PodcastsChristianityChurch History

Church History

Lorelee Siemens
Church History
Latest episode

246 episodes

  • Church History

    The Rise of Evil: Germany's Descent into Dictatorship

    11/05/2026
    In this episode, we explore Germany's tumultuous journey from the end of World War I to Hitler's dictatorship. Host Lorelee Siemens discusses the fragile democracy that emerged post-war, the impact of the Treaty of Versailles, and the rise of radical parties amidst economic despair.

    We delve into the complexities of Adolf Hitler's early life and how he transformed from a struggling artist to a political leader who exploited Germany's crises.

    The episode also examines the church's role during this dark period, highlighting both complicity and resistance within German Christianity. Join us as we uncover the lessons from history that resonate today.

    Chapters:

    (01:32) Germany's path from the end of World War I to Hitler's dictatorship

    (04:07) Adolf Hitler was born into a traditional Catholic family in Austria

    (09:25) By the 1930s, many Germans were exhausted from suffering and economic collapse

    (14:59) The German church asked: "What do Christians do with Adolf Hitler?"

    Episode Sponsor:

    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:

    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications

    Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
  • Church History

    Italy's Struggle: Faith and Fascism Between the Wars

    27/04/2026
    In this episode, we explore the tumultuous period in Italy between World War I and World War II, examining how the church navigated the chaos of war, political instability, and the rise of fascism.

    We delve into the profound impact of the Roman Catholic Church on Italian society during these years, highlighting the tension between state and church, and the pivotal moment of the Lateran Pact in 1929.

    Join us as we uncover the spiritual battles Pope Pius XI faced and the church's response to ideologies that threatened to replace God with the state.

    Chapters:

    (02:08) Life in Italy before World War II tells a story of contrast

    (06:43) Since 1929, the Vatican has officially become a sovereign, neutral state

    (11:47) Pope Pius XI warned against fascism, Nazism, and communism

    (17:06) Lessons to learn from Italy

    Episode Sponsor:

    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:

    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens
    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications

    Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm
  • Church History

    The Church Sings

    06/04/2026
    The Church has always sung.

    From the earliest believers to modern worship, hymns have carried theology, told stories of faith, and helped believers worship through every season of history.
    My new book walks through church history through the lens of hymns—revealing the people, struggles, and truths behind the songs we still sing today.

    If you love church history, worship, or simply want to grow deeper in your faith… this book is for you.

    The Church doesn’t just tell its history…
    it sings it.
    Discover the stories behind the hymns that shaped our faith.

    👉 Get the book:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTVC66WN
  • Church History

    From Prosperity to Despair: The Church's Response to Economic Collapse

    30/03/2026
    In this episode, we explore the tumultuous period between World War I and World War II, focusing on how the church navigated the challenges of modernism, social justice, and the Great Depression.

    Host Lorelee Siemens discusses the shifting cultural landscape, the rise of the social gospel, and the importance of maintaining the gospel's true essence amid societal pressures. Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned and the enduring relevance of faith in times of crisis.

    Chapters:

    (01:00) Tensions between modernism and traditional faith during the 1920s

    (04:59) Many in the church drifted away from God during the 1920s economic boom

    (06:48) October 1929

    (11:28) What is the social gospel?

    (17:04) Many churches are replacing the gospel with something that feels more comfortable

    Episode Sponsor:

    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:

    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications

    Faith in the 1920s: Surviving After the Storm: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm

    Prohibition part 2 America gets beer again https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34843049/prohibition-part-2-america-gets-beer-again
  • Church History

    Voices of Resistance: Faith in the Face of the Klan

    24/03/2026
    In this episode, we explore the tumultuous period between World War I and World War II, focusing on the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and the dangerous intertwining of bad theology with nationalism.

    Join Lorelee Siemens as she unpacks the historical context of the 1920s, highlighting the courageous voices that stood against hatred and division in the name of Christ.

    Discover how the true gospel unites and humbles us, and learn about the importance of understanding theology in our faith journey.

    Chapters:

    (02:22) The Ku Klux Klan built its movement on what we call racial exegesis

    (05:24) Father James Coyle spoke out against the Ku Klux Klan in 1921

    (07:11) By the 1920s, the Klan's image began to crumble

    (12:53) Theology matters more than we often realize

    Episode Sponsor:

    The church is corrupted https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKFSXQTR.

    The church is born https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1.

    Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off

    Links:

    https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens

    An Africa mission I recommend: https://globaltrain.org

    Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2570126/episodes/18513087

    My Bible Reading Plan: https://bible.com/reading-plans/2053/together/78277240/invitation?token=YfuaPBjn98pOXxRD_Fhhow&source=share

    If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:

    The History of the Hymns: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

    Faith in the 1920s: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35141113/faith-in-the-1920-s-surviving-after-the-storm

    The Hidden History of Eugenics and Its Modern Implications: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35159509/the-hidden-history-of-eugenics-and-its-modern-implications

    The Story of John and Betty Stam https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-35157744/faith-in-the-face-of-danger-the-story-of-john-and-betty-stam
More Christianity podcasts
About Church History
Delve into the captivating narrative of 'The Church History Podcast,' a remarkable journey that unfolds the history of God's Church from the time of Jesus Christ to the present day. Hosted by Lorelee Siemens, this podcast brings to life the inspiring stories of men and women who, guided by the Holy Spirit, dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ. Experience the rich tapestry of the Church's evolution, one episode at a time, as Lorelee skillfully recounts the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering faith that have shaped the course of history. From the earliest days of Christianity to the contemporary landscape, 'The Church History Podcast' takes you on a profound exploration of individuals who played pivotal roles in building and sustaining God's Church. Immerse yourself in the lives of these extraordinary figures, gaining insight into their devotion, resilience, and spiritual fervor. This podcast is more than a historical account; it's a dynamic narrative that connects you to the roots of your faith. Tune in to rediscover the profound impact of those who, filled with the Holy Spirit, have left an indelible mark on the enduring legacy of the Church. loreleesiemens.com
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