Church History for Chumps

Frederick I was no ordinary crusader. 
As a young man, he'd participated in the disastrous Second Crusade. Now in his sixties, Frederick was adamant to not follow in the footsteps of those who attempted to liberate the Holy Land before him. Discipline, organization, and preparation were pivotal to how his massive army would be run. 
And yet the German crusade through Asia Minor would end in sudden and abrupt tragedy on a fateful day in June of 1190.
Join us as we discuss the other side of the Second Crusade, as we gear up to finish the Siege of Acre next week!
Also do you guys want a Chump Nation discord? Let us know!
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The disgraced King of Jerusalem, Guy of Lusignan, had lost everything. 
His kingdom, his freedom, his integrity. 
When Saladin, Sultan of the Islamic world, agreed to free him from captivity, he was forced to swear no retaliation upon release.
Guy agreed.
But he would not keep that vow. In no time, Guy gathered a small army of willing Crusaders to attempt an impossible mission. 
To retake the Holy Land. 
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The fall of Jerusalem in 1187 sent shockwaves all throughout the Christian world. 
The holy city had been a prize proudly held by the Crusaders since 1099, and now it was held firmly in the grasp of their enemies. 
However, a new storm was brewing in Europe. Widespread propaganda, recruitment campaigns, even a newly instituted "Saladin Tithe" to pay the way to the Levant. 
The Third Crusade was coming. 
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In the 12th Century, Saladin is steadily gathering the infinity stones of Islamic territories. 
Mosul, Aleppo, Damascus. The threat of a united Islamic front appears plausible, and this is a terrifying reality for the Crusader States.
Because they know that their foes have their eyes fixed on Jerusalem. 
And in 1187, the city that had been a Christian stronghold for nearly a century, falls to the Ayyubids.
Is the siege as brutal as the one in 1099? Is Saladin the pious leader that he's often made out to be? Are John and Taylor EVER going to do a watch party so we can all experience Kingdom of God together??? 
Soon you'll have the answers to all these questions and more. 
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It's pretty fascinating to look at the idea of 'church membership' through a historical lens. 
It's fair to assume that the early church probably wasn't having people fill out visitor cards or handing out coffee mugs with the church logo on it. 
So that leaves us in a tricky position: what does it look like to truly 'belong' to a church in this day and age? And what should be required of someone who does choose to commit to their church?
Join us as we esteemed podcasters provide answers that you should honestly just talk to your pastor about. But hey, thanks for listening to us anyway! You ROCK!

Note from John: "Hey, I realized after recording this that I forgot that ELDERS exist! Really embarrassing on my end. I don't believe that pastors should have supreme control, elders are great and biblical assets for checks and balances. Pls don't beat me up in the comments."

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