long biographies. Things to Look Out For: ‘Best' and ‘worst' case scenarios for an enslaved personHow slavery evolved throughout Rome's history Resistance to slavery ManumissionFreedmen and women Family relationshipsSlave rebellions (hey Spartacus!) Some of the most appalling behaviour we have seen from the Romans yet! You can add Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire to your bookshelf now! Sold wherever good books are sold, and of course we suggest supporting independent booksellers. Sound CreditsOur music is by Bettina Joy de Guzman. For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the foundation of all Western republics. It shaped trade across the world. It is a symbol of pride and strength in the West. And then one day, it was gone.What happened to the Roman Empire? And are we next?*NO AI WAS USED IN THE WRITING OR RESEARCHING OF THIS PODCAST*
250 years ago when the United States declared independence, Edward Gibbon across the ocean published the first volume of his magisterial series, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Immediately his text caused a storm of controversy. Many readers thought that Gibbon had implied that the rise of Christianity caused the fall of the western empire. But is that the real story? To answer that question, in Episode 1 of Season 6, I have as our guest Hugh Liebert. A Professor of Political Science at West Point, he earned his doctorate through the Committee on Social Thought at UChicago, and has written two books: Plutarch's Politics (2016), and Gibbon's Christianity (2022). Drawing on Gibbon's Christianity, we look at the historian's paradoxical views on religion, his early conversions to both Catholicism and Protestantism, and how he used those experiences to chronicle the early church as a disciplined new republic that overcame decadent Roman polytheism much as how the Roman Republic conquered aged empires. Along the way, we discuss Gibbon's ironic and elusive style, his larger essays and memoirs, and the love of literary glory that pervades his fascinating life and complex work. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on the JMP substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography
250 years ago when the United States declared independence, Edward Gibbon across the ocean published the first volume of his magisterial series, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Immediately his text caused a storm of controversy. Many readers thought that Gibbon had implied that the rise of Christianity caused the fall of the western empire. But is that the real story? To answer that question, in Episode 1 of Season 6, I have as our guest Hugh Liebert. A Professor of Political Science at West Point, he earned his doctorate through the Committee on Social Thought at UChicago, and has written two books: Plutarch's Politics (2016), and Gibbon's Christianity (2022). Drawing on Gibbon's Christianity, we look at the historian's paradoxical views on religion, his early conversions to both Catholicism and Protestantism, and how he used those experiences to chronicle the early church as a disciplined new republic that overcame decadent Roman polytheism much as how the Roman Republic conquered aged empires. Along the way, we discuss Gibbon's ironic and elusive style, his larger essays and memoirs, and the love of literary glory that pervades his fascinating life and complex work. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on the JMP substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history
Manuel Palialogos traveled with Bayezid on his campaigns against the Turkic Beyliks of Anatolia. The Sultan brought with him a mighty army made up of the conquered princes of the Serbian Empire, as well as the Prince of the Roman Emperor. The letters Manuel wrote during this campaign still survive today. Sultan Bayezid proves himself to be much more hot-headed and erratic than his father, Murad, and will ultimately earn him the name, The Thunderbolt. This is the moment the Romans realize there was no survival under the vassalage of Bayezid; he was coming to strike and destroy. The History of Modern Greece Podcast covers the events from Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and the fall of Constantinople in 1453, to the years under the Ottoman Empire, and 1821 when the Greeks fought for independence... all the way to the modern-day.EMAIL US: historyofmoderngreece@gmail.comWebsite: www.moderngreecepodcast.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.com
The brilliant Wajahat Ali, author of Go Back to Where You Came From, and playwright of The Domestic Crusaders, had me on The LeftHook to share my new book A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women: 20 Steps to Find Your Purpose and Power in a World on Fire. Watch or listen to the full discussion on how to overcome the very real and urgent threat of fascism. (Side note: In France, Marine Le Pen is campaigning for president wearing an ankle monitor, following in the footsteps of her fellow Russian asset, the convicted felon/Epstein wing-man). Trump is doing to our country what he did to the East Wing of our White House. How do we rebuild from the wreckage? That's what A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women is about. It's for anyone tired of Steve Bannon trying to demoralize us and flood the zone with sh*t. It's about concrete steps to stay grounded and focused in a world of chaos, to align your deepest needs and dreams with a higher purpose, creating world domination for the collective good. My own journey begins with being raised on stories of the government trying to kill you, and blame you for the crime, helped by Western corruption to cover-up the torture and murder. I am of course speaking of my Ukrainian heritage and the Holodomor, Stalin's genocide famine in Ukraine. In all my years of studying my family's history and the two monsters, Hitler and Stalin, who drove that history, I look back on America's own, and see the authoritarianism that established this country. The white supremacy blood lust terrorizing Black Americans, Native Americans, mass discrimination and violence against immigrants, and the list goes on. Trump, Stephen Miller, Peter Thiel, and too many others carry on that violent legacy. That's why they're aligned with the Kremlin, which sees Ukrainians as inferior. In Ukrainian culture, we're taught to fight for our very lives, our voice, our art, our culture, our language, because no one else will. They want to erase us, so we must do the opposite and shine, shine, shine. In Ukrainian culture, art is literally survival. The coded language of poetry preserves historical truth, our shared humanity, our courage and defiance. Life is incredibly stubborn. Creativity is how we fortify our resilience. A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women provides 20 concrete steps for women–who are the favorite target of fascists, because they fear the fight in us–and their allies–to dream big for themselves and the kind of world we want to live in. That is how we reset the culture, overcome their darkness with our light, and gather our people to create a better world. We are the alternative to their dystopian vision for our future, a future that belongs to us. To better get to new my new and most personal book, I put together this Q&A: Empowerment can be a privilege. Many nonwhite women, especially immigrants, are juggling several jobs just to survive. How does this book make space for different lived experiences A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women is based on my own lived experience of being raised in a Ukrainian immigrant family. My grandmothers both worked as maids to survive. So I take nothing for granted when it comes to the diversity of demands on women today. Throughout the book, I share wisdom and insights from women across history. There's also a recommended reading guide in the book, featuring an incredible list of women authors, like Mikki Kendall and trans activist Raquel Willis. I also share a troubling story about a Black mentor telling me to get a white man to join me for my pitch meetings and just sit there. I'm sad to say it did make a difference. Planting seeds of hope and change – whether that's through launching a dream project like a film, book, business, non-profit, or some other ambitious goal – can be a grind. Does this book highlight organizations on the frontlines doing that unglamorous work in the shadows, helping us build that collective power? Yes, absolutely! And I made sure that the blurbs (endorsements) featured at the front of the book included voices from grassroots groups, to promote their efforts to a wider audience. Julie Delaurier of Rise and Resist began as an organizer in ACT UP and helped organize Tesla Takedown and No Kings. She also organizes to track and resist ICE raids in NYC. She read the book and provided a heartfelt endorsement. So did civil rights leader Maya Wiley, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Holley Atkinson of the grassroots group the Media and Democracy Project bringing legal challenges to the existence of Fox News. Isn't self-help ego-driven? A Reasonable Guide is all about collective action. Individual choices produce collective action. Think of A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women as Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way meets Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny. Self-knowledge isn't the end goal here; it's the foundation for knowing where you can make an impact. It cites women across movements and their advice on how to stay creative and build power in a time of mass destruction. But isn't this focus on the self just new age nonsense which is a slippery slope to fascism, given reports of new age online movements being breeding grounds for fascist cult recruitment? This book follows an ancient tradition of taking on an empire with the power of ideas. Ideas cannot be killed. And you cannot stop an idea whose time has come. Know thyself was popularized by the ancient Greeks, most famously by Socrates who was a champion of women for that time. The Greeks were conquered by the sadistic and corrupt Roman Empire. A couple hundred years later, the Greeks conquered them right back through the power of self-knowledge and ideas. Greek became the dominant language of the Roman Empire. Self-knowledge is not ego. The book walks you through steps to think creatively and conquer doubt in order to build meaningful collective action. I had to produce my film Mr. Jones myself because no one wanted it. Mr. Jones was a film to bring historical justice and truth to a massive genocide by the Kremlin, covered up for generations, including with the help of Western corruption. A former Ambassador to Ukraine called Mr. Jones Ukraine's Schindler's List. A screening was shut down in Moscow, and Memorial, Russia's once largest NGO that dared to screen it, was liquidated. There were death threats and harassment during the making of the film, but still the team and I fought on, holding on to the power of our creativity and voices. That is what A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women is about: remembering the power of your voice in a world that wants to silence you and kill you. It's also a damn good time. I hope you will consider checking it out and pre-ordering A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women, which helps build buzz in the industry and gets the word out. Thank you to everyone who has supported my work over the years. It means so much.
Two hundred fifty years ago, when the United States declared independence, Edward Gibbon across the ocean published the first volume of his magisterial series, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Immediately his text caused a storm of controversy. Many readers thought that Gibbon had implied that the rise of Christianity caused the fall of […]
250 years ago when the United States declared independence, Edward Gibbon across the ocean published the first volume of his magisterial series, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Immediately his text caused a storm of controversy. Many readers thought that Gibbon had implied that the rise of Christianity caused the fall of the western empire. But is that the real story? To answer that question, in Episode 1 of Season 6, I have as our guest Hugh Liebert. A Professor of Political Science at West Point, he earned his doctorate through the Committee on Social Thought at UChicago, and has written two books: Plutarch's Politics (2016), and Gibbon's Christianity (2022). Drawing on Gibbon's Christianity, we look at the historian's paradoxical views on religion, his early conversions to both Catholicism and Protestantism, and how he used those experiences to chronicle the early church as a disciplined new republic that overcame decadent Roman polytheism much as how the Roman Republic conquered aged empires. Along the way, we discuss Gibbon's ironic and elusive style, his larger essays and memoirs, and the love of literary glory that pervades his fascinating life and complex work. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on the JMP substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
250 years ago when the United States declared independence, Edward Gibbon across the ocean published the first volume of his magisterial series, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Immediately his text caused a storm of controversy. Many readers thought that Gibbon had implied that the rise of Christianity caused the fall of the western empire. But is that the real story? To answer that question, in Episode 1 of Season 6, I have as our guest Hugh Liebert. A Professor of Political Science at West Point, he earned his doctorate through the Committee on Social Thought at UChicago, and has written two books: Plutarch's Politics (2016), and Gibbon's Christianity (2022). Drawing on Gibbon's Christianity, we look at the historian's paradoxical views on religion, his early conversions to both Catholicism and Protestantism, and how he used those experiences to chronicle the early church as a disciplined new republic that overcame decadent Roman polytheism much as how the Roman Republic conquered aged empires. Along the way, we discuss Gibbon's ironic and elusive style, his larger essays and memoirs, and the love of literary glory that pervades his fascinating life and complex work. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on the JMP substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion
Weirdos! We're revisiting Whitechapel in this MASSIVE episode which includes all 5 episodes of Alaina's Roman Empire, Jack the Ripper! Alaina takes us to the streets of Whitechapel for part one of Jack The Ripper, and boy is it a stark picture she's painting us. Whitechapel was dark, damp, dirty and downright desolate at the time Jack The Ripper was roaming the streets. People were living in all kinds of horrible conditions, butchers and slaughterhouse workers were walking around covered in blood and because things were like this, it made the perfect stomping ground for a vicious murderer. Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols was the Ripper's first victim and the main person that we'll go over in part one while Alaina also gives us a background on a couple of other potential early victims. Stay tuned for (we're thinkin') three more! Jack the Ripper part two brings us the absolutely horrifying murder of Annie Chapman. Annie's story, much like the rest of the women who were killed, is incredibly devastating. She was struggling with sobriety when she landed on the shady streets in Spitalfields in the East end and was having a terrible time trying to find work to just get by. Robert Anderson, the head of the criminal investigations department was still on vacation, Sir Charles Warren's ego stepped on the scene and they were not even one step closer to uncovering the culprits identity. Jack the Ripper Part three will cover what is known as, “the double event.” Both Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes were found killed on this September night. Both women shared a lot in common with the previous two victims. They'd struggled through pretty much their entire lives just to make ends meet and then were met with this as their end. In this part we'll start to entertain the theory that Jack perhaps had some kind of medical background and you'll see just why one might think so once you dive into the episode! Hold onto your butts! Jack the Ripper part 4 is here weirdos! This installment will cover the horrific, and most brutal murder yet: the murder of Mary Jane Kelly. Mary Jane was the youngest victim at just twenty five years old and the only victim that was killed in her own room. When the police arrived on scene they were shocked, but still not any closer to uncovering the identity of the ripper. OH and also, Alaina has some HOT TAKES on the letters we went over in part 3. YOU HAVE REACHED THE CONCLUSION!!!! Alaina's final part of Jack the Ripper is here and we are talking all things suspects, confirmation bias, science, mitochondrial DNA and Patricia Cornwell. Do we know who Jack the Ripper is by now? No. Do we know who he isn't? Sorta. Stay tuned for years to come because Alaina claims one day she will have our answers!!! "SOMEDAY I WILL"- Alaina Check out these great books on the case: Jack the Ripper and The Case For Scotland Yard's Prime Suspect by Robert House The Complete Jack the Ripper by Donald Rumbelow The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold The Hidden Lives of Jack the Ripper's Victims by Robert Hume The Ripper Code by Thomas Toughill Jack the Ripper: Scotland Yard Investigates by Stewart Evans & Donald Rumbelow Jack the Ripper: The definitive Casebook by Richard Whittington-Eagan Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper by Patricia Cornwell Also check out these sites on the case: JackTheRipper.org Casebook: Jack The Ripper Jack the Ripper Tour History blog mentioned in the episode: The History Girls An even DEEPER dive into this case: Season 3 of Unobscured with Aaron Mahnke Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
They look like lost children… until you see their eyes — and realize you've just opened the door to something inhuman.EPISODE BLOG PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/dontlettheminREAD or DOWNLOAD the full transcript of this episode: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yath5y6wFEATURED STORIES IN THIS EPISODE: Described as childlike beings with eerie coal black eyes, no iris or pupils, and pale, white skin, a scourge of mysterious black-eyed children have been reported all over the world. There are hundreds of reports of black-eyed children, often seen in groups of two or more, who ask for permission to enter the person's home or vehicle. Witnesses often report an overwhelming feeling of dread and despair in their presence. What the black-eyed children seek is not known… nor is it known exactly what they are. (Invasion Of The Black Eyed Kids) *** In October of 1943, a U.S. Navy destroyer was supposedly turned invisible and teleported from Philadelphia to Norfolk. But did it really happen? (The Truth Behind The Philadelphia Experiment) *** The Witchcraft Act of 1735 ended the gruesome practice of burning witches at the stake, making it illegal to accuse anyone of having magical powers. Yet in 1944, Helen Duncan was convicted under this very law for fraudulent spiritual activities. Despite her claims of contacting spirits through ectoplasm and even revealing classified naval secrets, she was sentenced to prison. Her trial was one of the last times the Witchcraft Act was used before being replaced in 1951, but her supporters continue to campaign for her pardon. (Britain's Last Witch) *** Once a powerful festival, Dies Sanguinis, or "Day of Blood," honored the Roman goddess of war, Bellona, with animal sacrifices and martial rituals. The festival showcased Rome's military strength and dedication to victory. Although the rise of Christianity and the fall of the Roman Empire eventually ended the festival, its legacy still sheds light on the fascinating nature of ancient Roman culture. (Rome's Day of the Bloody Sacrifice) *** The Dardeen family was found brutally murdered in their home near Ina, Illinois, leaving residents and investigators stumped. Yet even after a confession by Tommy Lynn Sells, the truth is still a mystery. (Demise of the Dardeen Family)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00.00.000 = The Foreboding00:03:33.089 = Show Open00:06:34.068 = Invasion of the Black Eyed Kids (Part 1)00:15:22.343 = Invasion of the Black Eyed Kids (Part 2) ***00:35:26.768 = Demise of the Dardeen Family ***00:53:33.895 = The Truth Behind The Philadelphia Experiment ***00:59:05.177 = Britain's Last Witch01:06:50.721 = Rome's Day of Bloody Sacrifice ***01:10:26.990 = Show Close01:11:54.153 = SONG: “Flee The Eyes As Black As Night” by Dark Weirdness: https://weirddarkness.com/music*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakLISTEN ON PODCAST APPS: Look for this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and other podcast apps. Get a list of free listening apps here: https://weirddarkness.com/wdapps*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*SOURCES and RESOURCES:BOOK: “The Black-Eyed Kids” by G. Michael Vasey, https://amzn.to/3Tniri9BOOK: “The Chilling True Terror of the Black Eyed Kids Monster Compilation” by G. Michael Vasey, https://amzn.to/3R8eTi7BOOK: “The Case For The UFO” by M.K. Jessup: https://amzn.to/3JRDwxzMORE BEK EPISODES: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/8kn9fpe9, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2tcs3p3n,https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2tcs3p3n, https://weirddarkness.com/let-us-in/“Invasion Of The Black-Eyed Kids” sources: Anomalien, https://bit.ly/3WszSln, https://bit.ly/3WtCGhV,https://bit.ly/3Ww4ySw, https://bit.ly/44uJb6j; The Business Standard, https://bit.ly/3yhWESI“Demise of the Dardeen Family” source: Wikipedia, https://bit.ly/3WqgHbQ“The Truth Behind The Philadelphia Experiment” source: Katie Serena at AllThatsInteresting.com, https://bit.ly/3JRDi9H“Britain's Last Witch” source: AmusingPlanet.com, https://bit.ly/3UzX7Hk; History Extra, https://bit.ly/3JQez5x: The National, https://bit.ly/3UzgDUs“Rome's Day of the Bloody Sacrifice” source: Ancient Origins, https://bit.ly/3WtCzTx; Tales Beyond Belief, https://bit.ly/3URoQ6T; Journal Of Cognitive Historiography, https://doi.org/10.1558/jch.39915; Roger Pearse, https://bit.ly/3wrydBS; Academia.edu, https://bit.ly/3JREmKJ(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.Originally aired: May 08, 2024
Stuart Maconie finds himself "i lár an aonaigh" - at the heart of craic, ceol, and much more at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All-Ireland Fleadh), as Belfast hosts the festival celebrating Irish music and culture for the very first time.The Fleadh comes second nature to frontman and lead singer of Hothouse Flowers Liam Ó Maonlaí, who was brought up in a household full of traditional Irish music and song. As the band prepares for their "Greatest Hits" tour later this year, Liam reflects on the poignant story behind their hit single "Don't Go", and the time he was left behind by the band's tour bus.Olivia McVeigh mightn't be in a band, but alongside her fellow podcasters of The Girls Groupchat she's taking the show onstage, alongside Irish girl group legends B*witched and even to ABBA Voyage. She tells Stuart about how her diagnosis of alopecia changed her entire career trajectory, into a world of advocacy and empowering others with the condition.Emma Southon may have had a very different career as historian if she hadn't hated history so much at school. She talks about her new book Servus: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire, which sets out to give readers a full picture of the reality of enslaved people in Ancient Rome.And Michael Fry muses on how a period of pure boredom pushed him towards comedy, and why he thinks the medium of radio is ripe for laughs, ahead of his third series of Lunchtime with Michael Fry on BBC Radio Ulster.Plus, musicians Dónal O'Connor, Neil Martin and Clare Sands give us just a "blaiseadh beag" - a very small taste of the great music coming out of the Fleadh.Presenter: Stuart Maconie Producer: Anthony McKee Technical Producer: Davy Neill Production Co-ordinators: Sylvie Conway and Caoilfhinn McFadden
Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon! Slavery touched every part of life in ancient Rome. Depending on the time period and location, as many as one in ten or one in three people was enslaved. How does it warp a democracy when so many of its people are not free? Today we talk to author, historian and podcaster Dr. Emma Southon, host of the History is Sexy podcast and author of Not Built in a Day: How Slavery Made the Roman Empire, to explore this question. Sponsors and Advertising This episode is sponsored by Taskrabbit. Get $15 off your first task at Taskrabbit.com or the Taskrabbit app using promo code FANGIRL. This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Almost everything you believe about your kids' schooling is an opinion, not a fact — and most of those opinions are quietly manufacturing stress in your body. In this episode, I walk you through why your feelings about school come from your thinking, how I choose school for my six kids with detachment (we're doing three different things this year), and the one trick I use to stop emotionally processing problems that haven't happened yet. Whether you've got toddlers, a struggling nine-year-old, or a high schooler who bit off more than she can chew, I want you to notice how you're showing up — because the more stressed you are about their education, the worse you show up for them. I'll show you how to trade the tightness for problem-solving energy, hope, and peace. Sterling Jaquith. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Why "well-educated" is impossible to define — and how AI is about to make general knowledge plus the ability to ask good questions matter more than the drills we stress over The difference between thoughts that just feel good ("my kid speaks Spanish!") and thoughts that are actually true How to sit in the discomfort of watching your child struggle without deciding something has gone wrong My favorite trick: refusing to emotionally process a made-up future problem (yes, even the diocese one) How to tell yourself the best possible story about whatever schooling you've chosen — including reframing public school as mission territory EPISODE TIMELINE: (estimated — confirm against audio) [00:00] – Why I finally made an episode about school, and the guilt episode I'll link for homeschoolers [06:00] – Your feelings about school come from your thinking, and "well-educated" can't be defined [13:00] – How AI changes education, the Roman Empire example, and feel-good thoughts vs. true ones [20:00] – Choosing school with detachment: my six kids, three different approaches this year [27:00] – The struggling-in-math example, and coaching a mom worried her high achiever over-committed [34:00] – "I'll process it if it happens," modeling peace, and reframing public school as mission territory LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED: The May episode on homeschool "how far did we get" guilt: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/schooling-guilt-and-stress/id1542253372?i=1000656369341 CONNECT WITH STERLING JAQUITH: Website: https://catholicmomcalm.com Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholicmomcalm
Welcome to the Influence Podcast! I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Lee Grady writes the following in his book, Lead Like Paul: Saul of Tarsus — who eventually became known by his Greek name, Paul — is our mentor and spiritual father. Apart from Jesus Himself, he is our best example. Of course, we have Peter, James, John, Mary Magdalene, and so many other first-century disciples who walked closely with Jesus. But Paul was unique. He didn't travel with Jesus or witness His miracles, yet he fully surrendered to the resurrected Christ, he understood the truth of Jesus better than almost any human being on earth, he spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, and he was used by the Holy Spirit to lay the foundation for a Christian movement that has spread globally. For all these reasons and more, Grady argues, Paul is a mentor we should imitate in our own ministries. In this episode, I talk to Grady about how we can begin to do so. Lee Grady is an ordained minister in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, award-winning journalist, and author, most recently, of Lead Like Paul: 21 Ways to Reignite Your Spiritual Fire and Expand Your Spirit-Led Influence, published by Chosen Books. Sponsor Ad This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by Gospel Publishing House, distributors of The Assemblies of God: Our Story by Daniel D. Isgrigg. Explore the inspiring history of the Assemblies of God from a handful of ministers to a worldwide fellowship of more than 85 million believers. Discover the legacy, mission, and Spirit-filled story that continues to impact the world today. For more information about The Assemblies of God: Our Story visit GospelPublishingHouse.com. Show Notes 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad 03:00 — Why Lead Like Paul, rather than Lead Like Jesus or Lead Like Peter or Lead Like James? 05:08 — Why start with humility, and how does Paul model humility for Christian leaders? 7:37 — Chapters 4 and 5 discuss loving people and being present. What was the impetus for writing these two chapters? And how can pastors develop both better people skills and greater presence? 11:21 — Chapter 6 is titled, "You Need Power, Not Just Head Knowledge." Why is this the case? What function do the words "not just" play in this title? And how do we develop what the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary calls "knowledge on fire"? 20:06 — Why are the temptations of sexual immorality and financial exploitation such a problem for ministers, and how we do we overcome them? 23:57 — Why is forgiveness so important, and how we do we forgive congregants who have harmed us? 26:56 — What trends in the Pentecostal and charismatic movements worry you today? What trends bring you hope? 32:11 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging? 34:21 — Conclusion
At first glance,this may seem like little more than a closing greeting. But when we stop andthink about it, these words remind us that nothing can stop the Gospel of JesusChrist. Remember where Paul is as he writes these words. He is under housearrest in Rome. Humanly speaking, it appeared that his missionary ministry hadcome to an end. He could no longer travel from city to city planting churches.He was chained to Roman soldiers' day after day. Many people might have lookedat Paul's circumstances and concluded that Satan had won. ButGod had another plan. Back in Philippians 1:12 Paul wrote, "The thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of thegospel." Instead of Paul traveling throughout the Roman Empire, Godbrought the Roman Empire to Paul. Day after day, soldiers from the PraetorianGuard were chained to him. One soldier after another listened as Paul prayed,taught the Scriptures, wrote letters, and shared the good news of Jesus Christ.Imagine being chained to the Apostle Paul for six or eight hours! The soldiercouldn't walk away. He couldn't change the subject. He couldn't turn off theconversation. Every shift brought another opportunity for Paul to tell someoneabout Christ. What looked like imprisonment was actually one of the greatestmissionary opportunities Paul ever had. Now,at the end of this letter, Paul lets us see the harvest. "All thesaints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household." Thisdoes not necessarily mean members of Caesar's immediate family had becomebelievers, although that is not impossible. The phrase "Caesar'shousehold" referred to the large number of servants, officials,administrators, soldiers, craftsmen, and slaves who worked throughout theimperial household. Among those people, God had raised up believers. Thinkabout that. The Gospel had entered the very heart of the Roman Empire. Theemperor himself claimed to be lord. People were expected to worship Caesar. Yetinside Caesar's own household there were now people confessing that JesusChrist is Lord! What an amazing victory of God's grace! Thisreminds us that no place is beyond the reach of God. Sometimes we look at aworkplace, a government office, a university campus, a military base, or even aprison and think, "No one there would ever become a Christian." ButGod specializes in reaching impossible places. No heart is too hard. No cultureis too hostile. No government is too powerful. No sinner is beyond the savinggrace of Jesus Christ. The Gospel has never depended on favorablecircumstances. It has always depended upon the power of God. Romans 1:16 says, "ForI am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvation to every one that believeth." Paul believed that. He livedthat. And now he is seeing it happen before his very eyes. There'sanother lesson here that speaks to all of us. Paul never viewed hiscircumstances as obstacles. He viewed them as opportunities. We often pray,"Lord, get me out of this difficult place." Perhaps we should alsopray, "Lord, while I am here, help me reach the people You have placedaround me." Every one of us has a mission field. It may be yourneighborhood. It may be your doctor's office. It may be your workplace. It maybe the rehabilitation center, the hospital, the military, the classroom, oreven your own family. God has placed people around you that no one else mayever reach. Paulcould not choose where he was chained, but he could choose how he responded. Insteadof complaining, he preached. Instead of becoming discouraged, he looked foropportunities. Instead of focusing on what he had lost, he focused on the doorsGod had opened. What a wonderful example for us today. Remember this: God never wastes our circumstances. If we are available, He canuse us wherever He places us. As someone wisely said, "The will of Godwill never place you where the grace of God cannot use you."
Given how central Israel is to the Bible, it seems at best avoidant to not attempt to put this ancient nation - and its present day iteration - in context.No politics or agenda, just a bit of history that allows listeners to understand Israel's biblical origin story, and what happened next.Written and produced by Chas BayfieldMusic by Michael Auld and Jon Hawkins MusicCover art by Lisa GoffE: contact@whollybuyable.comX: Wholly Buyable Podcast
On this week's Roz & Mocha Deep Dive, the crew reveals the one celebrity or historical figure they'd bring back, debates whether they'd take a guaranteed $50,000 or risk it all for a shot at $1 million, shares the pop culture moments they can't stop thinking about, discusses the weirdest things seen on dating apps, and imagines which teen movie stereotypes they'd be. Plus, could there be a final showdown between Mocha and Shem? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On the 412th episode of You Know I'm Right, hosts Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Big Brother's Rome Seymour to discuss:- If he wrote a book about his life, what would it be called?- Growing up in Michigan- Playing tennis at Traverse City Central High School who went on to play tennis at Ferris State University- Being named Jack but going by Rome- Working at the Burning Tree Country Club in Connecticut - Making the move to Del Ray, Florida- When did he start playing pickleball?- How did he become a pickleball coach?- How did he end up on Big Brother?- Did Angela have a wrong read on the Roman Empire?- Who is most likely going to win season 28 of Big Brother?- Will anyone take a shot at Dee, Devens and Angela now that he is out of the game?- What most surprised him about living in the Big Brother house?- How long does it take to get ready to play in a competition with costumes and sets, etc?- Is Lyric Medeiros a beta or a submissive?- Does he win Big Brother if not for his showmance?- Will he propose to Lyric on finale night assuming she at least makes it to jury?- You Know I'm Right moment
John Frankman is a former US Army Special Forces Green Beret and Captain who spent four years in Catholic seminary discerning the priesthood, got selected to 7th Group, refused the COVID vaccine on moral and medical grounds — and lost his career over it. Now he's running for Florida's 1st Congressional District (Matt Gaetz's former seat) to fight the deep state from the inside.In this episode, Reed and John go deep on the Iran war and whether it was a just strike, Joe Kent's resignation and what it signals, the Chinese influence operation in Latin America and on US campuses, why COVID was the greatest infringement on American liberty in our lifetime, the military vaccine mandate purge that kicked out 8,600 service members with only 1 in 1,000 reinstated, and why the Epstein files being buried is a political betrayal the Republican base won't forget.John also breaks down why he believes America is at a Roman Empire moment, what's actually required to fight the deep state from within Congress, why he refused to fake his vaccination status when almost everyone else did, and what he'd tell Trump if he had five minutes with him today.Topics covered: Iran conflict, Joe Kent, Venezuela/Monroe Doctrine, Chinese land purchases near US military bases, COVID red-pilling, big tech censorship, surveillance state, Palantir, Anthropic and the military, immigration and mass deportations, H-1B visa reform, Mexico as a narco state, abortion and federal vs. state power, the deep state defined, JFK and the Green Berets, Robin Sage unconventional warfare training, AIPAC money and special interest corruption, Epstein files and the two-tiered justice system, vaccine mandate purge and the reinstatement failure, and what it actually takes to not flip once you get to DC.Find John Frankman at frankmanforflorida.com and on X/Instagram/Facebook @JohnFrankmanFLCHAPTER TIMESTAMPSTimeChapter0:00Introduction — John Frankman: Green Beret, Seminary, Congress0:24Growing Up Between LA and DC — Faith, Divorce, and Finding God4:30Can a Christian Be a Warrior? Catholic Just War Theory9:15Afghanistan and Iraq — Were They Just Wars?12:30The Iran Conflict — Joe Kent's Resignation & the 3,000 Troops19:15Venezuela, Monroe Doctrine & Rooting Out Chinese Influence23:00America's Debt Crisis — Are We at the End of the Roman Empire?26:00Why Younger Generations Don't Trust the Government Anymore29:45COVID Was the Great Red-Pilling of America34:00Running for Congress — Jumping Into Matt Gaetz's Seat38:00Illegal Immigration, Mass Deportations & the Border Wall47:00Mexico as a Narco State — How Should the US Approach It?53:50H-1B Visas, Outsourcing Jobs & Chinese Students on US Campuses1:02:00Human Trafficking, the Border & the Cartel Billion-Dollar Industry1:10:00Palantir, Anthropic & the Danger of Big Tech in the Military1:13:00The Surveillance State — Smart Cities, FISA & Losing Our Freedoms1:17:00John's COVID Story — Seminary, Moral Conviction & the Shot1:26:30Media Censorship, Joe Rogan & How They Overplayed Their Hand1:30:00AI, China's Smart Cities & the New Cold War1:41:30100% Pro-Life — Abortion, Federal vs. State Power1:49:00Defining the Deep State — Who's Actually Compromised?1:51:30JFK, Green Berets & Training to Overthrow a Government1:58:00Why John Won't Flip When He Gets to DC2:06:30AIPAC Money, Special Interests & Draining the Swamp2:11:30Epstein Files — Full Transparency or Political Betrayal2:24:00The Military Vaccine Purge — 8,600 Out, 1 in 1,000 Reinstated2:34:00What He'd Tell Trump Today2:36:00Where to Find John & How to Support His Campaign
Rome didn't fall because it ran out of great men. It fell because it reached a point where being great simply wasn't enough anymore.Marcus Aurelius was arguably the most competent emperor Rome ever produced. Stoic philosopher trained from childhood. Disciplined administrator. Physically brave general who spent over a decade personally commanding the Danube frontier through the winters. If you designed a system to produce the ideal leader, Marcus is what it looks like when the system works exactly right.And during his reign (161-180 AD), all three fault lines of the Roman system opened at the same time for the first time in history. The Antonine Plague — likely smallpox — arrived in 165 and killed somewhere between 5 and 10% of the empire, hitting the army disproportionately. The Marcomannic Wars broke on the Danube in 166 and never stopped for the rest of his life. In 175, one of his own most trusted generals declared himself emperor on nothing more than a false rumor that Marcus had died.Marcus responded exactly right at every turn. He sold imperial jewelry to pay soldiers rather than debase the currency. He held the frontier personally for a decade. He put down the Cassius revolt without civil war. He knew, from his Stoic training and his study of Roman history, exactly what was happening to him. And he still couldn't stop it.This is Episode 111 — the transitional episode between the "Life After the Fall of Rome" series and the upcoming Roman Republic series. It's the moment where the pattern first becomes visible at the peak of the empire. And the answer to "why couldn't Marcus stop it" is: the fault lines were built into the Roman model centuries before Marcus was born. To understand where they came from, we have to go back to the Republic. That's where we're headed next.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Philosopher-Emperor Writing While Losing03:11 The Peak Marcus Inherited (Adoption Succession)06:17 The Three Fault Lines Open at Once (161 AD)06:41 Money: The Antonine Plague Breaks the Economy09:58 Borders: The Marcomannic Wars Begin12:57 Power: The Avidius Cassius Revolt (175 AD)14:55 Why Marcus Could See the Pattern16:24 The Meditations as a Diagnostic Document18:07 Commodus: The Succession Failure22:06 The 23-Year Record: Right Decisions, Wrong Direction24:32 Modern Parallel: Competent People in Failing Systems26:31 What Comes Next: Back to the RepublicSOURCESMarcus Aurelius, Meditations — Books 2, 4, 6, and 12 — the private notebooks written on campaignCassius Dio, Roman History — Books 71-72 covering Marcus's reign, contemporary-adjacentHistoria Augusta — "Life of Marcus Aurelius" — later and often unreliable but useful for details like the Trajan Forum auctionAnthony Birley — Marcus Aurelius: A Biography — the definitive modern biography, thorough on campaigns and successionMary Beard — SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome — for the sharp point on adoption succession being biology-driven rather than principledKyle Harper — The Fate of Rome — essential for the Antonine Plague context and demographic collapse argumentPeter Heather — The Fall of the Roman Empire — for the ongoing money/borders/power framework consistencyWalter Scheidel — demographic modeling of the Antonine Plague
Has anyone ever told you that Jesus never existed or that there is no evidence for Jesus outside the Bible? Historical evidence for Jesus appears in early Roman, Jewish, Greek, and Syrian writings—many written by people who were hostile to Christianity.In this episode of the Binmin Pops-cast, Dr. Bob Martin examines non-Christian sources that mention Jesus, His crucifixion, His followers, and the rapid spread of Christianity. Ancient writers such as Tacitus, Suetonius, Pliny the Younger, Josephus, Lucian, and writers connected with the Talmud provide important outside testimony about Jesus and the early church.These sources do not replace the New Testament, which remains our primary historical and theological witness. However, this historical evidence for Jesus supports many details found in Scripture. Hostile witnesses mention Jesus' execution under Pontius Pilate, early Christian worship, persecution under Rome, moral conduct, belief in the resurrection, and the growth of Christianity across the Roman Empire.You will also discover why hostile testimony can be especially significant. When opponents of Christianity still acknowledge central facts about Jesus and His followers, their testimony strengthens confidence in the historical foundations of the New Testament.You do not need to have every answer before talking with someone about Jesus. Begin with a humble, thoughtful faith firmly rooted in Scripture. Learn the evidence, share it sensitively, and trust God with the conversation.SUBSCRIBE to our channel / @binmin_org JOIN the NEWSLETTER at https://binmin.org/newsletter/SUPPORT Binmin with a tax-deductible gift HERE - https://binmin.org/donate00:00 Did Jesus Really Exist?00:20 Evidence for Jesus Outside the Bible00:43 Why Hostile Witnesses Matter01:02 What Jesus' Enemies Still Admitted01:41 Roman Writers Who Mentioned Jesus02:04 Suetonius, Pliny, and Trajan02:34 Christians Worshiped Jesus Under Roman Pressure02:44 Josephus and Jewish Evidence03:11 What the Talmud Says About Jesus03:29 Greek and Syrian Writers03:53 The Historical Picture That Emerges04:05 What Outside Sources Say About Jesus04:24 Belief in the Resurrection04:35 What Early Christians Believed and Practiced05:02 Why This Evidence Matters05:16 Your Next Step05:33 Share the Evidence With Someone05:54 You Do Not Need Every Answer06:04 Recommended Historical Resource06:16 Connect With BinminJOIN the NEWSLETTER. SUPPORT Binmin with a tax-deductible gift HERECONNECT WITH BINMIN: TikTok Instagram Facebook Linkedin Binmin.orgQuestions?: info@binmin.orgPODCAST RESOURCES: More from Binmin: Binmin.org Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Subscribe on YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW on Apple podcasts
The Bible contains 66 books written by around 40 authors across 1,500 years, yet it tells one unified story centered on Jesus Christ.Tiffany and Pastor Jeff explore how God inspired human authors to write Scripture and how the early church recognized which books belonged in the biblical canon. They address the “lost books” of the Bible, explain how Scripture was faithfully preserved, and show why Christians can confidently trust the Bible we hold today.Chapters:02:03 Where Did Our Bible Come From?The Bible contains 66 books written by around 40 authors across approximately 1,500 years. Despite its many contributors, Scripture tells one unified story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration centered on Jesus Christ.06:18 Who Actually Wrote the Bible?God is the primary author of Scripture, but He worked through real human writers with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and writing styles. The Holy Spirit guided these authors without turning them into passive scribes or removing their individuality.09:38 How Did Moses Write About Creation?Biblical events were sometimes preserved and passed down before being written. Whether information was revealed directly by God or collected from faithful witnesses, Christians trust that Scripture records exactly what God intended.11:48 Who Chose the 66 Books of the Bible?The biblical canon is the recognized collection of writings inspired by God. The church did not give these books their authority but recognized the divine authority they already possessed.13:50 How Was the New Testament Recognized?The apostles' writings were treasured, publicly read, carefully copied, and shared among early churches. The apostles also recognized one another's writings as Scripture, demonstrating that this process began during the first century.15:02 How Was God's Word Preserved?The format of the Bible has changed from handwritten manuscripts to printed, digital, and audio editions, but its message has remained the same. Generations of believers carefully preserved and passed down the truth God had given.17:35 Why Wasn't the Bible Compiled Immediately?Early churches were scattered throughout the Roman Empire, and every letter or book had to be copied by hand and physically circulated. By AD 367, Athanasius recorded all 27 New Testament books already recognized by churches.19:18 What About the “Lost Books” of the Bible?Writings such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Judas appeared later and contradicted apostolic teaching. They were excluded because they were neither connected to the apostles nor recognized as inspired Scripture.21:27 Why Can Christians Trust the Bible Today?God has faithfully preserved His Word through centuries of copying, persecution, translation, and criticism. The Bible remains God's living Word and one unified story pointing to Jesus Christ.“ Understanding how God gave us the Bible doesn't weaken our confidence; it strengthens it. Once you see and understand the incredible story behind how we got our Bible, you'll treasure it even more.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston
08-02-2026 Ephesians Series - Week 12 Living a Life Worthy of the Calling: Faithfulness in the Ordinary Pastor Dave Brown | Ephesians 6:5-9 In Week 12 of our Ephesians series, Pastor Dave Brown tackles one of the most difficult and historically misunderstood passages in Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-9. This text has often been misused to justify slavery, but Pastor Dave explains why Paul was not endorsing oppressive systems. Instead, Paul was teaching believers how to faithfully live out the gospel within the realities of the Roman world while bearing witness to the Kingdom of God. The key to understanding this passage is reading it within the larger context of Ephesians 5:21-6:9, framed by two foundational truths: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21) "There is no favoritism with God" (Ephesians 6:9) Paul's concern is not creating a blueprint for social institutions such as marriage, parenting, or slavery. Rather, he is showing believers how to live lives worthy of their calling as adopted children of God, demonstrating the character of Jesus wherever they find themselves. Throughout the message, Pastor Dave highlights Paul's broader vision found in passages like Galatians 3:28, where all people are united in Christ regardless of social status, ethnicity, or gender. Far from defending inequality, Paul continually points believers toward the transforming reality of God's Kingdom. A central theme of the sermon is that Jesus redefines power and leadership. Those in positions of authority are called to use their influence the way Christ did: not for personal gain, but to empower others to become everything God created them to be. At the same time, Paul affirms the dignity and value of those without power, reminding them that they can fully participate in God's mission right where they are. Pastor Dave also challenges a common cultural assumption that our significance depends on status, success, influence, or upward mobility. While ambition is not inherently wrong, God's kingdom work does not begin when we reach a particular position, promotion, or life stage. It begins now. Most of life is lived in ordinary moments: Going to work Answering emails Raising children Caring for family Doing household chores Showing up faithfully day after day The Kingdom of God often advances not through extraordinary achievements, but through ordinary people consistently embodying the love of Jesus in everyday places. Key Takeaways ✅ Context matters when interpreting Scripture. ✅ Paul was addressing real people living within the Roman Empire, not endorsing unjust institutions. ✅ The gospel challenges systems of power by reshaping how people treat one another. ✅ Leadership in God's Kingdom means empowering others, following the example of Jesus. ✅ You do not need a position of authority to participate in God's mission. ✅ Faithfulness in ordinary life is deeply significant to God. ✅ The Kingdom of God takes root when everyday believers reflect Christ's love where they already are. No matter where you find yourself today, God has given you opportunities to reveal the character of Jesus and the love of the Father through your everyday life. #Ephesians #BibleTeaching #PastorDaveBrown #RedeemerChurch #KingdomOfGod #ChristianLiving #Faithfulness #Ephesians6 #LeadershipLikeJesus #OrdinaryFaithfulness #GospelTransformation #SermonPodcast #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #JesusChrist
The Willie Jackerson Experiment – Attila the Hun: History, Legend, and the Sound of ConquestWho was Attila the Hun—the ruthless barbarian who nearly brought the Roman Empire to its knees—or has history exaggerated the legend?In this episode of The Willie Jackerson Experiment, we ride across the windswept steppes to explore the life, military campaigns, and lasting legacy of one of history's most feared conquerors. We'll separate historical fact from myth, examine the rise of the Hunnic Empire, and discuss why Attila's name has inspired both fear and fascination for more than 1,500 years.Musically, this episode features "Attila the Hun" by Skullwinx, along with the premiere of my own original song inspired by the legend. Together they help set the tone for an unforgettable journey into one of history's darkest and most captivating eras.Whether you're a history enthusiast, a metal fan, or simply curious about the man known as the Scourge of God, this episode delivers epic storytelling, powerful music, and a fresh perspective on one of history's most iconic warriors.⚔️ History •
American health is on the steep decline. MAHA was supposed to fix the problem, but instead has spent time promoting big-meat and big-dairy rather than informing the public about how the obsession and overconsumption of these products is poisoning us at a rate closely aligned with processed junk. Frying potatoes in beef tallow doesn't solve the problem that the food itself, and the additives, are making us addicted and sick. RFK Jr even posted on the official Real Food website that his stance was not an attack on the industry. Well, it should be. Considering that some of the greatest warriors in human history, from Gladiators and Roman Legionary, to Samurai, ate very little meat and dairy, and considering that diets with little or none of these ingredients are the only lifestyle changes in studies that have ever reversed diseases of the heart and diabetes, perhaps we are being lied too yet again. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, subscribe below.
Hello divas! This week we're diving into one of my biggest Roman Empires... the Fabergé Eggs!From a tiny jewellery workshop in St Petersburg to the glittering halls of the Romanovs, this episode follows Peter Carl Fabergé's rise to become Imperial Jeweller and the creator of the most famous Easter gifts in history. We'll also chat Tsars, Tsarinas, impeccable craftsmanship and of course, the very first Imperial Egg.This is also the perfect little warm-up for our four-part Romanov series coming this September, which I cannot wait to share with you all.Also as promised, here's the Substack of my experience seeing an actual, real life Fabergé Egg with my own eyes at Christie's last year (an experience I genuinely don't think I'll ever get over!).Shout out to our incredible researcher Grace McCamish for helping to pull this together, and if you're wanting more Hot History you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and of course, right here!Til next week, Ainslie x
The Roman pattern didn't end with Rome. It just kept running at a smaller scale.Everywhere the Western Empire had held together — Hispania, Gaul, North Africa, Italy, Britain — the political form gave out, but the substance didn't disappear. It fragmented, reassembled, and kept running the same three-part pattern at a new scale: money weakens the center, borders get harder to defend, and power drifts from institutions to individuals. That's the kill chain. And every post-Roman kingdom ran it, in slightly different form, over the next three centuries.By 800 AD, a Frankish king was crowned Emperor of the Romans by a pope who was still running what was left of Roman administration. 324 years after the "fall." The empire hadn't come back. It had been transformed — Roman memory fused with post-Roman military and economic power, held together by the Church.This is the finale of the "Life After the Fall of Rome" series. It's the synthesis of every argument the series has made: what actually happens when a civilization ends. And it's the setup for what comes next — because the Roman pattern didn't start with the fall. It started centuries earlier in the Republic. That's where we're going next.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Roman Pattern Didn't End with Rome02:03 Money, Borders, Power: The Three Fault Lines08:32 Visigothic Hispania: Religion as a Political Wall15:06 Frankish Gaul: The Most Successful Adaptation22:27 North Africa: Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs28:13 Lombard Italy: Decentralization as Survival33:23 Anglo-Saxon Britain: The Frontier That Collapsed First38:21 The Papacy: How the Church Kept the Substance41:13 The Byzantine East: The Roman System That Survived47:38 800 AD: Charlemagne Becomes Emperor of the Romans51:24 The Modern Question: Money, Borders, Power Today1:00:33 Where the Pattern Started: The RepublicSOURCESPeter Heather — The Fall of the Roman Empire (2006) — the argument that barbarian kingdoms were assembled from Roman parts, not opposed to RomeMary Beard — the "lights went out" version of the fall was largely invented by later generationsBrian Ward-Perkins — The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization (2005) — the archaeological evidence for material collapse, especially in BritainProcopius — History of the Wars — Belisarius's secretary, firsthand witness to the Vandal War and Justinian's Italian campaignsThe Corpus Juris Civilis (Justinian Code, compiled 530s) — the surviving Roman legal framework
Welcome to Day 2911 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. Day 2911 – Theology Thursday – Heresy: Meaning, History, and Misuse Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2911 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2911 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website theology infive.com. Today's lesson is titled: Heresy: Meaning, History, and Misuse. The word heresy comes from the Greek hairesis, which originally meant “choice” or “faction.” In the New Testament, it began to carry the weight of theological rebellion. It referred to false teaching that breaks fellowship and corrupts the truth. Heresy is not simply error or misunderstanding. It is deviation from the foundational truths of the gospel, concerning who God is, who Christ is, and what salvation requires. The apostle Paul warned against such distortions, calling out those who pervert the message of grace and urging Titus to reject those who sow division after being warned. Heresy is not measured by how controversial an idea is, but by whether it distorts the saving message of Christ or promotes a false gospel. In that sense, heresy is deadly. It is not just wrong. It is soul-destroying. The first segment is: The Struggle for Doctrinal Clarity in the Early Church The early church faced enormous pressure to define and defend the truth. As Christianity spread across the Roman world, it encountered competing philosophies and religious systems. Some sought to harmonize the gospel with these foreign ideas, leading to teachings that retained the vocabulary of Christianity but not its meaning. This is where heresy found fertile ground. Among the earliest and most dangerous of these teachings was Gnosticism, which rejected the goodness of creation and denied the full humanity of Christ. Marcionism took a more radical path by discarding the Old Testament and portraying the God of Israel as cruel and inferior. Pelagianism undermined the doctrine of sin by teaching that humans could achieve righteousness without divine grace. Each of these required a response, not out of fear of disagreement, but out of pastoral urgency to protect the flock from destructive error. No heresy had a greater impact, both theologically and politically, than Arianism. The teaching of Arius, that the Son was a created being and not fully divine, directly challenged the very identity of Christ. Although condemned at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Arianism did not die. It took root in the outer regions of the Roman Empire and sowed seeds of division that helped bring about its collapse. The second segment is: Arianism and the Fragmentation of the Western Empire. The theological consequences of Arianism were clear. It reduced Christ to a lesser being, stripping the gospel of its divine foundation. Its political consequences were just as devastating. While the Roman Church clung to Nicene orthodoxy, many of the Germanic tribes who bordered the empire were converted to Arian Christianity. Missionaries like Ulfilas brought a version of the gospel that bore Christ's name but denied His nature. When the Visigoths sacked Rome in 410 AD, they did so not as pagans but as heretical Christians. The same was true of the Vandals and later the Ostrogoths, whose kings ruled Italy while holding to Arian doctrine. The theological divide between ruler and people, between Church and state, tore at the fabric of Western society. The Church could not fully unify with leaders who confessed a false Christ, and the people remained culturally alienated from their kings. This division made the Western Roman Empire vulnerable. It robbed the empire of a unifying spiritual identity at the very moment it needed cohesion to survive external threats. Though not the only factor in Rome's collapse, Arianism was a theological wedge that fractured its heart. By the time Justinian reconquered parts of the West and reimposed Nicene orthodoxy in the sixth century, the Western Empire was a shadow of what it had been. A heresy that began in theological debate had helped bring down a civilization. The third segment is: When Everything Becomes Heresy. Over time, the word heresy lost its theological precision. Instead of referring to soul-endangering errors about God, Christ, and salvation, it began to be applied to any disagreement or dissent. This shift had tragic consequences. In some periods of church history, those who merely questioned traditional practices or sought to reform corruption were branded as heretics. The term became a tool for control rather than a measure of truth. Even within Protestant traditions, theological disagreements over baptism, church polity, or spiritual gifts have sometimes been exaggerated into accusations of heresy, dividing believers unnecessarily. This misuse of the term does not protect the church. It weakens it. When every disagreement is labeled heresy, the word loses its force, and the real dangers become harder to identify. Instead of guarding the flock, the misuse of heresy becomes a way to suppress thought, enforce conformity, or settle personal disputes. Ironically, some modern cults and false teachers now invert the accusation. They call orthodox Christianity heretical because it does not conform to their reimagined doctrines. The charge of heresy has become, in some cases, a mirror for pride rather than a tool of discernment. The fourth segment is: A Modern Example: Is Pre-Tribulation Rapture Heresy? In contemporary evangelical circles, one of the most fiercely debated doctrines is the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. This is the idea that believers will be taken up to heaven before a future period of global tribulation. Popularized in the 19th and 20th centuries, this view has deeply shaped modern Christian imagination. But is it heresy? The answer is no. Pre-Tribulation Rapture theology, while likely incorrect and theologically shallow, does not deny the core tenets of the faith. It affirms the Trinity, the incarnation, the death and resurrection of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith. It is not heresy in the biblical or historical sense. That said, its influence is not neutral. When taught dogmatically, it can create a fragile form of faith, one that collapses under suffering or real-world trials. It fosters escapism and disengagement, tempting believers to wait for rescue rather than prepare for endurance. In some circles, the view has even been elevated to a test of orthodoxy, dividing churches and condemning dissenters. In these cases, the danger lies not in the doctrine itself, but in the way it is wielded. This example highlights the difference between heresy and error. Not every mistaken belief is heresy, but not every non-heresy is harmless. Pre-Tribulationism must be confronted with Scripture and pastoral clarity, not because it damns the soul, but because it distorts Christian hope and undermines discipleship. The fifth segment is: Holding the Line Without Crossing It In guarding the truth, the Church must walk a narrow path. On one side lies indifference, where everything is tolerated and nothing is contended for. On the other lies arrogance, where every disagreement is treated as a threat and the word heresy is used like a club. Both lead to ruin. The example of Arianism shows that heresy is real, and its effects are catastrophic. But the misuse of the term reveals a different kind of danger — the slow erosion of discernment and the collapse of Christian charity. We must learn again to distinguish between essential and non-essential doctrines, between errors that must be confronted and differences that can be endured. This requires returning to the Scriptures, testing every teaching, and holding fast to what is good. It also means learning from the early church, which took truth seriously without descending into tyranny. They did not shy away from calling out heresy, but they did so with care, consistency, and a clear understanding of what was at stake. In Conclusion Heresy is not a word to be thrown around lightly. It refers to spiritual poison, distortions of God's truth that lead people away from salvation. The Church has always had to fight for the gospel, and that fight continues today. But if the sword of truth is swung wildly, it wounds the innocent and weakens the body. By understanding what heresy truly is, and what it is not, we honor the truth, protect the church, and point people back to the grace of Christ. Not every error is heresy. But every misuse of the word heresy threatens to create new errors of its own. For further study, consider these...
“Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.” (Psalm 85:6–7 NLT) July 2026 is an ideal time for reflection, for looking back at the 250-year history of our nation, and for celebrating God’s work in bringing us to this point. But it’s also a time to look forward and ask some sobering questions. So, here goes. What is the future of the United States of America? Are we doomed to go the way that so many other once-great nations have gone? Is America headed to the ash heap of history? Are our greatest days behind us, or could they still be ahead? Is there any hope for America? None of us can answer these questions with any certainty, but we know this much: America is not the superpower of the last days. The greatest nation on earth is conspicuous in its absence from the world stage in the end-times scenario given to us in the Bible. America is not the first, nor will it be the last, nation to rise and fall. Every nation’s days are numbered; America is no exception. The Bible introduces us to several formidable empires, countries, and cities. Egypt reigned supreme in the book of Exodus. Assyria played a key role in the history of Israel and Judah. Babylon led the people of Judah into captivity. Persia allowed them to return. Greece left an indelible mark on the world. Yet all these empires eventually learned the same lesson: There is no such thing as too big to fail. Perhaps the biggest cautionary tale from history is the Roman Empire, which provides the backdrop for the Gospels. Rome was once the mightiest empire on the face of the earth. But it collapsed internally before it was conquered externally. Historian Will Durant, in his book on Rome’s history, Caesar and Christ, said, “A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself within. The essential causes of Rome’s decline lay in her people, her morals….” That’s where the alarm bells start to sound for the United States. We as a country are diligent in guarding against our enemies on the outside, but we should be just as diligent in guarding ourselves from within. One stark difference between Rome and the United States is that our country was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Unfortunately, we’ve strayed from the original vision of our founding fathers, the vision that produced our nation. What was once “freedom of religion” has now become “freedom from religion.” We’ve succeeded in removing God from our schools, sporting events, public venues, and workplaces. And now we need God’s intervention. We saw many turn to the Lord after 9/11. Remember those packed churches and prayer vigils on street corners? Remember the members of Congress spontaneously singing “God Bless America”? These memories give me hope that there could be at least one more great revival in America’s future. The psalmist wrote, “Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation” (Psalm 85:6–7 NLT). If we don’t have revival, I believe that judgment is inevitable. Peter Marshall, former chaplain to the U.S. Senate, once said, “The choice before us is plain: Christ or chaos, conviction or compromise, discipline or disintegration.” Let’s pray that our nation chooses wisely. Reflection question: What is your prayer for our nation? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guests in Londinium, 92 AD: Gaius and Germanicus. The Imperial Decay of the American Order. The discussion shifts to the deterioration of American institutions, which Germanicus claims are now indistinguishable from the 3rd-century Roman imperial system. He describes a "long unraveling" of the constitutional order where Congress has become "nothing" and the Supreme Court is forced to uphold basic tenets it wasn't designed to enforce. This "emperor system" is characterized by an executive branch that is increasingly detached from reality regarding global economic stability and military resources. Furthermore, he asserts that the political establishment is too corrupt to produce genuine leaders, resulting in "pygmies" who are incapable of challenging the prevailing delusions. He warns that the U.S. is at a historical "inflection point" similar to when the Roman Empire began to collapse after centuries of dominance, noting that current leaders risk a global "economic fault" or famine by pursuing unsustainable escalations in Eurasia. (2)SULLAGuests in Londinium, 92 AD: Gaius and Germanicus. The Ritual of Combat and Modern Delusions. Germanicusargues that for the Romans, war and ceremony were inextricably linked, using triumphs and gladiatorial spectacles to forge a shared identity between the people and the military. These rituals were "incarnations of the spirit of Rome" triumphing over "barbaric" enemies, providing a form of "ecstatic participatory" fulfillment. He notes a parallel in modern America, which uses "ecstatic vicarity" through high-tech war footage and video games to maintain a similar bond. However, he warns that the U.S. dangerously underestimates adversaries like Iran by viewing them as "barbarians" rather than a sophisticated, 2,500-year-old culture. He laments the loss of the "sobriety" that guided Cold War leadership—where the stakes of nuclear confrontation were understood—noting that current American policy reflects a "gods of war" complex born from the easy successes of the early 1990s. Gaius adds that this technological display creates a "fog of war" where the enemy's own capabilities and "vote" in the conflict are often ignored. (1)
What destroyed the Roman Republic was not one man or one moment, but a slow collapse of trust, duty, and shared values. In this episode, Ryan and ancient historian Barry Strauss discuss the broken civic bargain, economic strain, political violence, and personal ambition that pushed Rome toward civil war. They also talk about Cato's refusal to compromise, Caesar's decision to cross the Rubicon, and the warning the fall of the Roman Republic still holds for us today.Barry Strauss is a bestselling author, classicist, military and naval historian, and one of the leading authorities on leadership lessons from the ancient world. He is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor in Humanistic Studies Emeritus at Cornell University, and a leading expert on ancient military history. Barry is the author of ten books on ancient history, translated into twenty languages, including The War That Made the Roman Empire, Ten Caesars, The Death of Caesar, and his latest book, Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire.Follow Barry on Instagram | @barrystrauss
Al, Zach, Christian, and John Luke wrap up Ancient Christianity with stories about sermon critiques, mispronounced words, and the kind of mentorship that only works when trust has been earned. Al shares how a gift from his granddaughter brought Phil's larger-than-life legacy to mind, while John Luke explains how he turned the Roman Empire into a summer camp lesson about Jesus, persecution, and the kingdom of God. The guys dig into Augustine's impact on the Trinity, the incarnation of Christ, and why God must reveal himself before we can truly know him. In this episode: John 1:1; Genesis 1:28; John 17:3; John 14:6; Ephesians 3:10; Luke 15; Psalm 48:1-8; 1 John 4:8-10; Romans 1-2; Romans 7:24-25 Today's conversation is a recap of Ancient Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale Professor of History Kenneth Calvert. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about Ancient Christianity: Christ entered the world during the reign of Caesar Augustus. The tensions between Christianity and the Roman Empire shaped the daily practice of the Christian faith and led many Romans to distrust and persecute the early Christians. But Christianity also benefitted from the Roman world. And when Rome collapsed in the West, Christianity provided the hope for preserving civilization. In this free, eleven-lecture course, Professor Kenneth Calvert will explore: How the Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures all contributed to preparing the world to hear the Gospel. Why many Romans distrusted and persecuted the early Christians. The inspiring stories of Christ, His apostles, and faithful ones throughout the first four centuries of Christianity. The arguments of key early Christian apologists—Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin, Athanasius, and more—who defended and defined the Christian faith amidst the animosity of the Roman world. The conversion of Constantine and how he brought stability to Rome, and how the rivalry between his sons almost returned Rome to paganism. How Augustine's writings helped preserve the message of Christianity during the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. You will discover the uncertainties, trials, and triumphs of the earliest Christians as they confronted controversies within the faith and persecutions from outside it. Join us today to discover the improbable and miraculous story of Christianity. Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Chapters 00:00 Pap's Shuttle Service 04:38 Getting Called Out for Mispronunciation 10:11 Learning to Land the Plane 16:28 John Luke Brings the Roman Empire to Camp 20:48 Knowing the God We Can't Fully Grasp 26:53 Why the Incarnation Reveals Who God Is 30:20 Who Was Jesus in the Old Testament? 36:35 The City of God Still Reigns 43:02 Augustine's Wounds & the Power of Surrender — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices