Church History for Chumps

The 12th century was kind of a strange time. While knights and tough guys all across Europe were fighting crusades, everyday people seemed to be starting their own movements. 
Most of them were heretical. 
In the fog of heresy however a new group arose. Led by a lay preacher with a penchant for poverty and a love for the lingua franca, Peter Waldo launched the Waldensians. These proto-reformers would spend much of their lifespan in hiding, enduring religious wars, inquisitions, and persecutions far and wide. 
Join us as we discuss a truly fascinating bunch of believers that unknowingly paved the way for the great Reformation. 
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Ever since the Venetians got involved, we knew the crusaders were in trouble.
(Apologies to any listeners from Venice) 
Led by the grizzled military veteran Doge Dandalo, the crusaders were forcibly detoured by the exploits of the Venetians in order to repay their massive debt. Eventually, they found their way outside the walls of the gem of the Eastern Roman Empire.
What would follow would be one of the darkest days of all the medieval era. The crusaders would break through the walls and subject the Eastern city to all kinds of atrocities. It was not fun. 
But you know what IS fun? Our discord :D
But also, D: 
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Pope Innocent III wasn't out to have history repeat itself. He was determined for his crusade to be a spiritual endeavor backed by pious Christians as they retook the Holy Land from the Ayyubids. 
Unfortunately, the Fourth Crusade ran into its fair share of issues before it even started. Political rivalries, financial issues, and changing spiritual values all severely impacted recruitment for the crusade.
The Fourth Crusade seemed to be losing steam before it even started.
But perhaps their new alliance with the Venetians could help?
:0
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The Third Crusade was over. Saladin and Richard the Lionheart had perished. The Crusader States sat with a reinforced coastline but without its prize jewel: the city of Jerusalem itself.
The year is 1198. A new figurehead ascends to leadership. Innocent III, at only 37 years of age, ascends to his papal throne with an eye toward the Holy City. Within months of his election he has already prepared his call to all of Christendom. 
The next Crusade is about to begin.
Join Taylor and John as we practice our Latin and count down the days until the Siege of Constantinople. 
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American Christianity has a knack for being...interesting. 
The 19th Century spawned a number of new denominations, each with their own different takes on the classical traditions that their fathers and grandfathers immigrated to America with. 
The 20th Century though, that's a whole new story. 
One of the more eclectic traditions to surface during this period came from an early rift between the newly established Pentecostal view, with clashing views on the Trinity. 
So how did we get here? Where did this all start? And WHO is R.E. McAlister???
We have the answers for all of that and more. 
And fret no longer, megafans of John's wife Annie, for she has returned! But don't worry, Taylor's here too. For now. 
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