Podcasts about Romanism

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Read more The post Romanism's Influence In Early Canada appeared first on Trinity Bible Chapel.

We looked in-depth today at the continuing discussion "do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?" This time we likewise looked at what modern Romanism teaches concerning salvation of those in non-Christian religions, and how all of this utterly undercuts Rome's authority claims. The last few minutes we responded to David Allen's continued refusal to defend his published works in public debate.

The heresies brought into the church by Romanism.

Snuck a quick program in today before teaching at the seminary this evening, talking about developments with what seems like the soon passing of Pope Francis, etc. Then we briefly discussed recent conversations concerning Cameron Bertuzzi, a convert to Romanism, and his claim that the supposed appearances of Mary at Zeitoun, Egypt, decades ago provide better evidence for the Christian faith than the resurrection appearances of Jesus. Hopefully get to do another program from Jonesboro on Thursday before the two debates this weekend.

Read more The post Introduction To Romanism appeared first on Trinity Bible Chapel.

“The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” — Isaiah 40:5 We anticipate the happy day when the whole world shall be converted to Christ; when the gods of the heathen shall be cast to the moles and the bats; when Romanism shall be exploded, and the crescent […]

This is a MUST-LISTEN AUDIO if you want to AVOID being swept away into the modern-day SEDUCTION of ROMANISM into your life . . .

A new MP3 sermon from Christian Answers of Austin is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Romanism Is "A Gospel Contrary! Catholic Abuse of History & Scripture" #2 Speaker: Robert M. Zins Broadcaster: Christian Answers of Austin Event: Teaching Date: 3/27/2024 Bible: Galatians 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Length: 89 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Christian Answers of Austin is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Romanism Is "A Gospel Contrary! Catholic Abuse of History & Scripture" #2 Speaker: Robert M. Zins Broadcaster: Christian Answers of Austin Event: Teaching Date: 3/27/2024 Bible: Galatians 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Length: 89 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Christian Answers of Austin is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Romanism Is "A Gospel Contrary! Catholic Abuse of History & Scripture" #2 Speaker: Robert M. Zins Broadcaster: Christian Answers of Austin Event: Teaching Date: 3/27/2024 Bible: Galatians 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Length: 89 min.

Title: Protestantism: The Reviving of Christianity Speaker: Dr. H. T. Spence Event: Sunday Morning Sermon Date: October 29, 2023 Summary: What was the true principle that came forth from the birth of Protestantism and God's intent? It was so much broader than simply rebuking Romanism. It was to be for the entire life of the Christian. Scripture: Hebrews 10:31–39 Length:

Much of Mexico is controlled by Romanism and paganism. Christians, especially those who share their faith, are not welcome.-Also a look at Saudi Arabia's hidden persecutions of yesteryear.

A new MP3 sermon from DTBM, International is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: REV-38 - REVELATION 17, BABYLON, ROMANISM & PAGANISM.mp4 Subtitle: Short Clips - From Now To Eter Speaker: Dr. John Barnett Broadcaster: DTBM, International Event: Sunday Service Date: 8/1/2023 Length: 15 min.

A new MP3 sermon from DTBM, International is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: APO-24 - Romanism Seeping into Jesus' Church Speaker: Dr. John Barnett Broadcaster: DTBM, International Event: Sunday Service Date: 1/31/2023 Bible: Short Clips - Apologetics - Church History Length: 5 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: In Deaths Oft Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 9/13/2022 Length: 34 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 66. The people put away their idols and read the Bible for themselves Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 9/12/2022 Length: 35 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 64. Rescued by Napoleon. Agrees to submit only according to the Word of God Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 9/9/2022 Length: 20 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 63. Betrayed by his dearest friend. Rome crumbling to dust Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 9/6/2022 Length: 57 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 62. Vindication and Betrayal. Moving closer to finding the Truth Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 9/5/2022 Length: 29 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 61. Who Killed President Lincoln? Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 9/2/2022 Length: 54 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 60. Catholic plots to murder Abraham Lincoln. His calmness Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 9/1/2022 Length: 47 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 59. The Secular power of Rome Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/31/2022 Length: 41 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 59. The Secular power of Rome Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/31/2022 Length: 41 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: God defends Chiniquy. Abraham Lincoln calmly faces danger Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/30/2022 Length: 59 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 53. The "Immaculate Conception" shakes Rome to the foundations Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/24/2022 Length: 20 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 50. Prepared by God to strike at the heart of Romanism Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/20/2022 Length: 15 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 50. Prepared by God to strike at the heart of Romanism Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/20/2022 Length: 15 min.

In this episode Sergey Levine joins Lexman to discuss Africanist, Romanism and heath. Sergey Levine is an Economist who has written extensively on these topics, and their conversation covers a wide range of topics including economic history, the development of economics, and the current state of the discipline.

Bible study, where we've been talking over the past several sessions about mystery Babylon, that world system that arises in the end time in which arose originally in ancient times to subvert, the work of God on the earth and the most recent broadcast we spoke about the pseudo Christian component of mystery Babylon, Romanism, and the Harlot churches that came out of her the denominational Pseudo Christian churches, but we asked in our last session, Is there a Jewish component? We continue our discussion of that today, and in our last broadcast one of the things that we said, historically was that shortly after Solomon's death, his son, rehoboam cause division in the nation of Israel and the nation was divided into two kingdoms, the northern kingdom made up of ten tribes and the southern kingdom made up of two tribes.Listen for more...Scripture referenced:Romans 10:1-3Mattew 23:27-28, 23:13-15Ezekiel 10:18-19Mark 7:1-13, 7:5John 8:44For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgDr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 43. Leaving the Monastery. Blessed by the Pope Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/12/2022 Length: 15 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 39: A tough new challenge Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 8/8/2022 Length: 21 min.

"Then he said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." Today I will not be giving very much commentary because I wanted to read the rest of the chapter in this chat. And that is because this entire chapter deals with the woman, who is also called, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (v. 5) During the Tribulation, people will desperately seek religion because of what will be happening in the world. As the hammer blows of God's judgment (the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments) devastate the earth and terrorize its inhabitants, people will turn in desperation to Antichrist as their savior. Aided by the false prophet and hordes of deceiving demons, Antichrist will establish a worldwide religion, "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." Babylon is a composite religious system which includes Protestantism, Romanism, cults and all the other religions of the world, which was not raptured when Jesus came for His pure bride, the church just before the Tribulation. Babylon is confusion compounded and is the fountainhead of all religious error and idolatry. Babylon in the Old Testament persecuted God's people and was the enemy of God. It was Babylon that put the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace because they would not worship an image. How can the future religious Babylon be the mother of all false religion? To comprehend the Babylonian false religion of the future requires an understanding of Babylon's role in the false religion of the past. The story of Babylon begins with the Tower of Babel, recorded in Genesis 11:1-9. Throughout history, then, Babylon has been an important center of false religion. In the end times, false religion will come back to where it started. The devil who deceived the people at Babel, and from there launched false religion over the earth, will deceive the world once again. The final world religion, depicted as a harlot, is the theme of this vision, which records the exposure of the harlot, the explanation of the harlot, and the extermination of the harlot. When John saw the vision of the woman, he says that he "marveled with great amazement." This is the first time that John has had his mind boggled. We have had our minds boggled before, but this really throws John. The angel asks why he should wonder when he (the angel) was present to explain the mystery of the woman. There are several symbols involved in this description, but the angel explains them to John and to us. If we accept the interpretation of God's Word, we should have little trouble understanding what the chapter teaches. We will attempt to unfold this chapter over the next few days! God bless!

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Alcohol, Temperance, and a woman who killed her own child Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 6/27/2022 Length: 31 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Alcohol, Temperance, and a woman who killed her own child Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 6/27/2022 Length: 31 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 10 Moral education of children in Catholic Schools Subtitle: Fifty Years in Romanism Speaker: Charles Chiniquy Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Audio Book Date: 5/18/2022 Length: 24 min.

In this Podcast, we will wrap up this portion of our investigation into Roman Catholicism even though there is so much more that is involved in this Babylonian cult that time would not allow me to fully reveal. What I have touched on, however, should surely be enough to validate that it is a masterful yet demonic counterfeit to genuine Christianity and that it, and the many other false ways Lucifer has orchestrated in his works of deception, will comprise the Harlot of Revelation 17, identified as the “Babylon Mystery Religion. I would urge you – especially if you are involved in Roman Catholicism in any way – to do the research for yourself using some of the information I have already shared with you as a launchpad to deeper discovery.This necessity is more critical now than it has ever been; for in light of His soon coming, God's legitimate “Born Again” believers are called to be all the more vigilant in proclaiming the Truth of God's Word as these last things unfold all around us; for deception is has become so masterfully orchestrated that even the elect are in danger of being deceived such as our Study on Roman Catholicism has revealed.Support the show

Scripture teaches us that there is soon coming a “One World” Religion, Government, and Economic System which will be headed by the man of lawlessness, also known as the Antichrist. The most important arm of this worldwide empire, however, will be the Global One World Religion, because it is from within this perverse and idolatrous entity that Lucifer will gain the worship he has longed for since before he fell from Heaven. This false and deadly belief system will be comprised of a masterful counterfeit to the genuine faith that has been birthed from within God's unadulterated Word of Truth and fulfilled in Jesus Christ His Son, and will be melded with every other false way Lucifer has orchestrated down through the ages. In order to take the place of God, Lucifer had to make an exact yet perverted version of everything the Lord God has instituted before the foundation of the world. And one of his most masterful counterfeits that he has created in accomplishment of that goal is his Babylonian Mystery Religion under the auspices of Roman Catholicism, which is a deadly imitation of the true Church of Jesus Christ.As Jesus is God's Son, the Antichrist will act as Lucifer's son, and as we continue on with facts that will be presented in this Study, we will find that the “Mary” of Roman Catholicism will take the place of the Holy Spirit in service to the Antichrist.The Roman Catholic Church, in fact, confirms that the role their “Mary” plays is one that puts her in “oneness” with the third person of the Holy Trinity and that she plays a vital role in the Salvation of mankind.Wisdom is crying out in the streets – (Proverbs 1:20) Let those who have ears to hear – hear!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/agapelightministries)

One thing that many people forget is that the Holy Spirit is known as the Spirit of Truth. He cannot LIE because HE is part of the eternal triune Godhead and God cannot LIE! So in this video I show you why the Holy Spirit of Truth CANNOT endorse the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church!

In this Podcast, we are going to address the many pagan symbols that are interwoven throughout this Babylonian cult, and then we will move on to Roman Catholicism's Mary with undeniable validation that she is the revisitation of the pagan goddess Semiramis and the primary deity they worship.The first and foremost reason this information is critically vital, and why I come against this cult so boldly without holding back, is primarily for the love of the approximately 1.2 billion catholic people who are imprisoned in this death camp, and unless they come to the knowledge of the Truth, repent, and come out of her, they will spend eternity in Hell. But it is also for the many evangelicals who have become yoked with this deadly and false way, and without even knowing it, are participating in the formation of the Antichrist's One World Religion; and tragically, instead of being the evangelists of God's Salvation Truth to their Catholic family and friends, they are supporting the false security that in the end will not save them.It is truly a Life-or-death matter, and time is running out as the last things on God's Prophetic Calendar unfold with lightning speed toward their “End of the Age” destination. The Rapture of God's True Church could happen at any moment, and once that glorious event takes place, the Tribulation Period will begin, and it will be a time that in the words of Jesus, “will be a time of great tribulation and suffering such as has never been from the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall be.”May those who have ears to hear – hear and run quickly into the safety of Salvation's Truth which is only found in the One Who Alone is the Truth - the Living Word – Lord Jesus the Christ!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/agapelightministries)

In this Podcast, we will continue to uncover the pagan roots of Roman Catholicism and her true identity as the Woman who rides the Beast, and who, is Queen over the Babylon Mystery Religion that is taking multitudes to their eternal destruction.It is important to realize that behind every prophetic precursor that is unfolding in the earth, there is a spirit at work. It is the spirit of Babylon, and of all the other information the Holy Spirit is alerting us to in these desperate days, the most important thing to recognize is that everything else that is happening such as wars and rumors of wars - the “Days of Noah” reality in which we are now living – the technological advances which are making the “Mark of the Beast” a soon reality – the Elitists plan for the Great Reset - and every other sign that is converging with “Be Ready” urgency – is because the “god of this world” is purposed, and ready, to set up his kingdom, and to gain the worship of every man and woman on earth. And he will do this through the “One World Religion” that is already dressed in her bridal gown of deceptions and ready for her husband – the Antichrist.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/agapelightministries)

In this Podcast, we will investigate the origins of Roman Catholicism with valid confirmation that this Babylonian cult is the Harlot of Revelation 17. This information is more critical now than it has ever been because time is truly running out for people to hear the unadulterated Word of Truth that will set them free and grant them the Eternal Life that can only be realized in the One Who Alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – Lord Jesus the Christ!Tragically the Church in its Laodicea condition is not telling them that Truth – in fact, they are supporting the this counterfeit by coming along side Catholics as though they are brothers in sisters in Christ; when in reality these unsuspecting ones are yoked to Lucifer's Babylonian counterfeit. And unless they come to the true knowledge of the Lord God Almighty and repent, and “come out of her” unto Eternal Life, they will find their forever, in the fires of Hell. Vatican records indicate that there are approximately 1.2 billion Catholics in the world who are being held “Hell bound” in this demonic entrapment, making this a mission field of its own. Added to that is the fact that many within the Evangelical arm of Christianity are joining ranks with Roman Catholicism's adultery by yoking themselves with her and her earthly endeavors, such as the Inter-faith and ecumenical movements, as well as, the deceptive social benevolences and out-reach programs propagated by them. This, Beloved, is leading to the Antichrist's One World Religion!And that is why I proclaim this Truth, with all the passion my heart holds, and without apology.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/agapelightministries)

Scripture reveals to us that the spirit of Babylon will work interchangeably between the adulterous and false religion over which the Harlot will reign as Queen, as well as over the political and economic powers which are comprised within the Beast she rides. And together they will work in blasphemous harmony in the formation and operation of the Antichrist's Global Empire.Understanding the dual role this spawn of Satan holds is critically important in correctly discerning Chapters 17 and 18 of Revelation and coming to the true identity of the Harlot who rides the Beast.This knowledge is not only beneficial in correct discernment and understanding for those who are the legitimate “born again” children of God, but it is even more critical to those who are being held in the demonic snare of this antichrist cult.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/agapelightministries)

As the Prophetic indicators God's Word has revealed to us converge with Last Day's confirmation, there is a spirit behind the scenes that is permeating every demonic action of the “god of this world” who is still foolishly purposing to usurp the One True and Only God of all Creation. The entity I am referring to is the spirit of Babylon which was birthed from within the heart of Lucifer. It works closely with the spirit of Antichrist and is the foundation of every false way. It is the Pied Piper who leads many to fall away from the Truth leading to Apostasy and the soon to be fully manifested “One World Religion.” And it wields great influence within the governmental realms as well. It is the controlling power behind every endeavor of fallen man.As the Holy Spirit shines His Light of Discernment in Wisdom and Power, He is alerting His true children to remain alert and grounded in His unadulterated Word of Truth. In these turbulent times, His Truth is keeping us, and will soon and very soon take us home!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/agapelightministries)

This Revelation Timeline Decoded Bible study guide audio covers the fulfillment of the 'falling away' that the Apostle Paul warned about in 2 Thessalonians 2, which was fulfilled in the fourth century, before the 'restrainer' Western Roman Emperor was removed from power in 476 AD and before the antichrist beast Popes of Rome were given civil authority in 538 AD.In the fourth century the enemy created the 'doctrine' of Romanism during the Council of Nicaea and other councils, which hid some aspects of the Scriptural faith and created man-made traditions. Because these changes were made so long ago, believers unknowingly are following some of the pagan-based man-made traditions, which cause them to not observe the Heavenly Father's Scriptural commands.On the Revelation Timeline Decoded website are summary PDF's and the Revelation Timeline Layers Chart graphic. You can request a Revelation Timeline Decoded Summary PDF or order a copy of the printed book which explains the fulfillment in detail.#2thessalonians2 #thefallingaway #2thessalonians2restrainer

When you take a look at the "gospel" of Romanism, you will find that it is NOT the same gospel which was preached by the original followers of Jesus Christ! In this video I share many scripture passages to expose the false teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. As a former Roman Catholic I can testify once again, that it was the TRUTH which set me FREE! Satan is the one who is behind the FALSE teachings of Rome, and he is a very CRAFTY spiritual being who seeks to DECEIVE everyone! Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Lately, it has been the fad to out Thomism as another step toward Romanism. But such a fad is leading many not to differ with Thomas so much as it's leading them to deny Augustinian theology proper, which has always been understood to be nothing short of apostolic doctrine.

PART 3 of 5 – David Gilliland preaches on how a person can be justified. Christ has died and risen, but how can a condemned guilty sinner receive the blessing of justification and be declared righteous? By faith alone. This is the wonder of divine grace. And this is what Romanism calls anathema! A vital message on the central issue of how a person can be made right with God. A comprehensive message covering multiple fundamental issues. Readings: Rom 3:27-4:5, The post The Grace which Bestows Justification (61 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

In this episode, we'll take a look at English Puritanism.In Episode 96, English Candles, we considered the arrival of the Reformation in England and the career of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of the Anglican Church. When Catholic Queen Mary ascended the throne, she persecuted Protestants. But when Elizabeth became queen, a new day dawned for the Reformation there.Queen Elizabeth followed a median course between religious conservatives who sought to retain as much of the ancient practices and beliefs as possible, and Reformers who believed the entire life and structure of the church ought to adjust to what they saw as a Biblical norm. During Elizabeth's reign, that delicate balance was maintained though tensions surfaced repeatedly. Her strength and decisiveness managed to restrained both sides, barely.Elizabeth left no heir when she died in 1603. But she'd made arrangements for the succession to pass to James, son of Mary Stuart, already serving as king of Scotland. The transition was fairly smooth, bringing the House of Stuart to reign over England. James VI of Scotland became James I of England. He didn't find ruling his expanded realm an easy matter. The English regarded him a foreigner. His plan to unite both kingdoms earned him determined opponents on both sides.Elizabeth's reforms of England's economic policies were bearing fruit, especially among the growing merchant class, who resented the James' royalist policies favoring the nobility. But James's greatest troubles were with Reformers who wanted to see the English church purged of all Romanish influences. They regarded James as standing in the way. His native Scotland had moved further along that Reformation Road under the work of John Knox. English Calvinists felt the time was ripe for similar changes in their land.These Reformers didn't comprise a single group, nor did they agree on all matters. So it's difficult describing them in general terms. One of the most influential groups was given the name Puritans because they insisted on the need to purify the Church. They opposed many of the traditional aspects of worship the Church of England retained; things like the use of the Cross as a symbol, priestly garments, and the celebration of communion on an altar. They differed over whether there even ought to be an altar; wasn't a simple table good enough? And if a table, should it be placed so as not to give anyone the idea it WAS an altar. Things like this led to bitter disputes They may have left behind the Scholastic argument of how many angels can dance ion the head of a pin, but they argued over now less inconsequential issues as how much lace their ought to be in a collar.Puritans insisted on the need for a sober life, guided by the commands of Scripture, and abstinence from luxury and ostentatious displays of wealth. Since a great deal of the worship of the Church of England appeared to them as needlessly elaborate, this caused further objection to such worship. Many insisted on the need to keep the Lord's Day sacred, devoting it exclusively to religious exercises and charity. They also rejected the Anglican Book of Common Prayer and the use of written prayers in general, declaring such led to insincerity, so that even the Lord's Prayer, rather than a set of words to be repeated, was to be used as a model for prayer. They weren't opposed to the use of alcohol, for most of them drank moderately, but they were quite critical of drunkenness. They were also critical of all they considered licentious; like the theater, because immorality was often depicted and because of the inherent duplicity required for acting. They considered it a kind of lying because someone pretended to be someone else.This tone of super-critical Puritanism would much later move HL Mencken to describe Puritanism as, “the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be having a good time.”A precise definition of Puritanism has been a matter much debate, due in part to its multifaceted influence in not only religious and theological matters but in its impact on England's politics and society.Some of the difficulty in defining Puritanism comes from its caricatures that began in the 16th C. As with so many of the labels that have been attributed to movements in Church History, the word “Puritan” was originally a slam applied by critics. They considered Puritans to be peevish, censorious, conceited hypocrites. That reputation, once applied, stuck to them all the way to our day.In truth, there was a surprising diversity among Puritans. They shared a common theological confession, while differing on how the Church ought to be organized. Some Puritans thought the existing Anglican hierarchy of bishops was fine while others wanted to restructure the Church along more Presbyterian lines. Still others embraced a congregational form of church government. Some advocated separation from the established church, while others remained. Some were royalist, others revolutionary, even to the point of regicide. While Puritans differed in worship styles and expressions of piety, they ALL wanted the English Church to more closely resemble the Reformed churches on the Continent.Many Puritans were opposed to bishops. They argued that the highly-structured church hierarchy of the Church of England was a late invention, not found in the Bible. They said the Church ought to look to Scripture as its constitution not only for doctrine, but also in its organization and governance. Moderate Puritans responded that the Bible didn't actually give a prescription for a specific form of Church government. What it had were principles that could be applied in different ways. Others insisted that the New Testament Church was ruled by elders called “presbyters.” Then others claimed each congregation ought to be independent. They were creatively dubbed “Independents.”Baptists rose mostly among this last group. One of their early leaders was John Smyth, an Anglican priest who decided the Church of England had not reformed far enough. He established an independent, and at that time, illegal, congregation. As it grew, Smyth and his followers fled to Amsterdam. There he continued his study of the Bible, and came to the point of refusing to use translations of the Bible in worship, for only the original text had absolute authority. At church, he would read Scripture in Hebrew or Greek, and translate the text as he preached. Partly through his study of Scripture, and partly through contact with Mennonites—whose pacifism and refusal to take oaths, he adopted—e eventually becoming convinced infant baptism was wrong. He then re-baptized himself with a bucket and ladle and proceeded to baptized his followers.The move of Smyth and his flock to Holland was financed by a wealthy lawyer named Thomas Helwys, who eventually broke with the ever-reforming Smyth. The breaking point of contention was over the taking of vows.  Smyth rejected any form of vow while, as a lawyer, Helwys considered them a necessary convention safeguarding social order. Helwys and his followers returned to England, where in 1611 they founded the first Baptist Church in England.Eventually, to really no one's surprise, a disagreement arose among English Baptists over theological issues similar to those that had risen between Calvinists and Arminianists. Those who favored the Arminian-flavored path were called General Baptists while Calvinist-leaning Baptists were referred to as Particular Baptists.The balance Elizabeth maintained in the Church of England began to wobble under James. While its theology was moderately Calvinist, its worship and governance followed the older Roman order. Puritans feared a movement was under way to return to what they called “Romanism.”They didn't trust the new king, whose mother was none other than the Catholic Mary Stuart, AKA Mary, Queen of Scots, who'd been executed by Elizabeth on the charge of treason in plotting to assassinate Elizabeth and take her throne. James didn't, in fact, favor Catholicism though Puritans assumed he would and hoped to gain concessions. They were repeatedly disappointed. James' goal was the same kind of absolutist monarchy then in place in France. In Scotland, his Presbyterian subjects hadn't allowed him to reign as he wished. He thought his chances for absolutism were better in the South. To that end he strengthened the bishops of the English Church as a prop to his own power. He declared, “Without bishops, there is no king,” meaning monarchy is better supported by a hierarchical church structure.James' religious policy was similar to Elizabeth's. The Anabaptists were persecuted because James was offended by their egalitarianism that threatened to up-end the highly stratified English society. For goodness sake; we can't have peasants thinking they're as important as nobles. What a catastrophe if humble commoners mixed with blue bloods. So, the Anabaptists with their calling everyone “brother” and “sister” had to be repressed. They were; brutally. And Catholics, who thought James would be their guy, were regarded by him as agents of the Pope, who everyone knew wanted to get rid of James. James said if the pope acknowledged his right to rule and condemned regicide, which a few of the more extreme Catholics pushed for, James would tolerate the presence of Catholics in his realm. Presbyterians, whom the king had come to hate in Scotland, were barely tolerated in England. James did grant them minor concessions, but only to keep them from making trouble.Tension between Anglican bishops and Puritans grew to a boil during James's reign. In 1604, Richard Bancroft, archbishop of Canterbury, had a series of canons approved offensive to Puritans. One affirmed that episcopal hierarchy was an institution of divine origin, and that without it there could be no true church. This ostracized the many Protestant churches in Europe that had no bishops. Puritans saw it as provoking a showdown between themselves and the Church of England. Some assumed it was all preparation by the Church of England to reunite with Rome.James called Parliament to sit for the approval of new taxes to complete some of England's projects. The House of Commons included many Puritans who joined others in an appeal to the king against Bancroft's canons. James convened a committee at Hampton Court to consider the canons, over which he presided. When one of the Puritans made reference to the church being governed by a “presbytery,” James announced there would be no closer connection between the monarchy and a presbytery than there COULD be between God and the Devil. All attempts at compromise failed. The only result of meeting was that a new translation of the Bible was approved.  It appeared in 1611 and is known today as the KJV. Produced at a high-point in the development of the English language, along with the Book of Common Prayer—the King James Bible became a classic that profoundly influenced later English literature.But, this marks the beginning of a growing hostility between the House of Commons and the bishops of the Church of England.Late in 1605, what's known as the Gunpowder Plot was discovered. A repressive law against Catholics was issued the previous year on the pretext they were loyal to the pope rather than the king. The real purpose of the law was to collect funds. Authorities used it to impose heavy fines and confiscate property. Catholics came to the conclusion the solution was to be rid of the king. A property was rented whose cellars extended below the room where Parliament met. Several wine barrels were filled with gunpowder and set under the room. The plan was to detonate them as the king opened Parliament. This would rid England of James and many Puritans leaders. But the plot was discovered; the conspirators executed. This unleashed a wave of anti-catholic sentiment in England that saw many arrested and imprisoned. James used the whole affair a way to lay heavy fines on Catholics and confiscate more property.After those first years of his reign, James tried to rule without Parliament. But English law stipulated it alone could approve new taxes. So in 1614, when his finances were desperate, James relented and again convened Parliament. New elections brought in a House of Commons even more stubborn than the previous. So James dissolved it and again tried to rule without it. He turned to the few tariffs he could levy without Parliament's approval. He borrowed from bishops and nobility.Then the Thirty Years' War broke out. Frederick, King of Bohemia, was James's son-in-law. But James offered no support. English Protestants named James a traitor and coward. Je replied that he WANTED to help, but that the Puritans held the purse and war is expensive! Finally, in 1621, James re-convened Parliament, hoping the House of Commons would agree to new taxes with the proviso that some, at least, of the revenue would support German Protestants in the war. But it was discovered James planned to marry his son and the heir to England's throne to a Spanish princess, a Catholic Hapsburg! Such an alliance was regarded by the Puritans as an abomination. So, James once again dissolved the House of Commons and arrested several of its leaders. The marriage plans were abandoned for other reasons, and in 1624 James once again called a meeting of Parliament, only to dissolve it anew without obtaining the funds he required. Shortly thereafter, he died, and was succeeded by his son Charles, who'd been a good student of his father's routine with Parliament.English Puritans welcomed Charles I to his throne with less enthusiasm than they had his father. Charles said that kings are “little gods on Earth.” Puritans knew this didn't bode well for their future relations. Nor did it help that Charles immediately married a Roman Catholic princess, Henrietta-Marie de Bourbon, raising the specter of a Catholic heir to the English throne.The relationship between the Crown and the mostly Puritan Parliament went from bad to worse. Puritan antagonism toward the King rose in 1633 when the King appointed William Laud as archbishop of Canterbury. Laud embarked on a policy of High Anglicanism with a strong sacramentalism and a theological slant toward Arminianism that tweaked the Calvinist Puritans.In what proved his undoing, Charles tried to impose on the Scottish Church the Anglican Book of Common Prayer in 1637, which one Scot called the “vomit of Romish superstition.” When a marketplace grocer named Jenny Geddes heard the dean of St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh read from the new prayer book, she stood up and threw her stool at him, yelling, “Devil cause you colic in your stomach, false thief: dare you say the Mass in my ear?”Yep – them Scots! Peaceful lot they are. Which, I get to say, because I am one.Jenny's reaction was a foretaste of a brewing rebellion. Riots broke out in Edinburgh, and in early 1638, the Scottish formalized their opposition to King Charles innovation by establishing the National Covenant. Many signed it in their own blood, making it clear they'd die before submitting to Laud's Anglicanism. Charles led two military campaigns, known as the Bishops' Wars (1639–40), in an effort to quell the Scottish rebellion. Both were turned back.The Scottish army then occupied northern England and threatened to march south. In November, 1640 King Charles HAD to once again convene Parliament. Never had there been a body more hostile to the monarch. They immediately passed a law forbidding him to dissolve it without its consent. This came to be known as the “Long Parliament,” since it stayed in session for 20 years.Archbishop Laud was charged with treason and imprisoned in the Tower of London.The conflict between King and Parliament reached a boiling point. Charles was convinced Puritan members of Parliament had committed treason by conspiring with the Scots to invade England. Charles, accompanied by 400 soldiers, burst into the House of Commons in January 1642, planning to arrest them. But the men had been warned and fled. This attack on Parliament by armed troops was an egregious violation of British rights. Charles realized his error and a few days later, fearing now for his own safety, fled London.We pick it up at this point in our next Episode.