Imagine going to a country with one of the oldest expressions of Christian faith...as a BAPTIST?!?!?

Just kidding. But really, Taylor just got back from a week-long mission trip in Ethiopia, eastern Africa's historic den of Christianity.

So how did it go? What is the relationship between the Ethiopian Protestants and the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians? Are mission trips something that the church needs to invest more in? Does Taylor have any fun new accents to try out?

Listen to our latest episode of CHUMP TALK for all that and more.

And don't worry, we'll be back to church history next week. Just let us have our fun for a little bit.

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"Nice pagan temple. Be a shame if someone...Christianized it."

-Constantine, probably

The conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity was one of the most groundbreaking events to occur in the history of Rome. The single most influential political figure in the world had official changed divine allegiances.

But as we'll talk about today, the implications for this change would be felt in the religious spheres of the Empire as well. Across territories, Constantine would go about building some of the most ornate churches the world has ever seen.

Join the boys as they get back into arguing about Constantine and whether the movie was any good or not. Also Taylor is in ketosis, and Thomas is pretty uncomfortable about it.

(Banter ends 9:15)

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The scandal of Christianity is that the Church is seldom greatest amongst the rich and powerful. Often, those rich in spirit are poor in worldly treasure. The "abundant life" promised in the Gospels is nearest to those who share in Christ's sufferings.

History often shows how the power of the Spirit is felt in the quiet, overlooked spaces of the powerless and vulnerable.

For many years, this was the experience of the African American Church.

Listen as Tom and John are joined by Dr. Walter Strickland, who shares from his years of study spent on the topic of Black Christianity in the United States.

We discuss pressing and relevant questions, like: Why is Christianity considered the white man's religion? Was the Black Church historically involved in missions? Is it cool for white churches to sing Gospel songs? And much more.

If you'd like to check out Swing Low, Dr. Strickland's phenomenal new book, you can check it out here.

Check out Chomp Theology!

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Tertullian always had a dragon's tongue.

After his conversion and baptism, he would unleash his fiery rhetoric on heretics, pagan emperors, and persecuting powers. In the process, he would pen some of the finest Latin theology of the early 3rd century.

But over time, this dragon would lose its wits. If you've ever wondered why, of the many early church fathers, Tertullian was one of the few denied the title of Saint, wonder no more.

John is still sick, and it shows (sorry he sounds like a cartoon character with the flu). But hey, the gang's all here, and that includes YOU! Wow.

(Banter ends at 8:41)

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Imagine you're a 4th century Roman soldier on assignment in North Africa.

Among the theological tension of this region, strange rumors begin to circulate. That within the region of Carthage, there are a peculiarly zealous sect of young men who, well...you'll see soon enough.

Join Jonathan Taylor Thomas as we discuss this strange phenomena in church history, and how it may, or may not, relate to the church today.

Also, John is very sick, and Thomas is very tired. And Taylor makes a lot of Dnd jokes. So it's a little unhinged at times. Bear with us.

(Banter ends at 8:40)

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Every story needs a good villain.

Thanos. The Joker. Tom Brady.

In the late 4th Century, the Church had a villain by the name of Arianism.

After the Council of Nicaea, the post-persecution church had united under the banner of Nicene theology, girded by the writings of Athanasius. Under this creed, they affirmed the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, who is one with the Father and Spirit.

Although decades had past since this groundbreaking Council, the stink of Arianism wafted through the Empire, leading to another attempt to oust it once and for all, the Council of Constantinople.

Will it succeed? Will it fail? Tune in this week for another rager episode of Church History for Chumps!

(The banter ends at 7:45)

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Have you ever been 'volun-told' to do something? Maybe volunteer for setup at your church, or work the sound board?

Imagine being 'volun-told' to lead one of the most influential dioceses in the nation, when you're not even a baptized Christian yet.

That would be the story of Ambrose of Milan, a kind-hearted young man with a soft spot for diplomacy. He comforted the unruly masses in Milan so successfully, that the people demanded he fill the vacant Bishop seat, despite having no formal ministry experience or theological training. And you thought stacking chairs was hard.

Join us for a fun, fun, fun time! Shoutout to Singapore btw. And to our best pal Ewan, you can skip to like, idk, the 8 minute mark to avoid the banter. We appreciate you bro.

(The banter ends at 8:26)

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"I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious."
-Constantine, probably

The 4th century has begun to dawn. The Christian church is in hot water. The new system of tetrarchy established by Diocletian has already started to teeter, and Rome looks to fall back into the chaos of the prior century.

But in the West, stands a man. A man who, unknown to anyone at this point, would become one of the single most controversial figures in church history. His name was Constantine. He would do something a Roman Emperor had never done. He would profess Christ as Lord.

Things are about to get interesting.

Thanks for listening, gang!

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