Blog Search Results

Debunking the Crusades: 5 Myths You Probably Believe

...y — religion was only one factor. The Crusades also had political, economic, and social dimensions. European rulers saw opportunities for expanding their influence, while the papacy sought to strengthen its authority over Christendom. Furthermore, the Crusades spurred trade between East and West, opening new routes and markets. The interaction between Christian and Muslim worlds, though often hostile, led to significant cultural exchanges in science, philosophy, and art. The Crusades were complex events that cannot be reduced to simple narratives of good versus evil, greed, or religious fanaticism. While there were indeed elements of violence, mismanage...

Before The Pumpkins: The Road To The Lions

...The sound of chains echoed through the streets as Ignatius of Antioch was led from Syria to Rome. The old bishop’s body was frail, but his heart burned with the strength of Christ. Each clinking step brought him closer to the arena — and to the wild beasts that would tear him apart — yet his letters brimmed with joy and passion, and a sense of urgency inspiring others to unity, obedience, and unwavering faith. For Ignatius, death was not defeat; it was the completion of discipleship, crossing the finish line of faith… the moment when imitation of Christ became complete. Ignatius of Antioch is one of my favourite Early Church Fathers mainly for h...

Humble without the #hashtag

...As much as it a pains me to give this guy any more exposure, sometimes you need to in order to expose something. First, you need to watch the latest video from Joshua Feuerstein to understand what I'm talking about here:     I do this not to further his “cause” or “movement” but rather to counteract it. Mainly with something more practical, but hopefully also with more common sense too. It's things like this that give Christianity a bad name. I mean really, is this really what Christians should be worried about? Why not do something more useful like feed the homeless and start a movement that'll actually benefit society AND do something Jesus...

What does the word "Catholic" mean?

...official religion of the Roman Empire for those who “believe in the one Deity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in equal majesty and in a holy Trinity” and that they should “assume the title Catholic Christians”. All others will be “branded with the ignominious name of heretics”. Overall, from the earliest writers to the emperor in the fourth century, the phrase “church catholic” referred only to those Christians and Churches who held to the ancient traditions passed on by the Apostles and evangelists (Gospels), and to those doctrines which were known as having apostolic origin. This view was more formally solidified by the words added to the...