The Pearl of Great Price : Recent Episodes
Tim Byron
A short daily trip down the lane of Christian History. Looking at the fascinating people and events that have shaped a universal civilisation.
Rerum Novarum was described as ground breaking - the foundational encyclical on Catholic Social Teaching. The only encyclical to spawn to follow up encyclicals as the Church tries to tread a middle line between Capitalism and Socialism
The infamous Salem Witch trials are now understood to be a bout of Puritan Mass Hysteria - and some historians argue lead to the end of experimental theocracies in the USA
Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca came millimeters from killing John Paul II today by shooting him four times at close range in St Peters Square. We look at the theories about why it happened and their relationship afterwards
On a thanksgiving pilgrimage to Fatima Pope John Paul II was attacked by a ultra-conservative priest brandishing a bayonet. Why was the Pope there in the first place? What was he giving thanks for?
We look at the life of Comgall, his student Columbanus and the distinctive form of Christian Community that emerged in Ireland. We also look at how that had shaped the universal church.
The greatest Protestant theologian of the 20th Century, today we look at the life and thought of Karl Barth
Today we remember the killing of Aldo Moro, former prime minister of Italy and how it tested the faith of an old friend Pope Paul VI
A story of the savage French Revolution - its attempt to de-Christianise France and how a humble priest rebuilt the spiritual lives of his parishioners after. Jean Vianney would become the patron saint of priests
At the turn of the Millennium the first Slavic Pope, John Paul II made bug steps towards reconciliation with the Orthodox Church. This covers his visit to Romania
Its been described as the most stolen piece of art, the first great oil painting of the Northern Renaissance. A complex multi-panelled painting laced with Catholic Theology. Recovered by the famous monuments men in the second world war after Hitler had hid it in a salt mine.
Today we look at infamous Scopes Monkey Trial and the attempt to overthrow the Butler Act which prohibited teaching evolution in schools. Also how the anti-evolution movement evolved into a Christian Science movement
Today Alexander VI, the infamous Borgia Pope, issued a papal bull which drew up a line of demarcation dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal
Today we look at the birth of Uriah Smith and Seventh Day Adventism. Emerging out of a failed prophecy of the End of the World we look at his writings about the Book of Revelation.
The last polymath of the renaissance era was Fr Antanasius Kircher SJ. Among his many accomplishments he was the first to look at the blood of bubonic plague victims under a microscope and to realise that the 'pestis' was contagious. He suggested Quarantine, wearing masks and burning the clothes of victims.
Perhaps the Westerner who did more to shape thinking about Africa then anyone else. Both a father of European Colonialism and a forerunner of African Nationalism. He died today and this is his story.
The Polish Mystic Faustina Kowalska was declared a saint in the presence of 200,000 people today and the first Divine Mercy Sunday was celebrated worldwide. We look at her short but spiritually intense life. How the devotion to the divine mercy has spread around the world. Finally we also look at the evil that was perpetrated a few years later, in the neighbouring parts of Poland. A Deep Darkness to contrast the luminous message of Divine Mercy.
The teenage illiterate peasant girl who saved France, inspired by courage and faith. We look at some of her story today, how she found herself in the corridors of power. A totemic figure that turned the tide in the Hundred Years War, she was eventually caught and executed, The Vatican would overturn the ecclesial show trial 40years later and eventually declare her a Saint.
What essentially became the archetypal morality tale for Britain's period of Naval Supremacy. Most of the mutineers died fighting each other on Pitcairn Island, the last men standing repented and using the Ships Bible rebuilt their lives and converted the islanders.
Some people describe it as the greatest poem in the English Language. Today we look at the lament 'Paradise Lost' - by the idealistic Puritan John Milton. At the end of Cromwell's Commonwealth, and the restoration of the monarchy, impoverished and embittered today he sold the copywrite to his great poem
Was William Shakespeare sending hidden messages to Catholics, at a time when in England to be a Catholic could be equated to treason? We look at the evidence and examine the context today, on the day he was baptised in the Church of England in Stratford upon Avon.
We look at the life of Tiverton Preedy and the influence of the movement 'Muscular Christianity' on him. He founded Barnsley FC who are now owned by a consortium of Chinese and Indian businessmen, and baseball legend Billy Beane.
Augustine of Hippo was one of the finest minds of the ancient world and became the preeminent Chruch Father. Today we mark his late baptism and the remarkable impact he has had on Christian thought and the Western Mind
Today we look at the significance of St George, and how the chapel named after him at Windsor became the home of the Order of the Garter. One of the most prestigious and longest-lasting chivalric orders.
We look at how 'In God we Trust' eventually replaced 'ex pluribus unum' as the motto of the USA. How the trauma of post-civil war destruction started to it being inscribed on coins.
Today we look at Terry Eagleton's Dwight H Terry Lectures at Yale University in 2009. With the title 'Faith and Fundamentalism: Is belief in Richard Dawkins necessary for Salvation? We also analyse the phenomenon of the so-called New Atheism
Fr Angelo Secchi is known as the father of 'Spectroscopy' - analysing the light and radio energy that is emitted from stars. Today we tell the story of a unique experiment on water clarity aboard the Papal Yacht
Todays protest of the Edict of Worms, meant that the German princes and cities involved became known not just as reformers but as protestants. We explore the context behind this.
Today we look at the laying of the cornerstone of St Peters Basilica in 1526. It would become the biggest church in the world and its style would influence many others that were built. We explore the difference between a basilica and a cathedral. We look at the claim that it was built over the tomb of the apostle Peter, and the history of pilgrimage there. We also explore how it was funded, and how that could have sparked the Reformation.
Today we look at how Christians celebrate Easter all over the world and how it survived in Communist Russia
We remember the end of the Jacobite Rising on a moorland outside of Inverness. The battle of Culloden was the last battle fought on British Soil and marked the end of Catholic dreams of a restoration of the Stewart dynasty and Bonnie Prince Charlies recovery of the throne. We also look at the brutal Highland Clearances that followed.
We look at Good Friday and the historical evidence surrounding the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, including the Turin Shroud and the St Helens discovery of the True Cross
Today we look at the astonishing achievement of a peaceful transition from Apartheid in South Africa. The role of the truth and reconciliation commission and the faith of two of the key players, Nelson Mandelas Methodism and De Klerks Calvinism
Today in 966 Miesko married Doubravka of Bohemia. A condition of the marriage was that Miesko would be baptised. This lead to a transition from polytheistic and fragmented Slavic (Lechite) waring tribes to a unitary Christian nation - the birth of Poland
There was a saying in Rome, amongst the embattled Jewish community 'The persecution will end when the Pope enters a synagogue'. Today in 1986 Pope John Paul II visited the Great Synagogue of Rome. We look at how the Slavic Pope had built up trust amongst the Jewish community,
Dr Giuseppi Moscati from Naples pioneered the early treatment of Diabetes. He was an outstanding medical professional especially to the poor. Motivated by his deep faith he was declared a saint in 1987 - this is his story.
Months after the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear annihilation, Pope John XXIII published an encyclical 'Peace on Earth'. It has lead to conferences at the United Nations and updating of ancient Catholic Just War theory.
This is the story of William Booth's life as a preacher and campaigner, the church that he founded and the incredible opposition that he faced. The conflict between his Salvation Army and the Violent Skeleton Army gives an insight into the rapid social changes happening in a rapidly urbanising post-industrial Britain.
Today in 475 the Byzantine Emperor Basiliscus releases an Enkyklikon, a circular letter to the bishops of his empire about the Monophysite controversy. These encyclicals have become a key part of papal teaching, today we explore how.
The Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a persistent critic of the Nazis and a founder of the Confessing Church. A persistent thorn in the side for Hitler he was silenced today two weeks before his concentration camp was liberated by US Soldiers
King Richard the Lionheart died at the age of 41 today in his mother's arms. By no means a saint but for many an icon of Christian Chivalry. This is the story of his effort to liberate Jerusalem and the peculiar circumstances of his death.
The story of the impressive Salt Lake Temple in Utah, and the mormon theology of religious authority behind it.
The sad story of Laura Vicuna born into a wealthy military family from Chile who fell from grace. Rescued by nuns, all she wanted was her widowed mum to escape from an abusive relationship.
Saint Isidore wrote the 20 volume Etymologies, an encyclopedia that saved much knowledge from the ancient world. The Western Roman empire had collapsed and barbarian tribes had taken over much of Europe. Pope John Paul II declared Isidore patron saint of the internet for this achievement
May I know Thee more clearly, Love Thee more dearly, Follow Thee more nearly Today we look at the life of the man who wrote this famous prayer
Today we look at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and how a group of Palestinian militants sought sanctuary there . We look at the history of this pilgrimage spot and how it shared by three monasteries. Also look at the role of the Franciscans in the Holy Land as custodians of the Holy Sites.
We look at research into the historical date of the Last Supper, looking at the calendar that Jesus would have used
The rich and varied life of John Donne, the greatest of the metaphysical poets in Elizabethan England. Born into a persecuted Catholic family he ended up as the Dean of St Pauls.
Today in 1533 Thomas Cranmer was ordained Archbishop of Canterbury, historians mark this as the beginning of the Reformation in England. We look at his opportunistic rise and his downfall
Thomas Coram was shocked walking into 18th Century London at the amount of abandoned children he would come across in the streets. This is the story of how he set up his famous foundling hospital - the first incorporated charity in Britain.
They are a key part of the Christmas season in America.... but where did they come from? How was their reputation established? Did they popularise doughnuts? What are the challenges today
The German Dominican and Theologian Johannes Eckhart became very popular in the late 20th Century because of his Creation Spirituality. Today we look at his life and legacy. Was he a mystic or just a medieval theologian? Did his powerful preaching in fluence Luther?
One of the most popular Christian Apologists died recently and left multiple victims of abuse. This caused great distress in the Evangelical Community. Amidst all the book burning we look at his legacy and try to understand the tradition he came out of.
The story of Byzantium and the Emperor Theodosius III who was forced to retire to a monastery with his son. Then the catastrophic 4th crusade, intended for Jerusalem which ended up in sacking Constantinople
How a Papal Interdict stopped public daily mass in England - a feat that wasn't repeated till the Coronavirus Lockdown. How this ultimately lead to the Magna Carta, the reigning in of a tyrant, and the foundations of individual liberty in the UK and the USA
How Christian businessman William McGregor started the Football League. A teetotaller, first he cleaned up Aston Villa and then as the game was becoming more professional, he organised regular fixtures
He has been described as the greatest American Theologian. We look at Johnathan Edwards and his role in the Christian revivals which swept across the UK and its colonies in the 18th Century. Called the Great Awakening in America or the Evangelical Revival in Britain.
Pope Pius VII lived under the shadow of Napoleon Bonaparte, which led to him being crowned with a papier-mache papal tiara. Today we look at the story.
This is the story of one of the most popular saints in England, who was key in nation-building as the Anglo-Saxons emerged from centuries of Viking conquest
Described as the bloodiest civil war of all time, with casualties in their tens of millions. Led by a self-proclaimed prophet who believed he was the Brother of Jesus Christ - we look at the Taiping Rebellion
Called a prince amongst preachers, Surgeon attracted huge crowds to his services in London. After a tragic stampede in a temporary church we remember today how he moved to the purpose-built Metropolitan Tabernacle
Claiming to be the largest and oldest womans charitable group we look at the founding and the work of the Mormon Relief Society
We look at the story of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross. What inspired him? Who signed the first Geneva Convention? What are the controversies around the Emblem used for the Red Cross?
Cardinal Manning was unusually a widow, and became very influential in Catholic Social Teaching - today we find out why.
Today we remember the journalist Morgan Stanleys success in finding the lost explorer Dr Livingstone. And why did he become so famous after his death?
Today a college in Massachusetts was established by vote and named after its largest benefactor the Rev John Harvard, we explore his life and how the college has grown into one of the most famous universities in the world.
George Berkeley, a father of Empiricism, and Irish Bishop and endower of Yale University lived a fascinating life, We look at his ideas and his legacy in this podcast.
Today we remember a fire in Serrmapore which destroyed some priceless translations from Sanskrit but brought international fame to the work of William Carey. Covering the founding of the Baptist Missionary Society and the first degree-awarding university in India
Today we remember how James Earl Ray confessed to the murder of Rev King. Todays pod takes a brief look at Kings life, his theology and his legacy
A chilling story of the death of 40 Roman Soldiers in Lesser Armenia, in 320. They froze to death rather than renounce their Christian faith. WIdely celebrated in the Orthodox World as martyrs.
We look at today's speech by President Reagan to an Evangelical Congress in Florida. It has gone down in history as the 'Evil Empire Speech' and we examine the context of this and the evangelical base to the Republican Party
We look at the first mass in the vernacular celebrated by Paul VI today in 1965. The roots of the reform and the consequences since.
Today we remember the birth of possibly the greatest artist of all time, Michelangelo. We look at his work through four classics, the two statues of Pieta and David, the frescos of the Sistine Chapel and the Dome of St Peters in Rome. And we also look at some controversial theories about his genius.
Today we look at the restless life of English missionary and linguist Roger Williams, and how he established the first Baptist Church in Rhodes Island
Today King Charles II granted a royal charter to Quaker William Pen making him the largest (non-royal) landowner in the world. Thus began his holy experiment of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
Today we look at the life of Dominican Hugh of St Cher, his work on producing the first concordance - a milestone in Biblical Studies, and also the first attempt to divide the Bible into chapters
Today we look at the remarkable life of John Wesley, the beginning of Methodism and the death of 'the most loved man in Britain'
We look at the life work of Methodist William Oldham, his work in mapping India and setting up Singapore's most prestigious school
Today we remember the founding of the Society of the Holy Cross, SSC by Charles Fuge Lowder, an Anglican order which worked in the slums of big cities
Today we remember the founding of the Labour party and the Methodist lay preacher Kier Hardy
Today we look at the birth of Charles Sheldon, his publication of In His Steps and the birth of the What Would Jesus Do movement
A sad story of the mass suicide of 200 pagan Lithuanians defending themselves against the Teutonic Knights today in 1336
The son of a rich silk merchant makes a radical decision to embrace poverty, the Story of Francis of Assisi.
Today we remember the birth of George Friderick Handel whose oratario 'Messiah' has become a central part of the Christmas season
Today a relatively peaceful revolution took place in Mania removing the autocrat Ferdinand Marcos, We look at the crucial role church leaders played in this
Today we remember the ending of the assembly of teh world council of churchhes in Canbera, Australia. Looking at the evolution of this inter-church organisation and the challenges for it
Today we look at the life and faith of Frederick Douglass, the first African-American to run for Vice President. He died today in 1895 but achieved a lot in his life after escaping from slavery himself.
Today in 1473 the mathematician, astronomer, and priest Copernicus was born in Poland. He famously formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than Earth at the centre of the universe, which lead to the rethinking of reality, a Copernican Revolution.
A book that has never been out of print since it was published today in 1678, we look at puritan preacher John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress
Today's pod looks at how billions of Christians enter Lent today on Ash Wednesday. Where did this practice come from, what does it mean and how has it evolved?
What is the link between Mardi Gras, Carnival and Pancake Tuesday? Find out in today's pod.
Today we remember the life of a Lebanese Saint who attracts thousands of Christians and Muslims to his grave every month. We look at the purported miracles that surround him,
Today we try and get as close as we can to establishing who St Valentine actually was, and how his feast day has developed over time
Today in 1692, thirty members of the MacDonald clan were killed by troops of the Earl of Argyll's Regiment, as an example to the Clan chiefs who were dragging their feet in swearing allegiance to the Protestant William of Orange.... we explore the context in today's pod.
Today in 2016 saw the first-ever meeting between a Pope and the head of the Russian Orthodox church, we discuss how it came about and what will come of it
Today in 1858 a 14-year old girl, gathering firewood outside a grotto in South West France had the first encounter with a young woman which would transform the town and the area.
Today Christians remember how St Paul was shipwrecked in Malta, looking at the story and the historical evidence linked to it
Today we remember how a misdirected shell landed in Genoa Cathedral on Feb 9th 1941 and failed to explode. Called the miracle of St Lawrence.... we look at how people fall back on religious objects and places during times of war and stress.
Today we look at a remarkable character and his powerful witness against slavery, Benjamin Lay. We also look at the spiritual movement, the Quakers, that formed him. Their impressive legacy of social reform and famous businesses.
Today we remember the apocalyptical and puritanical Savanarola and his Bonfire of the Vanities that was lit today in Florence in 1497
Today we remember the execution on Feb 6 1927 in Mexico of a priest Fr Matteo Correa Magallenes. Exploring the Cristero War in Mexico and the involvement of the US.
Today in 1597 we go to Nagasaki where 26 Christians were crucified, part of a long persecution against the Church. Forced underground, the 'Kakure Kirishitan' the hidden Christians of Japan developed an ingenious way of keeping the faith alive. Their story has been powerfully told by Shunsako Endo and most recently Martin Scorsese in the film 'Silence'
Today we remember how the Mormons left their Wintering Grounds in 1846 for the last part of their journey to establish the state of Utah. They received directions from an unlikely source....
Today in 1468, Johannes Guttenberg invented a process for mass-producing movable type; mechanising the process, using adjustable moulds and oil-based ink for printing books. This was an epoch changing invention, changing mass communication for ever. We look at its impact and who used it
Today's celebration of Candlemas is marked in different ways around the world. We look at the origins in scripture, in pre-Christian Roman practices, and how it is remembered from Mexico to France
Today in 1516 Erasmus dedicated his amendment to St Jerome's New Testament to Pope Leo X. A great achievement by this 'Prince of Humanists', did it unwittingly trigger the reformation? We look today at the history of Biblical Translation and how Erasmus' work became influential
Today in 1867, the Maronite Nationalist Leader Karam was sent into exile by the French. We look at the long fight for Lebanese independence, and today we look at St Maron, the church in Lebanon and its struggle for recognition,
Today in 1661, Oliver Cromwell's dead body was exhumed and beheaded in revenge for his execution of King Charles I on Jan 30 in 1649. We look at how Cromwells puritanism motivated him, his disputed legacy, and Englands brief experiment with republicanism
Today we look at the life of Katarina Von Bora, who after a daring escape from a convent, married Martin Luther, had 6 children and ran many successful enterprises. We also take a tentative look at her influence on her husband.
Todays pod looks at the incredible story of the walk to Canossa, where in the dead of winter, Henry IV crossed the Alps by foot in a penitential act. Today Pope Gregory VII lifted his excommunication.
Today in 1302, Italy's finest poet and some say the father of the Italian language, Dante Alighieri was exiled from Florence. In exile, he wrote the Divine Comedy, the greatest poem of the middle ages, and an allegory of the Soul's journey to God. Hear all about it in today's pod.
In 1950 on Jan 26 the Constitution of India came into force, forming a republic. One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is officially a secular country nut with a deeply religious population. With 80% of the huge population identifying as Hindu with Christians about 2% of the population, but with a huge impact on education. Today's pod looks at how a Christian leader H.C. Mukherjee, became the Vice-President of the Constituent Assembly of India.
A group of Jesuit missionaries built a mission on top of a steep hill on the Piratiningha plains. As part of the mission they founded the Colégio de São Paulo de Piratininga today on January 25, 1554. Around the mission, grew up the Portuguese village of São Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga which is now the most populous city in Brasil, and the fourth in the world.... This it's story
Today in 1918 the Gregorian calendar was introduced in Russia by decree of the Council of People's Commissars making its coverage almost universal. Today's pod looks at the history of it, why it was needed and how it was rolled out.... Enjoy!
Seismic events in Northern Europe today on the 23rd of January and the Union of Utrecht effectively unites the northern provinces of the Netherlands. A radical experiment in Religious Freedom leads to the waning of Spain as an international force and heralds the beginning of the Dutch empire and the start of a Dutch Golden Age
On Jan 22 1506 the first contingent of 150 Swiss Guards arrives at the Vatican. Todays pod looks at the historical context for their arrival, their famous colourful uniforms and how their role is changing all the time.
On this day in Christian History, we go back to the year 1621 and the Pilgrims from England left their ship the Mayflower and gathered on shore at Plymouth, Massachusetts, for their first religious service. The story of their grueling journey and what motivated them.
Today in 1918 we remember how the Bolshevik-controlled government in Russia enacted the Decree that proclaimed the separation of church and state . This effectively meant that all church property in Russia was confiscated and all religious instruction in schools was abolished.
Today in 1829 – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust receives its premiere performance, we look at the story behind the greatest work of German Literature.
The final session of the Council of Trent opened today in 1562. This would define Catholicism for the next four hundred years, a sadly mark the definite rupture with Protestantism.
Today in 1525, the Zurich City Council arranged a public debate between Ulrich Zwingli and the Anabaptists who were opposed to infant Baptism. In reality there was more at stake than baptism,
Its 1412, The church is divided into three claims to the papacy, and the Medici become the Pope's bankers and one of the most powerful families in Europe
Today in 1892 chaplain and teacher James Naismith publishes the rules of basketball at the Springfield YMCA in Massachusetts. This is the story.
Today's pod looks at the life of a remarkable Scottish Woman, who dedicated her life to saving twins from infanticide amongst tthe Okoyong people in Nigeria
Today in 1897 saw the discovery of some half a million papyrus fragments in a remarkable archeological discovery in Egypt. This increased our knowledge of the ancient world include the Bible.
Today the 11th of January we remember the Danish Bishop and pioneer in anatomy and geology Nicholas Steno, who was born today (according to the Gregorian Calendar)
On the 10th of January 1984, The United States and the Vatican established full diplomatic relations for the first time in 117 years. Today's pod looks a little at the bromance between President Reagan and Pope John Paul II
Today millions of Phillipinos accompany a 7km procession of a statue of Christ carrying his cross in Manila. It lasts up to 22 hours and the intensity of devotion it inspires leads some to risk their lives... find out why in today's podcast
Today's episode looks at the curious phenomenon of Gauchito Gill killed today in1878. With his roadside shrines all over Argentina, he is venerated as a saint although not yet declared one by the church.
Today in 1610 Galileo Galilei observed 4 moons of Jupiter. This observation changed the way we understood the universe and led to conflict with the scientific community and then the Church. Todays pod explores this story.
Today in 1893 Congress chartered the building of the Washington National Cathedral, Today's pod explores a remarkable building that is now of unifying importance for the nation.
Today is the last day of Christmas, so we explore the origins of Twelfth Night Festivities and answer the question why does Christmas last 12 days?
The Boys Scouts becomes a worldwide movement today in 1912 as the Scout Association was incorporated throughout the British Empire by royal charter. Today's pod looks at how the promise to do my duty to God has waxed and waned over the years
Today the Anglican Priest John Newton introduced a new hymn called I Chronicles 17.16-172 this has since became known as Amazing Grace, We look at how it has become one of the most popular hymns of all time
We look at how Abraham Lincoln saved the constitution and kept the country together - but wasn't able to change the constitution to acknowledge the deity
The ground breaking film Ben Hur was based on the novel that was voted the most influential Christian Book of the 19th Century. It tells the fictional story of a Jewish prisoner, who encounters Christ and eventually is freed from slavery by winning a chariot race
Thomas Beckets murder in Canterbury Cathedral made him one of the most popular saints of the medieval period and Canterbury became a pilgrimage destination for many from around Europe
John Wycliffe was a reforming priest from the 14th Century. However he grew more critical and distant from the Pope and Church and inspired a group called the Lollards. Sometimes he is called the evening star of scholasticism and the morning star of the Reformation
The building that has become iconic in Istanbul, today was consecrated as a church 'The Holy Wisdom', Under the Ottomans it became a mosque, Attaturk turned into a museum and Erdogan has turned it back into a mosque
The first nurses on a US Navy hospital ship where 3 sisters from the Order of the Holy Cross - this is their story during the US Civil war
The Philocalus Calendar is the first time we have Christmas Day recorded as an annual feast
Francis of Assisi is credited of inventing the Live Crib at his hermitage at Greccio in Italy, this is the story of it
Antonio Bosio was a remarkable man who discovered many of the catacombs in Rome. He often risked his life exploring them, risking getting lost for ever
Today we look at the papacy of Saint Innocent I who according to St Jerome was the son of the previous pope, which was not a cause for scandal
Dorothy Sayers wrote a cycle of radio plays about the life of Jesus Christ that has been repeated and reproduced on multiple occasions
The Buddleia or butterfly bush has become prolific, whilst many countries consider it an invasive species. It was named by Carl Linneaus after a mild mannered Anglican cleric - Adam Buddle
Westminster Abbey has become one of the most iconic and important churches in England, the site of many coronations, weddings and burials of Kings and Queens. Recently the site of the Unknown Warrior - the only grave that you can't walk over
The Swiss theologian Hans Kung was very influential as the youngest 'periti' or expert of Vatican 2. As he his theology became more liberal he was banned from teaching by the Vatican
Today we look at the life of Sister Mary Keller - the first person to be awarded a PHD in computer science in America alongside Irving Tang. Her legacy includes being part of the group that delivered the pioneering computer language of BASIC
Today we remember the death of Elizabeth Ten Boom in a concentration camp. Just before she died she told her sister Corrie "There is no pit so deep that He [God] is not deeper still."
One of the most creative minds of recent times was the mathematical physicist Freeman Dyson, who was given the nickname the cosmic genius. He called himself a non-denominational Christian and had strong views on faith and science
St John of the Cross is now famous for his Dark Night. He believed that God was nothing and everything, this is the story of the Carmelite reformer and how he suffered
Saint Lucy was one of the most popular saints in the early church and devotion to her still lasts in many parts of the world
Today was the day when an image was left miraculously on the Tilma of Juan Diego during Our Lady's second apparition to him on the hill of Guadalupe. We look at the image and the recent tests done on it
Charles H Townes won the Nobel Prize and the Templeton Prize combining his scientific genius with a deep faith. He believed science and religion were converging, and he invented the laser and discovered the black hole at the centre of our Galaxy
We look at a revival in the Protestant Church in Northern Ireland in 1859 which has made Northern Ireland a lot more socially conservative than the rest of Britain
The appearance of a women to an Aztec Convert on a hilltop outside of Mexico City has had a huge impact on Mexico as a country. Today we look at the story and the miraculous image which is still venerated widely
Today we remember the death of Carl Watzinger - the German archaeologist who made historic discoveries in the important biblical sites of Jericho and Capernaum
The final document promulgated at Vatican 2 - Gaudium et Spes was the Church's document about engaging with the world - with the joys and hopes of humanity .
One of the great wonders of the Natural World - the Niagra falls between Canada and US was first sketched today by a Franciscan explorer
Described as one of the most expansive audio experiences in the classical world - Berlioz's Requiem was commissioned in memory of French Soldiers who died in Algeria
Today we remember how a fire melted metal onto a large piece of linen that was reputed to be the burial cloth of Christ. When an Italian photographer processed the first negative image of the cloth it wowed the world
Dr Christian Barnaard performed the first heart transplant - we look at his missionary parents and his visit to Pope Paul VI
St Pauls was one of the worlds first Anglican Cathedrals and one the most iconic. This is the story of how and when it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren
Today we remember how the hermit Charles de Foucault was assisinated by Tuareg bandits. His life and commitment has inspired many movements
The Episcopal Cathedral in New York is nicknamed St John the Unfinished. Its size and construction has created an acoustic which has lead to some remarkable concerts including Duke Ellington's Sacred Concertos which he called 'Jazz Liturgies'
When Francis became the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress, Dorothy Day was one of four Americans mentioned by the Pope in his speech . He said of Day: "Her social activism, her passion for justice and for the cause of the oppressed, were inspired by the Gospel, her faith, and the example of the saints."
Tomas Halik - A priest from the Czech Republic was ordained clandestinely under communism. Now he has been given many awards including an honorary doctorate from Oxford for his many writings.
Milan's Cathedral - the biggest in Italy is made up of pink-hued white marble. Canals were dug leading to the construction site, to bring the stone there, It has the most statues and spires in the world and houses the shrine of Charles Borromeo and a nail from the cross of Christ
This is the story of an assassination attempt on Pope Paul VI at Manila airport. The 'Pilgrim Pope' who was the first to travel on an aeroplane and visit the Holy Land
The incredible story of John Kitto - who although he became deaf after an accident as a teenager, he became an avid traveller and observer of Eastern Culture. He used what he had experienced and observed to created very popular Biblical Encyclopaedias
Pope Pius IX had to flee from Rome to escape Garibaldi and the Nationalists. He returned to become a prisoner of the Vatican and called Vatican I - the council that controversially defined infallibility
One of the greatest composers of sacred music in English was Thomas Tallis. His greatest work composed when he was seventy years old is the 40 voice 'Spem in Alium'. A tapestry of voices about putting hope in God
The Templars are one of the most controversial orders in the history of the Church. Set up in poverty to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land their power and fortunes rose and fell with the success of the Crusades
Lumen Gentium was one of the most important documents of Vatican 2. The Churches understanding of itself... the first time ever written, dealing with such themes as the universal call to holiness and salvation outside the church
Terese of Liseux is one of the most popular saints in the church - even though she died relatively unknown at 24. Her 'Little Way' to Holiness was made famous through her autobiography The Story of a Soul. Her modesty and 'littleness' belies a spiritual powerhouse, at 14 she defied protocol and held onto the Pope's legs at an audience. We also look at the curious story of her relationship with Pope Francis and the gifts she sends him.
Alberto Methol Ferrer is one of the most influential thinkers you have never heard of. He was a great friend of the current pope, and used to cross the Rio Grande from Uruguay to see him regularly in Buenos Aires. His thoughts on theology, renewal and atheism are looked at in todays podcast
Two remarkable stones tell us a lot of the beginning of Denmark as a nation state, brought together by Harald Bluetooth - the first Christian King. He united the feuding tribes which is why Bluetooth technology was named after him, uniting digital devices.
The Bishop of Lincoln, a French aristocrat called Hugh was much loved for standing up to corrupt kings, and for his holiness. He was declared a saint twenty years after his death
One of the most consequential documents of Vatican 2 is also one of the shortest - Dei Verbum which deals with Divine Revelation
The Coventry Blitz on Nov 14 1940 was the most devestating in Britain during WW2. Its bombed out cathedral is now world famous
The Marine Biologist - Sir Alister Hardy - set up a centre to study religious experience. He claimed that 50% of people in the UK had a religious experience and saw this as an evolutionary response to some dimension of reality
King Canute the King of Denmark, Norway and England built up an Empire of the North Sea. He also put a lot of money back into rebuilding churches and monasteries. Why did he attempt to turn back the sea?
The Council of Trent is most famous for its counter reformation decrees - but perhaps of most significance in shaping civilisations is its decree 'Tametsi' which tried to counteract clandestine marriage
We remember the death of William Morfill, the first professor of Russian and Slavonic languages in Britain, He translated the non-canonical Book of Enoch which had been preserved in Bulgarian texts and describes how Satan was cast out of heaven
The Sagrada Familia was Anthony Gaudi's magnus opus and attracts more than 3 million visitors every year to Barcelona. Today we remember how Pope Benedict consecrated the unfinished basilica - and opened it to the public to worship - which was Gaudi;s intention and dream
George Williams inspired by the ideals of Muscular Christianity founded the YMCA to offer young men an alternative and healthy life to the urban malaise he saw in London, The movement spread around the world and invented basketball and volleyball as part of its legacy
Guy Fawkes was from York and to commemorate his failure to blow up the House of Lords a special light show was projected onto the beautiful and famous York Minster. Today we look at both the story of Guy Fawkes and the beautiful York Cathedral and its links to the Emperor Constantine
The Lord of the Rings has been hugely successful as a book and a film series, all over the world, We look at the theology that underpins J R R Tolkien's Middle- Earth that has been popular all over the world
Coventry Cathedral was rebuilt after being bombed in WW2, with its shell left standing next to the new cathedral a symbol of Resurrection and Reconciliation. It commissioned a War Requiem from Benjamin Britten which incorporated Wilfred Owen's poetry with a Latin Requiem Mass Setting
One of the most intriguing works of Christology is the Theology of Failure by John Navone. An edition was published today in 1974 and it has had a lasting influence on Pope Francis
After four years work - the Sistine Chapel was opened for public viewing on all Saints Day. Michelangelo's Ceilings is now seen as one of the greatest artistic achievements of all time - with more than three hundred figures. it shows the creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the Great Flood - the first chapters of the book of Genesis .
The understanding of justification by faith alone was the theological faultline at the heart of the reformation. Today almost 5oo years later a joint statement was released in agreement between Lutherans and Catholics
The Slave Nat Turner believed that he was divinely inspired to lead an uprising of slaves in Virginia. He would be killed for his efforts
Today we look at the story of St Regulus being shipwrecked in Scotland with relics of St Andrew. How he became the national saint and the story behind his saltire
John XXIII was born into a simple farming family and was proud of his humble beginnings. He Was mourned after his death as 'Il Papa Buono' and mas made Time Magazine Man of the year after his intervention in the Cuban Missile Crisis
Constantine was the first Roman Emperor to be baptised a Christian, This was an incredible turnaround after many terrible persecutions of the Roman authorities, killing tens of thousands of Christians. We look at the spiritual experience that may explain this and the influence of his mother St Helena and her quest to find the true cross
When Alfred defeated Guthrum at the Battle of Eddington and then proceeded to be his mentor and oversee his baptism - England was at a turning point. From Being the embattled King Of Wessex he oversaw the beginning of the unification of England and the assimilation of many Danes
Geoffrey Chaucer's stories of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St Thomas a Becket have lead to him being called the father of English Literature, We look at his life, his writing and his ambiguous relationship with the church
A series of churches and cathedrals have stood in Chartres since the 4th Century. A testament to resilience and perseverance, the current one dating back nearly eight hundred years is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its stained glass are some of the most famous in the world and its labyrinth still attracts many pilgrims.
Chang Kei Shek was the longest leader of China in the 20th Century - although his later years he spent in Taiwan - escaping from the Communists. Today we remember his baptism due to his mother-in-law
Paul Tillich became on of Protestantism's most influential thinkers of the 20th Century. His life and career had two parts in Germany and the America. Scarred by his experience of World War One he had to flee the country when Hitler came to power
Hopkins has been described as the most influential Victorian Poet with his creative us of language and sprung rhythm. A Jesuit priest - he had a lifelong struggle balance his poetic impulses with his religious ones
Edward Schillebeeckx was a provocative and influential theologian. His book on Christology today lead him to be invited to Rome to answer some questions about what he was teaching about the resurrection
Today in1984 the Polish priest Jerzy Popiełuszko was beaten to death by three Security Police officers. He was a friend of Lech Walesa and the Solidarity movement who overthrew the communists
Caravaggio was one of the greatest artists of the European Renaissance. He also lead one of the wildest lives. We look at how one of his paintings was stolen in Palermo. We also look at what motivated him and his turbulent life
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious prizes in the world. We look at famous Christians who were awarded it , as well as who didn't and the speech given by the first nun to be awarded it - Mother Teresa
John Polkinghorne believed that science and religion provided a binocular vision of the truth. He left a prestigious post in Physics and Cambridge University to become an Anglican priest
The Gregorian calendar is now almost universally used. This is the story about how Pope Gregory promulgated it after some revisions were made of the Julian Calendar which slightly overestimated the solar orbit of planet Earth
We remember how today the public where given access to this iconic statue of Christ overlooking Rio. With his arms stretched out the statue can be seen anywhere in the city of 7 million people by anyone,
Today in 1917 reports went around the world of a miracle of the Sun that was witnessed by a crowd of 50.000 in Portugal. The 'miracle' had been predicted by three peasant children from Fatima who had been seeing a 'Lady of the Rosary' who had urged prayer in order to stop the First World War
The discussion between Karl Barth and the Polish Jesuit Erich Przywara about the analogy of being - mortal humanities relationship to God the immortal creator, has been one of the richest between Catholic and Protestant theologians in modern times
The Second ecumenical council of the Vatican was attended by between 2,100 and 2,300 bishops from all over the world, at its different sessions that lasted 4 years. It was the biggest ever council and set the direction of the church in the modern world
15 year old computer geek Carlo Acutis died of Luekemia in 2005 - he was beatified in 2020. Thousands of people visit his shrine in Assisi every day. Could he become the first millenial saint?
The man who ushered anatomy into the renaissance age after stagnating with 1300 years of Galen was Fr Gabrielle Fallopio. He gave his name to the Fallopian tube, Fallopian Canal, and Fallopian ligament.
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat stationed in Lithuania during the war, He had converted to Christianity for his first marriage - joining the Orthodox Church. He saved thousands of Jews by issuing them visas and this was only discovered in Japan when many turned up at his funeral
Gallup claimed that she was by far the most admired person of the century after polling, and she won numerous prizes including the Nobel Peace Prize. She attracted thousands of young people to help her - but she also attracted some fierce, and unrelenting critics for her uncompromising witness
Today we remember the death of Poet Laurete Alfred Lord Tennyson. HIs poem In Memoriam helped Queen Victoria as she dealt with the grief of the death of Prince Albert. We look at it how it deals with faith and doubt
Today after a terrible persecution with an assassinated Anglican archbishop and multiple murders of Catholics and Anglicans - Uganda installed a Christian government. The Ugandan martyrs are now celebrated every year by millions in a national holiday
Rembrandt left over 500 paintings after he died, more than a third of them of the Bible. He lived in a time of great religious turmoil and didn't belong to any church - but fell in love with and studied the Bible. His life was like his paintings, dramatic, passionate and ultimately tragic
The Zionist churches in Southern Africa account for 15 million Christians - the biggest group. This is the story of the Scottish/Australian preacher who founded them in America before sending out missionaries
He did not submit to either the Nazis or the Communists in his beloved Hungary. For which he was imprisoned and tortured. He would die in exile in Vienna
The German priest, teacher and writer Romano Guardini has had a decisive influence on the last two popes. His book The Lord is a masterpiece in Christology and has been called a book with a great mission
George Tyrell, an Irish priest published two letters in the Times criticising the papal encyclical Pascendi, he was expelled from the Jesuits and excommunicated
The Obelisk outside St Peters in Rome stood in Nero's Circus and witnessed the crucifixion of St Peter. This is the story of how it was moved there and what happened to Peter
She was a great mystic, practical and effective reformer and one of the most influential authors of the spiritual life. St Teresa of Avila, founder of the Discalced Carmelites. Author of the Interior Castle and Way to Perfection
The Civil War had started months earlier because of the right to own slaves and Lincolns election. Today he called for a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer to bring an end to the strife. The war would last another 4 years
When Otto published the idea of the Holy during World War One it was a sensation, soon translated into multiple languages. He coined the term numinous to describe the experience of the Other. Mysterium Tremendum et Fascinans
A key moment in English History - the first synod of Bishops which stabilised the church with its diocesan boundaries, unified England and clarified marital practice. We have records because of the first Historian of Christian Europe, a Benedictine Monk from the North East - St Bede
Aleksey Stepanovich Khomyakov was a Russian theologian, philosopher, poet and amateur artist. He co-founded the Slavophile movement and created a Theology around 'sobornost' or community
Today in 2000 we remember how a quarter of a million Christians clogged the streets, to pay their final respects to the evangelist Bakht Singh who was being buried in Hyderabad, India. It was one of the largest funerals in the history of Hyderabad, but not in India, when compared to other historical figures,
There is growing appreciation of the impact of the non conformist minister. Thomas Byre lifes work. His theorem which was posthumously published has now created a whole school in the field of Statistics
The Korean peninsula is a grassroots church - as it grew without any direct clerical influence for many years. A diplomat brought back the books of the Italian Jesuit Missionary from Beijing, which explained how Christianity was complementary to Confucianism, Now South Korea is the country that sends out the most missionaries around the world (after the United States)
George Herbert - a gifted orator at Cambridge University and then the court of James I. left all that behind to be ordained in the Church of England and work in a rural parish. He poetry published posthumously became very popular in a divided age and he represented the middle ground
Hugely influential in the life of many British writers - particularly C S Lewis, but also across the pond with Mark Twain. Born a Calvinist, died an Anglican, this Scottish minister and writer left a profound legacy
The first female doctor in Switzerland - she would convert to Catholicism and set up the community of St John with Hans Urs von Balthazar
Gilles de Rai was one of the earliest serial killers on record, today he was arrested in 1440 after an investigation by the Bishop of Nantes
Dominic de Guzman founded the Order of Preachers who were hugely responsible with spreading devotion to the Rosary. He has two countries named after him. This is the story of the miraculous painting attributed to him
Now the most famous champagne is named in his honour, Pierre Perignon was a Benedictine Monk who perfected the method of making sparkling wine
The final novel of Dostoevsky is possibly his most famous - the Brothers Karamazov. Wrought out of terrible grief and struggles with faith after the death of his three year old son Aloysha. One of Russia's greatest novelists has produced on of the greatest novels of all time. Charting the tumultuous transition of Russia from feudalism, the devoutly Orthodox Christian has produced one of the most powerful chapters on faith and reason with the Grand Inquisitor.
Bishop Richard Challoner has been called the most influential English Catholic of the 18th Century. It was an uneasy time before Catholic Emancipation laws and least safe in London. The Catholic Church was still illegal after Queen Elizabeth's Act of Uniformity and there were sporadic riots against Catholics. Challoners' life is a case study of successful leadership in a hostile environment
Bishop Bartholomew De La Casas chronicled the terrible atrocities that Spanish colonists carried out on the indigenous people of Central and South America. He was appointed protector of the Indians by the Spanish Legal Establishment, His writing and thinking was influenced the School of Salamanca and lead to both international law and the first concepts of universal human rights.
Carl Gustav Jung was one of the most creative thinkers of the 20th Century. The founder of analytical psychology his fascination with religion was life long
Today we remember the life of Michael Novak - influential author of the Spirit of Democratic Capitalism. He tweaked Weber's famous Protestant Work Ethic and claimed that free capitalist economies owed more to a Catholic Work Ethic
Francis Collins the director of the Human Genome Project is a devout Christian. we explore his life today
Jos - the capital of the Plateau state in Nigeria's Central Belt is also a flashpoint for tension and violence between the Christian South and the Muslim North
Today we remember how the Vatican placed the Pascals Provincial Letters on the Index. He was a brilliant French polymath, the inventor of the syringe and a promoter of an exaggerated theology called Jansenism
Archbishop Josef Beran of Prague defied both the Nazis and the Communists. He nearly died of typhus in Dachau concentration camp and after the iron curtain fell was placed under 16 years house arrest by the Communists. He was only allowed to leave the then Czechoslovakia to go to Rome to be made a cardinal - on the condition he didn't return. He died in exile
Rafailo Momčilović was a celebrated Orthodox painter (writer) of Icons. He was murdered by the fascist Ustase in Croatia whilst they were a Nazi puppet government
The discovery and publication of the Heliand started to explain a historical mystery. How were the warrior Germanic Cultures subsumed into Christendom? This life of Christ in Old Norse is now an invaluable epic poem in a forgotten language
The translations and summaries of Orthodox wisdom from Fr Seraphim Rose became valued as illegal Samizdat, material banned and shared in a clandestine manner under Communism. We look at the life and conversion of this monk who died at a young age after live a harsh asceticism
The Friendship between Jesuit Priest Ed Dowling and the founder of the AA Bill Wilson was deep and rich, We look at how Dowling became his advisor and sponsor and how he integrated the Ignatian Exercises into the 12 step programme
Matthias Grunewald masterpiece was commissioned by the Antonite Monks at Isenheim. His depiction of an excruciating crucifixion is now iconic and was commissioned in the context of a monastery that was treating victims of the plague and skin disease
When Ben Chambers became the Methodist Minister at St Domingo's chapel he started the 'Band of Hope' putting on activities to distract youngsters from drink. Thus Everton FC was born and then its younger brother - the more successful Liverpool FC
Today Michael Faraday induced the first electrical current - this would change civilization. Not formally educated - his enquiring mind was underpinned by his faith - we explore this today
Paul VI opened the Second Conference of Latin American Bishops in Medellin, Colombia. This was influenced by the Brazilian educationalist Paolo Freire and his theory on 'conscientisation'. The conference endorsed the 'preferential option for the poor' and base Christian communities. This was the start of what would become known as Liberation Theology.
Enrique Shaw was a successful lifelong businessman from Argentina. As he was dying awaiting for a life saving blood transfusion - hundreds of his employees queued outside the hospital to give him their blood
Adrian of Ondrusuv sacrificed his estate to become a monk after meeting a holy hermit. Ivan the Terrible. a tyrant and cruel leader asked him to be the godfather at his daughters baptism
Friedrich Nietzsche died today in 1900 - one of the most influential intellectuals of the modern era. His relationship with God is much more complex than the famous statement that 'God is dead' Today we explore it and his life
Today approximately 2000 puritans resigned their pulpits as deadline came for forced assent to the Book of Common Prayer. We look at the remarkable impact they have had in both Britain and North America
The Taize ecumenical monastic community in France was founded by Roger Schultz in the ashes of WW2. It still attracts thousands of young people every year as a community of reconciliation. Brother Roger was stabbed in the neck by a young Romanian woman.
De Lubac was one of the most influential theologians of the 20th Century. His experience of WW1 and WW2 was followed by 10 years being banned from teaching by the Vatican. He was appointed cardinal by Pope John Paul 2, the first one to be named without being a bishop in the modern era
In his will dated today - Lord Adam Gifford, a Scottish Judge - bequeathed a large amount of money to annual lectureship in Natural Theology. Held in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews they have been very influential
Bultmann was one of the most influential post-war theologians in the quest for the historical Jesus. His theory of 'demytholigisation' however is now widely discredited ,,,, we explore why
The discovery of a fascinating ancient stone in the Jordan has given us a fascinating peak into the world of the Tribe of Israel during its Exodus from Egypt
Warner Brothers most financially successful film the Exorcist was written by a student of Georgetown University, William Peter Blatty. Based on a true story of a Jesuit directed exorcism in St Louis, it provoked a remarkable reaction from audiences
We look at the site of Megiddo, why it was strategically fought over for centuries, and what archaeologists have found there. In Greek it is known as Armageddon.
We look at the audacious 'Operation Baptism' which had the blessing of Pope Pius XII. Hundreds of Jews where rescued from Hungary and the Nazis by issuing them with false baptism certificates.
Cologne Cathedral is the largest twin spired Church in the world. Germanys most visited landmark it was regarded as a project to symbolize German nationhood. It houses the relics of the three Kings or Magi who visited the infant Christ.
Today we remember how the dynamic Franciscan Maximilian Kolbe offered his life for another at Auschwitz. We look at his rich life, his devotion to the ' Immaculada' and his legacy
The great Irish Writer James Joyce had a confusing and complicated relationship with the Catholic Church. But his books have had a remarkable influence and following
Today we look at the tradition of Popes handing out Golden Roses that have been blessed on Laudate Sunday. How Paul VI gave one today to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida
Today we look at the life and thought of George Ellis, committed Quaker and Cosmologist. Co-author with Stephen Hawking of the 'Yellow Peril' a standard text book on General Relativity Theory. Also developed the theory of kenotic-ethics which he claims is deeply imbedded in the universe
Today we remember the first papal encyclical that allowed for the possibility of Salvation outside of Church. We look at the history of soteriology - the theology of salvation
St Herman was a Russian Orthodox monk who had a very effective mission to the Aleut people of Alaska. During a 'Fur Rush' when colonisation and exploration was fuelled by the seal fur trade he defended the rights of the native Aleut people
Today we look at the profoundly influential Danish philosopher Soren Kierkergaard. The Father of Existentialism he was a profoundly Christian thinker. Surviving his fathers harsh Lutheranism he would write some of the most profound criticisms of Christianity but also at times was quasi-mystical
An important meeting in post-war Germany, the first outdoor mega-mass and a landmark in Ecumenical Relations. The delegates also laid a foundation for a Church of Atonement near the concentration camp of Dachau
The First Conclave of the Sistine Chapel - how did the Church develop this way of electing a Pope and what happens
Bill Wilson said his spiritual experience of 'white light' cured him of his alcoholism. We look at the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous and his relationship with Fr Ed Dowling. What are the Twelve Steps and how have they helped so many people
Dr Grenfel sent by the Fisherman's Mission to Canada's North Atlantic Coast built up a remarkable mission attracting doctors, nurses and clergy from all over the world
Today we remember how three boats left Spain travelling West for the Indies and discovered the Americas
One of the finest philosophical minds of her age, Edith Stein went from Judaism to agnosticism to Christianity. Edmund Husserl's assistant, she became a Carmelite Nun and was to die at Auschwitz.
Today we look at the life of St Aethelwold, who rebuilt the church after 300 years of Viking raids. Also the unlikely assimilation of Christianity into the Vikings and how Bluetooth got its name
Mount Athos is a unique centre for Orthodox Christianity, today in 1913 the Russian Navy removed 800 monks. We look at the traditions there and its claim to be Marys Garden
The greatest of the Baroque composers was a man of profound Lutheran faith, we look at his life
Humane Vitae is the most controversial of papal encyclicals, restating the Church's opposition to artificial birth control. It also marked a moment in the shift of the authority of the Church. It was Pope Paul VI last encyclical. Was it prophetic or a disastrous overreach?
Today a British Archeologist discovered a standing stone from the Iron Age which had some remarkable inscriptions
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor and icon of Christian resistance to the Nazis was executed. Four months later his parents found out when a memorial service was broadcast on the BBC,
The Franciscan friar, Francesco Forgione took the religious name Pius when he entered his order. He lived an unusual life of spiritual intensity and holiness and was strongly persecuted by his religious authorities for 20 years. He would become one of Italy's most popular saints
Time Le Hayes Left Behind series sold 70 million copies, and is based on a literal interpretation of the Book of Revelation. We look at different schools of eschatology - what will happen at the end of time
Fr Benito Vines saved many lives after learning how to recognise and forecast hurricanes. Teaching in the Jesuit College of Belen in Havana, two generations later they were to have an alumnus who would change the course of Cuban history - Fidel Castro
The Apostle to the Apostles, we look at how our understanding of her has changed, and why has she captured the imagination so much. Pope Francis has raised her status to a major feast to be celebrated today
The humble scientist, a Brazilian Cosmologist who see wonder and curiosity driving our unique minds forward, possibly towards God. Winner of the Templeton Prize and a believer in human-centricism replacing Copernicus' helio-centricism
We look at the famous first moon landing, and how Aldrin chose to mark it privately by taking communion. Why did it remain private and what happened previously in Apollo 8 that made Nasa skittish about religion
Today we remember how the Great Fire of Rome started near the Circus Maximus destroying most of the city. The fire spread with the help of groups who later claimed to be acting under orders. Nero blamed the Christians and unleashed a persecution that killed Peter & Paul
Birmingham City was founded in 1875 by 6 choirboys from Holy Trinity Church - this is their story and that of their popular vicar who ended up in jail
Today we look at how an influential Manchu bannerman converted to Christianity after his fiancé was cared for in a hospital by the Sisters of Mercy. Ying Lianzhi founded a university and the oldest Chinese Newspaper, after reading the writings of Matteo Ricci.
Innocent III was one of the most consequential popes of medieval times. Not frightened to use papal hard power, he also left a surprising legacy of reform
The life of an incredible woman - Anne-Marie Javouhey - founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny. Freer of Slaves and nicknamed the Velvet Brick
St Marks Basilica saw its bell tower collapse on July 14 1902. We tell the story of Venice, its cultural importance and the story of the campanile
We look at the life of C S Lewis and his relationship with J R R Tolkien and Joy Davidman, his wife who died today
Today the Roman Emperor Titus attacked the walls of Jerusalem in A.D 70. It would lead to the massacre of many and the destruction of the magnificent Temple. This has had a huge impact on Christian scripture as well as a devastating impact on Judaism
The Scottish Missionary Eric Liddell won the Olympic 400-meter race in Paris after he had rejected an opportunity to run in the 100 meter race because its heats were on a Sunday. It happened today and this is his story
Cardinal Richelieu, was a French clergyman and statesman also known as l'Éminence rouge, or "the Red Eminence" and became very powerful under Louis III. This is the story of the prestigious French Academy and its 40 immortals
Today we look at the unprecedent global journeys of John Paul II, a stampede at a mass in Fortaleza in North East Brazil and its Dom Helder Camara the bishop who spoke for the poor and instituted the pact of the Catacombs
John Templeton, one of the worlds most generous philanthropist was fascinated by religion and science. His annual prize is bigger than the Nobel Prizes in monetary value as he felt that spirituality was ignored by the Nobels.
Alexander Solzhenitsyns book the Gulag Archipelago sold over 30million copies and did much to expose the cruelty and lies of Stalins Regime. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. This is the story of his own spiritual journey and conversion in the Gulag.
Today we look at the life and thought of Mircea Eliade a Romanian historian of religion, fiction writer, philosopher, and professor at the University of Chicago. His work on the Eternal Return and also on the Terror of History as an explanation for secular man's anxieties was ground-breaking and innovative
Thomas Cook - a committed Baptist and fierce promoter of the Temperance movement in industrial Britain ended up being a pioneer of the travel industry.
One of the most powerful woman in the Ancient World - Pulcheria was a Eastern Roman empress who advised her brother emperor Theodosius II and then became wife to emperor Marcian. Her influence of Christian dogma is huge and she convened some of the most significant Church Councils
For more than 500 years, Europeans believed a Christian king ruled over a vast empire somewhere in the wilds of Africa, India or the Far East. The mysterious king claimed to serve as “supreme ruler of the three Indies” and all its 72 kingdoms. He described his realm as a utopia rich in gold, filled with milk and honey and populated by exotic races of giants and horned men.
A popular superstition linking this Anglo Saxon Bishop and the weather has proved remarkably resilient. We investigate it in todays podcast as we remember Swithins death on July 2, 863
An outpouring of anti-foreign and anti-Christian violence in China lead to the beheading of Horace Tracy Pitkin. He would become known as the first missionary martyr from Yale University
A Victorian Poet who was outstanding for her poetry - love sonnets, religious poem and feminist poetry. She died today after eloping to Italy with her husband.
Lord of the World is a 1907 dystopian science fiction novel by Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson that centres upon the reign of the Antichrist and the end of the world. It has been called prophetic by Dale Ahlquist, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis
One of the most innovative thinkers of the 20th century was the polymath Rene Girard. His theory about mimetic desire, mimetic rivalry and the scapegoating mechanism have had a huge effect across various disciplines, from economics, sociology and theology. He even inspired the Pay Pal founder Peter Thiel to make the first investment in Facebook. Bishop Robert Barron think he will become known as a 20th Century Church Father
One of the greatest theologians of the 20th Century, Hans Urs Von Balthazar. We look at his monumental 15 volume work and his relationship with the mystic Adrienne Von Speyer.
John Lafarge, an American Jesuit, stood behind Martin Luther King at the famous 'I have a dream speech'. He also was directly and secretly commissioned by Pope Pius XI to write an encyclical against the Nazi's. It was never promulgated - why?
Said to have preached the Gospel before more people that anyone in history, We look at the life of Billy Graham as we remember his last crusade that started today. Criticised by all sides, he was a bridge builder, was friends of many presidents and grew too close to Richard Nixon. Accused by his critics of being manipulated by the Soviets. he preached all over the world.
The story of a Polish/American Jesuit who endured 5 years in Moscow's notorious Lubyanka prison and then 15 years in the Siberian Gulags before being exchanged in a prisoner swap
This is the story of Kateri Takakwitha the first American Indian to be declared a saint
George Lemaitre started thinking about the origin of the universe in the trenches during WW1. The Belgian priest went on to become an expert on Einstein's theory of relativity. applying it to the whole universe, he created a theory of the beginning of the universe that would be called The Big Bang. An insult from the atheist Fred Hoyle, it stuck. It also was proven when Hubble made his discovery of an expanding universe. The Universe was not a steady state, it had a beginning which Lemaitre could prove.
One of the most intellectually interesting figures of the 19th Century in the UK. A Catholic Historian who specialised in liberty and had a profound influence on Gladstone
Laudato Si was a ground breaking encyclical from Pope Francis on the call of the poor and the call of the planet. We look at how it stands in the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching
Today the Methodist Lay Preacher George Loveless returned from exile in Tasmania after being pardoned by the British Government. One of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, this is his story.
A hymn that became an international favourite and used at times of crisis, started on a becalmed boat between Italy and France. We look at how it was written and who wrote it - John Henry Newman.
Getting the tyrannical King John to sign the Magna Carta was a huge moment for individual rights (of barons). By curtailing tyrannical power it laid the foundations for liberty. Down to the diplomatic powers and conciliatory effort of Archbishop Stephen Langton. Who also left a significant legacy to how we organise the Bible
Church Bells rang out all over the country today to defy the restriction on religious activities enforced by the Communists. Stalin had gone back on the promises made at the Yalta conference, and an Iron Curtain had split Europe. Hungary's Christians under the leadership of the brave and obstinate Cardinal Mindszenty
Dr Jerome Lejeune was the first to identify the double chromosome that caused Downs Syndrome. When the medical profession starting using his discovery for pre-natal screening result in the routine abortions of Downs children it devastated him. He vigorously campaigned for their protection and became a close friend and advisor to Pope John Paul II.
A decisive and democratic vote in 1991 returned the title of St Petersburg after it had been called Leningrad for 70 years. It was another clear indication that Christianity was more resilient than Communism.
Fulton J Sheen was one of the first televangelists. A telegenic, gifted communicator, he had a very fruitful apostolate. Was the victim of vicious inter-church politics but his cause for Sainthood is now open.
Hugely influential Theologian and Historian, training generations of leaders and teachers in Liberal Protestantism and the Theology of Culture. One of his key pupils Karl Barth would spectacularly fall out with him before the two world wars.
Terese Martin was a remarkable teenager - who at the age of 15 refused to leave the side of the Pope in a public audience as she wished to enter a Carmelite Convent. Dying at the early age of 24, her spiritual memoirs of a hidden life have become a classic, translated into 35 languages and she has been declared a Saint and a Doctor of the Church
The Peruvian Dominican Gustavo Gutierrez is seen by many as being the father of Liberation Theology this is his story
The life of the great Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi is intertwined with his magnus opus the Sagrada Familia. It changed him and he changed ecclesial architecture with his imagination and genius.
John Charlton Polkinghorne was an English theoretical physicist, theologian, and Anglican priest. A prominent voice explaining the relationship between science and religion, he was Professor of Mathematical Physics at the University of Cambridge from 1968 to 1979, when he resigned his chair to study for the priesthood, becoming an ordained Anglican priest in 1982.
The Sacheverell riots were a series of outbreaks of public disorder, which spread across England during the spring, summer and autumn of 1710 in which supporters of the Tories attacked the homes and meeting-houses of dissenters particularly those of presbyterians, inspired by the Nov 5th Sermon of Rev Henry Sacheverell.
We look at the First Amendment of the Constitution of the USA - and its double function of protecting the state from religious control and protecting religion from political control. How can this be abused and was it abuse in Wallace v Jafree in Alabama?
Pope Pius XII has long been smeared as being Hitlers Pope, English historian John Cornwell has made a lot of money from it. Today we look at the defection of the head of the Romanian KGB who admitted it was a Russian disinformation campaign.
Indian Priest and psychotherapist Anthony De Mello sold over 2 million books on spirituality in his life time, fusing Christian Spirituality with Eastern traditions of Daoism and Buddhism. But after he died prematurely on June 2 1987 his work came under critical inspection by the Vatican. Why?
The most exciting discovery of modern Archaeology in a cave by the shore of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Scrolls is a huge discovery of nearly 900 manuscripts. Where did they come from and what do they tell us?
The 5th conference of Latin American Bishops (CELAM) was in the Mexican shrine of Aparecida. Did this mark a decisive shift to Latin America as a Source Church for the Global Church. An Argentinian Jesuit, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio oversaw the final report. He would become Pope Francis
On May 30 the confessing church in German finished its first synod and issued the Barmen Declaration. Bravely denouncing the Nazification of the Evangelical Church. They were inspired by Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemoller
Described as the Prince of Paradox, great wordsmith and communicator Chesterton had an interesting spiritual journey. Unitarianism > Occult > Anglicanism > Catholicism. Some of his books are now considered to be classics of apologetics, and his Father Brown detective series is more popular than ever. A process for beatification is open.
How a young emigrant to USA had an experience of being born again, which prevented him from being bitter and gave him the resilience to build up one of Americas most famous companies. His deep faith led him to share most of his wealth through tithing
Canon Law has developed over 2000 years and influence the development of many secular legal systems
William Bernardo wanted to be a missionary to China after his evangelical conversion. Moving to London to study medicine he was shocked by how many children were orphaned and lived on the streets
This encyclical on Church Unity, marked a different papal tone, with John Paul II calling ecumenism an imperative
John Wesley went from spiritual despair to renewal after experiencing a strange warming of the heart in Aldersgate London
Today Sam Sharpe was executed for inciting a Slave Rebellion, he is now a national hero in Jamaica. A slave himself and a Baptist Deacon, this is his story
Today we remember how Popes commissioned and Blessed the redesigned Trevi Fountain. The City of Rome has closely been linked to the rise and fall of the Papacy.
Michelangelo's Pieta is one of the greatest sculptures of all time, and today it was attacked by a Hungarian Geologist and seriously damaged.
The greatest mind of the 8th Century - changed how we read letters, and saved a lot of knowledge from Viking Destruction. Alcuin of York - a one man renaissance was the sun who shone over Europe
Today we remember the disappearance of Aimee McPherson a remarkable and pioneering evangelist. And how she reappeared 5 weeks later in the Mexican Desert ... what happened?
The Jesuit explorer Jacques Marquette and the Canadian Fur Trapper Louis Joillet were the first to explore and map the Mississipi - they embarked today and this is their story
Today in 1598 the Italian Astronomer Giovani Battista Ricciolo was born. He became a Jesuit Priest and published the most important book on astrology of the time for use in schools. He was also the first to map the moon, classify Mizar as a double star and his scientific companion Fr Grimaldi discovered refraction of light.
How Easter was kept alive under Communism in Russia. the first country with the stated aim of eradicating religion. The heroic role of the Grandmothers. Where do easter traditions such as easter eggs and bunnies come from? And finally why did some Christian sects outlaw Easter!
Today we look at the death of Christ on Fri 3 April, AD33. How have Christians shifted its meaning from shame to redemption. We also look at the intriguing stories of some of the objects associated with it - the Shroud of Turin, and the True Cross