This episode dives into the fascinating yet unsettling origins of the Spiritualist movement, tracing its roots back to the Fox sisters in 1848. What began as a simple prank in their New York home quickly spiraled into a phenomenon, captivating audiences across America and Europe with claims of communicating with the dead. Despite eventually confessing to their fraud, the sisters ignited a widespread interest in Spiritualism, influencing cultural beliefs about the afterlife and challenging...

During a period of powerful preaching, large revival gatherings, and a movement to make Bibles accessible, a deep interest in faith, Bible study, and the second coming of Christ was sparked. This revival atmosphere led William Miller to predict the return of Jesus, but when his prophecy failed, the disappointment led to the formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Through figures like Ellen White, the Adventist movement grew and developed distinctive beliefs around Sabbath observance,...

I’m excited to announce the release of my newest book, The Church is Corrupted. This is the second volume in my series on church history, crafted especially for those who want to explore Christianity's past in an easy-to-read yet deeply insightful way. In this latest installment, we’ll journey together through the defining moments that shaped the church we know today. From the foundational theology of the early church to the courageous lives of men and women who defended their faith, this...

In this episode, we dive into the life and influence of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, and explore how her teachings continue to impact modern-day healing ministries. Born in 1821 to devout Congregationalist parents, Mary faced a life filled with hardship and illness, which led her to explore alternative healing methods. After experiencing relief through the controversial healer Phineas Quimby, she developed her own beliefs that combined his methods with her Christian...

In this second episode of our series on the Western public school system and its impact on the church, we delve into John Dewey's influence on American education and his alignment with socialist philosophies. Known as the “Father of American Education,” Dewey, who lived from 1859 to 1952, saw schools not just as places for learning but as tools for shaping society. His 1928 visit to Soviet Russia left a profound impression on him; he admired the Soviet educational system’s focus on social...

In this episode, we begin a two-part series examining the foundation of the Western public school system and its anti-Christian origins. We explore the early influence of the church on education, where the primary purpose of schooling was to enable individuals to read the Bible. The episode delves into the utopian experiment of Robert Owen, who attempted to separate children from their parents to shape them into ideal citizens—a project that ultimately failed. However, Owen's ideas laid the...

Hosea 4:6 says my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. In 2012, Barna researched teenagers' beliefs in evangelical churches. Here is what they found. • 80% believe Bible and Koran are both inspired books • 70% believe one must “earn” salvation • 58% have a Biblical worldview of God. • 57% believe their eternal destiny is up to them, not God. • 56% believe that Jesus Christ is/was simply human. • 40% believe the “principle” of the Bible, but not words as accurate. • 32% ...

In today's episode of the Church History Podcast, host Lorelee Siemens continues her series on the rise of atheism in the 1800s, exploring the lives and philosophies of notable atheists such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Emma Goldman, and Sigmund Freud. The episode highlights Nietzsche's famous proclamation that "God is dead" and its impact on Western thought, fostering moral relativism and nihilism and inspiring dangerous ideologies. It also delves into Emma Goldman's advocacy for anarchism and...

In this episode of the Church History Podcast, we delve into the history of atheists and their impact on the church today; atheists' philosophies, such as Charles Darwin's and Karl Marx's, shaped the modern church. We explore Darwin's journey from faith to evolution and how his ideas influenced science and societal ideologies that justified harmful practices. Then, we turn to Karl Marx, whose radical political theories and rejection of religion spurred the rise of communism, resulting in...

In this episode of the Church History Podcast, we explored the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, and the early development of the Latter-Day Saint movement. We will discuss his story and the difference between Mormonism and Christianity. We delved into Smith's family background, folk magic use, and experiences with seer stones, which shaped his early spiritual practices. Smith’s claimed discovery of the golden plates, which he translated into the Book of Mormon, sparked the...

Here is a preview for our next season starting Next Monday Morning. Hymn Series: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/hymns

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring life of Thomas Chisholm, the humble writer behind the timeless hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Born in rural Kentucky in 1866, Chisholm faced numerous hardships, including poor health and financial struggles. Despite these challenges, his unwavering faith in God's goodness never faltered. Chisholm's journey from schoolteacher to minister and eventually a hymn writer highlights his dedication to serving God in every phase of his life. The episode...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of the beloved hymn "How Great Thou Art," which began as a simple poem written by Swedish sailor Carl Bobbert in 1885 after witnessing a powerful storm. The hymn evolved, with each verse being inspired by different events as the song traveled across the globe—from Sweden to Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and eventually to America. The story includes missionary work, powerful moments of faith, and personal transformation, showing how a single...

Eugene M. Bartlett Sr. was a gifted musician and songwriter whose passion for gospel music left a lasting impact. Born in Missouri in 1885, Bartlett's career in music took off when he co-founded the Hartford Music Company, publishing hymns and teaching music across the South. Though his life seemed perfect, a stroke in 1939 left him bedridden, but it was during this time that he wrote his most famous hymn, "Victory in Jesus." His legacy, continued by his son, lives on through the timeless...

In this episode, we explore the life of George Bennard, the writer of the beloved hymn "The Old Rugged Cross." Born in Ohio in 1873, George grew up in a coal mining family and faced many challenges from a young age. After becoming a Christian at a Salvation Army meeting at 15, George dreamed of becoming a preacher, but his plans were put on hold when he had to support his family following his father's death. Despite these obstacles, George eventually found his calling as a Methodist...

In this episode, we explore the life of Civilia Martin, a hymn writer whose words have comforted and inspired countless people. Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1866, Civilia traveled across America with her husband, evangelist Walter Martin, singing and writing music for their ministry. In 1904, after visiting a sick friend who found peace by trusting in God's care, Civilia was inspired to write the poem "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." The poem, later set to music by composer Charles Gabriel,...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring life of Fanny Crosby, a remarkable woman who overcame tremendous challenges to become one of the most prolific hymn writers in history. Born in 1820 in a young and evolving America, Fanny lost her sight due to a tragic accident when she was just a baby. Despite her blindness and other hardships, including the death of her child and surviving a cholera epidemic, Fanny's unwavering faith and exceptional memory allowed her to memorize vast portions of...

In this episode, we tell the touching story of William Ralph Featherstone, a young boy who gave his life to Jesus at a Methodist church in Montreal, Canada, in 1862. Overcoming his love for his Savior, William wrote a heartfelt poem expressing his devotion to Christ. This poem, which would later become the beloved hymn "My Jesus, I Love Thee," was initially sent to his aunt in California and remained largely unknown until it was set to music and published in a hymnal. The hymn, cherished...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Louisa M.R. Stead, a dedicated missionary and hymn writer whose faith and courage led her to serve communities in need across two continents. After the tragic loss of her husband, Louisa heeded a long-standing call to mission work, moving with her daughter Lily to South Africa. There, she passionately shared the Gospel, established schools, and empowered children through education. Louisa's journey of service brought her together with Robert...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Louisa M.R. Stead, a dedicated missionary and hymn writer whose faith and courage led her to serve communities in need across two continents. After the tragic loss of her husband, Louisa heeded a long-standing call to mission work, moving with her daughter Lily to South Africa. There, she passionately shared the Gospel, established schools, and empowered children through education. Louisa's journey of service brought her together with...

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Lewis Edgar Jones, a beloved hymn writer whose compositions have inspired generations of Christians. Born in Illinois in 1865, Jones grew up during a time of significant change in America, influenced by the Civil War and the evolving cultural landscape of rural Illinois. Music: Today's episode features music from Athens Bible Church. You can learn more about them and listen to their worship songs through the links provided in the show...

In our 20th episode of the Hymn Series, we look at the Spafford family, who faced unimaginable pain but found peace in God’s grace. They shared that peace with the world through a song. They then traveled to Jerusalem to share God’s love. They had a front-row seat in the Zionist movement. * Edit for clarification. At the time of the Chicago fire, the Spaffords were working with Moody, but they were members of a church under Rev. Young. They left that church and were no longer members before...

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Reverend Robert Lowry, the hymn writer behind the beloved song 'Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.' From his early years in Philadelphia to his impactful ministry during and after the Civil War, Lowry's journey is one of faith, music, and unwavering devotion. Join us as we uncover how his hymns, born out of a turbulent time in American history, continue to inspire and uplift generations of believers around the world. Music: Lucy Grimble has...