In this episode we explore some watershed moments in the history of not only the Western church but also the Western world in general: the Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation. It is in this era that the tradition we know as Methodism, or Wesleyanism more generally, appears ..read more

In this episode we acknowledge that we have been primarily discussing events of the Christian past. We are facing some significant challenges in our present age, however, so we identify some priorities for moving forward in hope in the post-2020 world using two important passages of holy Scripture ..read more

In this episode we, as North American Christians, receive a reality check: Christianity in the global West is in a state of rapid decline, and Christianity in the global East and South is in a state of unprecedented growth. We dive into data and statistics that suggest that Christians in the Western world are now in a minority in the Christian world. Find us our social media and other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/MarvinChurch  ..read more

In this episode we discuss some of the headwinds that early Christians faced as they endured persecution and defended their beliefs against opposing philosophies. We also explore how the Bible as we know it came into existence during this time period.  Find us our social media and other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/MarvinChurch  ..read more

In this episode we look back on the world that many of us are most familiar with: the founding of the United States, modern science, slavery, World Wars, and revivals. We also briefly consider some of the theologians who engaged and spoke to this unprecedented period of time in unique ways.  Find us our social media and other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/MarvinChurch  ..read more

Find us our social media and other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/MarvinChurch  ..read more

In this episode we discuss significant developments in what is commonly referred to as the “Middle Ages” in the Western church. It is a mixture of good news and bad news, and we also begin to see seeds of renewal that have direct connections to some of the denominations we know and participate in today ..read more

In this episode we explore some of the most important developments in the earliest Christian church. As the earliest Christians continued to face evolving political changes, they began to gather together to articulate their shared beliefs more clearly. Tragically, we also arrive at the “Great Schism,” where Eastern and Western Christians parted ways. Find us our social media and other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/MarvinChurch  ..read more

In this episode we explore how the first generations of Christians continued to follow Jesus after Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. We will discuss the book of Acts, an early Christian instruction manual called the Didache, and also how the earliest Christians were viewed by the outside world.  Find us our social media and other podcasts here: https://linktr.ee/MarvinChurch  ..read more