The fall of Constantinople in 1453 had a profound impact on Christopher Columbus, inspiring him to launch a new crusade by sailing across the Atlantic and connecting with the Great Khan in Asia, with the goal of spreading the gospel and liberating the eastern Mediterranean from the Islamic Horde. [... more]

The concept of a lawn originated from medieval castles, where grass would naturally fill in cleared areas. The idea of a shared lawn gained popularity in the 17th century, particularly among the wealthy, and was later popularized by the development of the lawn mower in the 19th century. Today, lawns are a ubiquitous feature of American culture, covering over 40 million acres of land and requiring significant maintenance and resources. [... more]

The rise of Islam presented a significant challenge to Christianity in the Middle Ages, with its rapid growth and expansion into the Western world. Muhammad, the founder of Islam, claimed to have received revelations from God, which he used to establish a new monotheistic faith. Islam's emphasis on submission to God's will and its strict moral code, including the five pillars of Islam, set it apart from Christianity. The two faiths have had a complex and often contentious relationship throughout history, with Islam's expansion into Europe posing a significant threat to Christian dominance. [... more]

The Roman Empire's decline led to a decentralization of civilization, and people looked to the papacy for continuity. Emperor Justinian and Pope Gregory I played crucial roles in shaping the early Middle Ages, with Justinian's Christian empire and Gregory's leadership in the Western Church contributing to the development of medieval society and the church. [... more]

The Middle Ages were a time of great cultural and intellectual accomplishment, often misunderstood as the Dark Ages. Dr. W. Robert Godfrey explores the hopes, challenges, triumphs, and tragedies of Christianity during this period, highlighting its importance for understanding Christian civilization and its ongoing influence on the world today. [... more]

The doctrine of justification by faith alone has been a subject of controversy throughout church history. Martin Luther's 95 theses sparked a theological battle that continues to this day. Paul and James, two key figures in the Bible, seem to be in disagreement on the matter, but a closer examination reveals that they are actually complementing each other's message. Paul emphasizes the foundation of salvation, while James highlights the fruit of salvation, demonstrating that faith without works is dead. [... more]

The Protestant Reformation was a movement of the spirit, emphasizing salvation by grace, faith alone, and Scripture alone. The reformers, such as Luther and Calvin, believed that the Holy Spirit gives new life, a new heart, and a new enjoyment of God, and that true faith is a firm, certain knowledge of God's benevolence towards us, founded on the truth and freely given promise in Christ. [... more]

The Christmas tree, a variation of the ancient Norse custom, became the centerpiece to the family-oriented American Christmas. The holiday was establishing roots in both the sacred and the secular traditions. The story of Christmas, the real story behind the Christmas traditions here in this great country, is a time machine that transports us back to a moment when we were loved and we were cherished. Christmas is a time when we bring in our greens and turn on the lights, hang our stockings and sing our carols in church and in the streets amidst the chaos. We even find time to rejoice at the birth of a child 2,000 years ago. The smells of our grandparents' kitchens come alive, getting our first Christmas present comes alive, and all of those songs and traditions become that time machine that transports us back to a moment when we were loved and we were cherished. [... more]

The Crusades were a radical break with Christian history, driven by an apocalyptic expectation of the end of time, with Christians believing they needed to recapture the holy city of Jerusalem to hasten Christ's return. This ideal emerged in the 11th century, with the first Crusade succeeding in capturing Jerusalem in 1099, but also resulting in violence and bloodshed. The Crusades continued for centuries, with various attempts to recapture Jerusalem, leaving a dark wound on Christianity and a complex legacy that still affects relations between Christians and Muslims today. [... more]

The Great Vowel Shift was a significant change in the English language that occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, transforming the pronunciation of vowels and affecting the way words were spoken. This shift was influenced by factors such as population migration, the Norman Conquest, and the introduction of French loanwords into the English language. The result was a language that is unique in its history and complexity, with a pronunciation that is distinct from other languages in Europe. [... more]

The Great Vowel Shift was a period of radical change in the English language that occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, transforming the pronunciation of vowels and affecting the entire language. This shift was influenced by factors such as population migration, the Norman Conquest, and the introduction of French loanwords, ultimately shaping the modern English language. [... more]

The origins of everyday sayings and phrases are explored, from 'peter out' to 'point blank', in a fascinating journey through history and language. From the brutal punishments of medieval England to the opium dens of 19th-century America, the stories behind our words are revealed. [... more]

The intersection of Christianity and science is a complex topic, with many misconceptions about the role of faith in scientific inquiry. Dr. Shah and his guests discuss how modern science grew out of Judeo-Christian values and how the church should not attach itself to any particular view of the world, but rather let its worldview come from scripture. [... more]

John Wycliffe's translation of the Bible into English laid crucial groundwork for the Reformation. Jan Hus's defense of Wycliffe and his own martyrdom inspired others, including Martin Luther, who nailed his 95 theses to the castle church door in 1517. Erasmus's humanist approach and Savonarola's social reform efforts also contributed to the Reformation, but the medieval church's corruption and resistance to change ultimately led to its downfall. [... more]

John Hus, a Czech priest, defied the church of his day and paid for it by being burned at the stake. His ideas and writings influenced Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Hus' courage and conviction in the face of persecution paved the way for future reformers and the restoration of the Bible to its rightful place. [... more]

The 16th-century Reformation was a rebirth of Christianity, recovering the true gospel from centuries of tradition. John Wycliffe, a key figure, popularized the Bible, making it available to the common man, and his followers, the Lollards, were persecuted for their faith. The Reformation's issues, such as the nature of the church and the role of tradition, are still relevant today. [... more]

The origins of everyday sayings and fun phrases are revealed in a book that explores the surprising, captivating, and even hilarious beginnings behind 400 of these expressions, including above board, Achilles heel, and across the board. [... more]

Jesus Christ will literally return to earth to reign and rule over the planet for a thousand years, a period known as the Millennial Kingdom. This golden age will be a time of unprecedented peace, harmony, and justice, where the animal kingdom will no longer fear mankind, and mankind will no longer fear the animal kingdom. The Bible prophesies of this coming reign with precision, and it is a promise that has been made clear through the scriptures and the record of history. [... more]

The concept of global peace is deeply tied to the literal reign of Jesus Christ, who will subjugate and rule over the nations, ushering in the Golden Age. This idea is rooted in biblical prophecy, which foretells a future period of world peace and harmony, where righteousness and goodness dominate, and the environment is restored to its pristine purity. The Bible provides the information and details for this coming kingdom, where Jesus Christ will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and believers will reign with him upon the earth. [... more]

The Great Vowel Shift was a significant change in the English language that occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, transforming the pronunciation of vowels and affecting the way words were spoken. This change was influenced by historical events, such as the Norman Conquest, and population migration. Meanwhile, a unique museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, showcases a vast collection of salt and pepper shakers, highlighting the history and significance of these everyday objects. Additionally, millions of people will make Medicare coverage decisions next year, and UnitedHealthcare can help them feel confident about their choices. [... more]