Best Ecclesiastical History Podcasts (2024)

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Talking with... Dr Alison Knight 28:25

9d ago28:25

28:25

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Alison Knight. Dr Knight is Senior Lecturer in Early Modern Studies in the English Department at Royal Holloway University of London. We discuss her expertise in various understandings of the Bible in the early modern period and her best advice on how to apply for academic fellowships. Her first monograph The Da…

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36. The Talmud in Context | Dr. Shai Secunda 1:00:43

3h ago1:00:43

1:00:43

J.J. and Dr. Shai Secunda set Talmudic discourse ablaze. They put the Talmud in its Zoroastrian and Sasanian context, and have bloody good discussion about how Judaism interacted with its socio-religious environment in the first few centuries of the Common Era. Don't forget to rate and review the the show in the podcast app of your choice! Please s…

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Week 26 - Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum and some Psalms 26:00

6d ago26:00

26:00

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about several “minor” prophets with major messages in the Old Testament, as well as Psalms 66 to 72. We often think of the word “righteous” as quite religious or worthy in a traditional way, but when God’s prophets called people to righteousness, it looks like the major concern was how people w…

1
Week 25 - Hosea, Joel and some Psalms 32:36

13d ago32:36

32:36

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the Old Testament prophets Hosea and Joel, and Psalms 52 to 65. What does God want most from people? Some parts of the Bible make it look like religious practice is the most important thing, while others make following rules in the rest of life seem vital over everything else. But when Go…

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35. Jews & The Italian Renaissance | Dr. Joanna Weinberg 1:08:18

14d ago1:08:18

1:08:18

J.J. and Dr. Joanna Weinberg make their way back to sunny 15th century Italy and the surrounding centuries to visit some of the more interesting Jewish characters of the Italian Renaissance. They weave their way through cross-cultural influences and intra-cultural tensions during this remarkable era of rebirth. Don't forget to rate and review the t…

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Episode 32.2: The Resurrection of the Body

17d ago

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What does “at the last day” mean? What’s going on with the souls of people as the body is laid to rest? What happens to those who are alive on the last day? Describe the resurrection of the dead. What does “selfsame” body mean? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle discuss WCF 32.2: At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be …

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A History of the Christian Church - (Part 11) Athanasius - Contending For the Deity of Christ (AD c293-376 ) 32:12

19d ago32:12

32:12

Send us a Text Message. To help me continue making this content for listeners and access over 50 hours of bonus and exclusive content visit me at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless Episodes Notes. Welcome to "Athanasius - Contending For the Deity of Christ" Biography: Join us on a journey through the life and thinking of one of Christianity's most formid…

1
Week 24 - Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and some Proverbs 23:17

20d ago23:17

23:17

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about wisdom in the Old Testament including Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Proverbs chapters 19 to 26. Is the Bible an instruction book? It seems vital to review this before considering the wisdom literature, because that will shape our view on the role of what is written there. If the Bible i…

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Week 23 - end of Matthew’s gospel + Galatians and Ephesians 19:04

27d ago19:04

19:04

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the end of Matthew’s gospel, chapters 21 to 28, as well as Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians. The gospel story of Jesus reveals a lot about what God really wants for people and the misunderstandings which arise when people think this is all about religion, ceremonies, sacrific…

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34. Josephus | Dr. Martin Goodman 1:05:54

28d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

J.J. and Dr. Martin Goodman go antiquing! They discuss the most important Jewish historian of the Roman period–Josephus Flavius. What did he write? Who was he writing for? And what ideological framework motivated his histories? Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podca…

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Episode 32.1: Body and Soul at Death

29d ago

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Why does the confession say our bodies return to dust? Does this promote a low view of the body? What about cremation? How do we biblically know the soul has an immoral subsistence? Why is soul sleep unbiblical? What are the benefits of the soul at death? What is hell? Is there a place called purgatory? Join Shawn, Nathan, Joel, and Kyle as they di…

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Week 22 - beginning of Matthew’s gospel 33:01

1M ago33:01

33:01

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about Matthew’s gospel, chapters 1 to 20. This seems written to introduce Jesus as part of his Jewish family, with a special place and purpose as a descendant of King David. Israel in Jesus’ time was divided over how to solve the problems of Roman occupation and see the kingdom of God restore t…

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33. Abraham Geiger | Dr. Susannah Heschel 1:14:09

1M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

J.J. and Dr. Susannah Heschel survey the fascinating life and brilliant ideas of Abraham Geiger. This guy was flagrantly influential. A practicing rabbi, a leader in the Wissenschaft das Judentums movement and a founder of Islamic studies in Europe, he was on the intellectual vanguard of the 19th century Reform movement, so strap in for a great con…

1
Episode 31.5: Ecclesiastical in Nature

1M ago

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What matters would the Westminster Assembly regard as ecclesiastical as opposed to civil affairs? What does intermeddle mean in this context? What specific biblical passages guide Presbyterianism in its understanding of separation between church and civil authority? How have some of these things been practiced in presbyterian history? How can we un…

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A History of the Christian Church - (Part 10) The Council of Nicea (AD 325) The Nicean Creed 29:08

1M ago29:08

29:08

Send us a Text Message. Help me continue making this podcast and enable me to share great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless Welcome to Episode Notes: The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) In this episode, we look at the historical and theological significance of the First Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD. Led by E…

1
Week 21 - end of Samuel and some Psalms 17:04

1M ago17:04

17:04

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about 2 Samuel chapters 11 to 24 and Psalms 42 to 51. After the rise of King David came corruption which affected him, the community around him, and his family. We can only guess what was in his mind when he acted on his desire for another man’s wife, but we can see what was in his heart after …

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32. Spinoza's Reception and Relevance | Dr. Daniel Schwartz 1:06:16

1M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

J.J. and Dr. Daniel Schwartz examine the convoluted legacy and enduring relevance of Spinoza. Our first mini-series!! Welcome to the second episode of our three-parter covering friend of the pod, Benedict "Barukh" Spinoza. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts D…

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Episode 31.4: The Fallible Church

1M ago

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How can synods and councils err? What are examples of the “many” that have erred? How can we use decisions of synods and councils as a help to our faith? Join Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle as they discuss WCF 31.4: All synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not t…

1
Week 20 - middle of Samuel 20:19

2M ago20:19

20:19

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about 1 Samuel chapter 21 through to 2 Samuel chapter 10. The rise of King David is inspiring, like a hero story, although with some tragic twists to come. David’s initial struggles don’t just show his character as he hopes and trusts in God, but he meets creatively with God and ends up express…

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31. Spinoza's Theology and Politics | Dr. Yitzhak Melamed 1:05:40

2M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

J.J. and Dr. Yitzhak Melamed untangle Spinoza's famed Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and assess the religiosity of its author, a supposed atheist. Our first mini-series!! Welcome to the second episode of our three-parter covering friend of the pod, Benedict "Barukh" Spinoza. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org Fo…

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Talking with... Professor Hilary Carey 25:40

2M ago25:40

25:40

In this month's episode, we are joined by Professor Hilary Carey. Professor Carey is Professor of Imperial and Religious History at the University of Bristol with expertise in the history of global empires. In this episode, we discuss her current projects related to British imperialism and her advice on putting together applications for academic pr…

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Barmen and Bonhoeffer: A Conversation with Barry Harvey 34:15

2M ago34:15

34:15

In this episode, Zen speaks with Barry Harvey about the story that led to the Barmen declaration, how Dietrich Bonhoeffer factors into that story, and how Barmen remains relevant today, even after 90 years. Barry Harvey is professor of theology in the Religion Department as well as in the Great Texts program of the Honors College here at Baylor Uni…

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A History of the Christian Church (Pt 9) Eusebius (AD 260 339) From Empire to Ecclesiastical History 45:17

2M ago45:17

45:17

Send us a Text Message. Episode Notes: 1. Welcome and Introduction. 2. Biography. 2.1 Overview. 2.2 Early Life. 2.3 Bishop of Caesarea. 3. Works (His Literary Legacy) 3.1. Biblical Textual Criticism: 3.2. The Chronicle: 3.3. Church History: 3.4. Life of Constantine: 3.5. Minor Historical Works: 3.6. Apologetic and Dogmatic Works: 3.7. Exegetical Wo…

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Week 19 - beginning of Samuel 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the first book of Samuel, chapters 1 to 20. What sort of kingdom did God want to build, and how was this shown when it worked well, and not so well? The rules had been set about who was meant to do what, but Samuel was a surprising addition to the line of priests who would mediate between…

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30. Spinoza's Life and Ethics | Dr. Rebecca Goldstein 57:56

2M ago57:56

57:56

Dr. Rebecca Goldstein and J.J. communicate the story of Spinoza's herem and outline the radicalism of his Ethics. Our first mini-series!! Welcome to the first episode of our three-parter covering friend of the pod, Benedict "Barukh" Spinoza. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmo…

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Disaster and Desire: A Conversation with Micheal O'Siadhail 50:18

2M ago50:18

50:18

In this episode, Zen speaks with Micheal O'Siadhail about his new collection of poetry, Desire, which is out now from Baylor University Press. Micheal O’Siadhail is an award-winning Irish poet. He received the Irish American Cultural Institute prize for poetry in 1982; the Marten Toonder prize for Literature in 1998. And one of his other Baylor Uni…

1
Week 18 - Ruth, Esther and some Proverbs 24:52

2M ago24:52

24:52

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the books of Ruth and Esther, as well as Proverbs chapters 10 to 18. What does it mean to be Jewish, or part of any meaningful group? The stories of Ruth and Esther are perspectives on this, both celebrated for what they can show us about faith, courage, loss and redemption, but differing…

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Anglican Identities: A Conversation with Gary Dorrien 59:31

2M ago59:31

59:31

In this episode, Zen speaks with Gary Dorrien about his new book, Anglican Identities, recently published by Baylor University Press. Learn more about the book and Gary here: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481320931/anglican-identities/

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Week 17 - Judges 18:30

2M ago18:30

18:30

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the book of Judges. There are lots of gory stories which aren’t suitable for Sunday School (Bern shares an embarrassing Dad moment…) and it’s hard to find good role models, but perhaps Gideon comes close in the way he consults and responds to God, ready to do surprising things with humili…

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Black Baptist Leaders, Race Literature, and the Salvation of America: A Conversation with Adam Bond 41:18

2M ago41:18

41:18

Episode Overview In this episode, Zen speaks with Adam Bond about his story and scholarship. Adam Bond joined the Religion Department at Baylor University in the summer of 2023. Prior to his time at Baylor, he served as the pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. Bond is a historian of Christianity in the United States…

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Week 16 - Joshua 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the book of Joshua. At face value, this story of the establishment of Israel in its promised land is a combination of glory and horror - there is new life for God’s people, but a lot of death for almost everyone else. It’s important to consider how people at the time would have heard and …

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29. Rashi's Torah | Dr. Eric Lawee 1:02:00

3M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

J.J. and Dr. Eric Lawee comment on Rashi's astounding career, and refuse to gloss over his contentious journey to join the Jewish canon. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts Eric Lawee is a professor in the Department of Bible at Bar-Ilan University, where he t…

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Autism and Worship: A Conversation with Léon van Ommen 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

In this episode, Zen speaks with Léon van Ommen about his new book, Autism and Worship, out now from Baylor University Press. Resources from the Episode Buy the book: https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481319898/autism-and-worship/ Learn about the Centre: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/sdhp/centre-for-the-study-of-autism-and-christian-community-1725.php Liste…

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A History of the Christian Church (Pt 8) Cyprian (AD 258-310) The Martyr Bishop. 39:09

3M ago39:09

39:09

Send us a Text Message. Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless Cyprian (c210-258 AD) The Martyr/Bishop. 1. Introduction 2. Biography. 2.1 Overview. 2.2 Early Life. 2.3 The Decian Persecution and the Controversy over the lapsed 3. Writings. 4. Theology. 4.1 Sacraments: 4.2 The Church: 5. Final …

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Week 15 - Job 22:15

3M ago22:15

22:15

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the book of Job. In lots of ways, this is a puzzling story that might seem not to fit well into the Bible - although that might depend on how we read the rest of the Bible. If we think it has given us explanations of why things work and rules we can follow with predictable results, we mig…

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28. Ecclesiastes | Dr. Menachem Fisch 53:12

3M ago53:12

53:12

J.J. and Dr. Menachem Fisch decided that this is the time for studying the philosophy of the book of Qohelet, and they don't study it in vain. Please send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts Menachem Fisch is the Joseph and Ceil Mazer Professor Emeritus of History and Phi…

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Talking with... Professor Giles Gasper 20:33

3M ago20:33

20:33

In this episode, we talk with Professor Giles Gasper ⁠⁠(Durham University) about his recent research and advice on academic projects. Giles is principal investigator on the inter-disciplinary Ordered Universe project to edit, translate and contextualise the scientific works of Robert Grosseteste (c.1170-1253).…

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Early Christians and Their Art: A Conversation with Robin Jensen and Mikeal Parsons 47:15

3M ago47:15

47:15

In this episode, Zen speaks with Robin Jensen and Mikeal Parsons about their new co-edited volume Early Christians and Their Art, which is out now with SBL Press. You can learn more about the book at the link below. Our GuestsRobin Jensen is the Patrick O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. But she is also a concurrent facu…

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Week 14 - Mark’s gospel 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the gospel according to Mark. Looking at the history leading up to the time of Jesus, they reflect on the significance of Jesus' life and what it meant to live in and look forward to the kingdom of God. Where was, and is, the "battlefront" that establishes it? Between nations, between peo…

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27. Philo of Alexandria | Dr. Maren Niehoff 1:09:50

3M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

J.J. and Dr. Maren Niehoff comment on Philo's ideas and attempt to weave him back into the fabric of Jewish history. Send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts Before joining the Dept. of Jewish Thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Maren R. Niehoff was a Junior Fe…

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A History of the Christian Church (Pt 7) Origen (AD 185 -253) Christian Philosophy For the Masses. 1:32:11

3M ago1:32:11

1:32:11

Send us a Text Message. Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless Origen (AD 185 -253) Christian Philosophy For the Masses. Episode Contents: 1. Welcome 2. Introduction and Overview. 3. Biography. 3.1 Early years 3.2 Mid- Life Adventures.. 3.3 Later life. 4. Works. 4.1 Exegetical writings. 4.2 Co…

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Architecture, Theology, and Ethics: A Conversation with Elise Edwards 41:20

3M ago41:20

41:20

In this episode, Zen speaks with Elise Edwards about her new book Architecture, Theology, and Ethics: Making Architectural Design More Just (Lexington Books, 2024). Dr. Elise Edwards is Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Baylor University. You can order the book by clicking here. Other Episodes You Might Like Feminist theology and…

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Why did Jesus die? 36:29

3M ago36:29

36:29

In a bonus episode for Easter, Bern Leckie and Claire Lynch discuss the different views available in the Bible on the meaning and purpose of Jesus' death, as well as his resurrection and what these mean for us. We could regard the whole business as mystery, or pick a clear and simple explanation. One which is widely shared is "penal substitutionary…

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Week 13 - end of Numbers 29:24

3M ago29:24

29:24

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the end of the book of Numbers, chapters 17 to 36. What’s so important about giving glory to God, or credit where it’s due to anyone? Bern shares his experiences of the difference that people sharing credit for their sources makes to workplaces. It took him a long time to make the connect…

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Picturing Ecclesiastes: A Conversation with Menachem Fisch and Debra Band 43:54

3M ago43:54

43:54

In this episode, Zen speaks with Menachem Fisch and Debra Band about their illuminated philosophical commentary, Qoholet: Searching for a Life Worth Living. You can learn more about the book by clicking here. Other Currents in Religion Episodes You Might Like: Natalie Carnes feminist theology and the arts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nata…

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Week 12 - start of Numbers + some Psalms 34:44

3M ago34:44

34:44

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the start of the book of Numbers, chapters 1 to 16, as well as Psalms 38 to 41. Numbers can be a tricky book to make sense of, seeming like a patchwork of pictures shared for different purposes which might not fit together as neatly as we think they should. But these purposes are importan…

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26. Declaring Israel | Dr. Neil Rogachevsky 56:44

3M ago56:44

56:44

J.J. and Dr. Neil Rogachevsky skip down the winding (theoretical) road towards Israeli independence, and tell the story of the drafting of Ben Gurion's declaration of independence. Send any complaints or compliments to podcasts@torahinmotion.org For more information visit torahinmotion.org/podcasts Neil Rogachevsky is assistant professor and associ…

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Episode 31.3: The Determinations of Synods and Councils 54:48

4M ago54:48

54:48

We are told in this paragraph what belongs to synods and councils. We are told that these things belong “ministerially.” What’s that mean? What would the other option be? What are the four reasons for a Synod or Council to act, and what do they mean? How are the decisions to be received? Join Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle as they discuss WCF 31.3: …

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Trauma, Resilience, and the Psalms: A Conversation with Rebecca Poe Hays 36:43

4M ago36:43

36:43

Rebecca Poe Hays is working on several projects that bring the Psalms into conversation with recent research on trauma and resilience. She joins us today to talk about her research, both how it helps us better understand the psalms historically and how it makes them relevant in the life of faith today. Rebecca Poe Hays is Assistant Professor of Chr…

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A History of the Christian Church (Pt 6) Clement of Alexandria.- Christian Philosopher and Theologian. (c150-215 A.D.) 30:14

4M ago30:14

30:14

Send us a Text Message. Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless Welcome to Episode Six: Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215 A.D.): Greek Born Christian Philosopher and Theologian Introduction In today's episode, I look at the life and teachings of a remarkable figure in early Christian thought, C…

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