This Week in Christian History

Episode #9: Francis Asbury and American Methodism

Before established churches dotted the American landscape, one man rode tirelessly across a rugged and expanding nation to bring the Gospel to its people. On This Week in Christian History, Nick Walters and Dr. John Wigger explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Francis Asbury—the circuit-riding bishop whose leadership helped transform Methodism into one of the most influential forces in early American Christianity.

Episode #8: Theodore the Studite and Iconoclasm

Join Nick Walters and Dr. George Demacopoulos of Fordham University this week as they examine the relationship of church and state in the life of Theodore the Studite amidst the Iconoclastic Controversies. Theodore the Studite lived from 759 to 826 and emerged as one of the most influential figures in Eastern Orthodox monasticism. Born into a notable Constantinopolitan family, Theodore eventually became abbot of the renowned Stoudios Monastery in Constantinople, a role that allowed him to shape practices that would define monastic life for centuries throughout the Orthodox world.

Episode #7: The Real St. Patrick

Separating fact from fiction is one of the greatest challenges when studying the life of St. Patrick, the fifth-century missionary traditionally credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Join host Nick Walters and Dr. Elva Johnston as they uncover the true story of St. Patrick.

In this episode we explore the life, legacy, and historical impact of Patrick, whose story blends captivity, calling, and missionary perseverance. Born in Roman Britain in the late fourth century, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders as a teenager and enslaved for several years. During that time he experienced a deep religious awakening that would shape the rest of his life. After escaping captivity and returning home, Patrick eventually sensed a call to return to Ireland—not as a slave, but as a Christian missionary determined to bring the Gospel to the people who had once held him in bondage.

Episode #6: John Newton's Conversion

The story of John Newton is one of the most powerful conversion narratives in the history of Christianity. Known today as the author of the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace," Newton’s life journey from slave trader to Anglican pastor has become one of the most widely remembered testimonies of repentance and redemption in the Christian tradition. Join Nick Walters and Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh of Regent College on this anniversary of Newton's conversion.

Episode #5: Diocletian's Edict Against the Christians

In this episode, the Deep Dive turns to one of the most consequential moments in early Christian history: Diocletian’s Edict Against the Christians in 303 AD. This episode’s expert, Dr. Michael A. G. Haykin of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Nick Walters to examine the context in which this decree emerged. Known to history as the opening of the Great Persecution, the edict represented an attempt by imperial authority to shatter the growing influence of the Christian faith at a time when the Roman world was wrestling with questions of identity, loyalty, and public religion. Learn how the Christians responded with resilience and steadfast commitment to Christ.

Episode #4: Eric Liddell with Brian Stanley

This episode features a conversation with Nick Walters, director of the Center for Christian History at Mississippi College, and Professor Brian Stanley of the University of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most respected historians of global Christianity and Christian missions. Join them for a deep dive into the life and death of Olympic champion and missionary Eric Liddell.

Episode #3: Thomas Meeks on "Ben-Hur" Author Lew Wallace

Lew Wallace lived perhaps one of the most impressive lives of the late 19th century. He held several prestigious titles including New Mexico territorial governor, Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, and Union Army General, and he served as a military judge at the trial of Abraham Lincoln’s assassins. He also wrote "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ," which has been called the most influential book of the 19th century. After a life of great success, Wallace died in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on February 15th, 1905. Nick Walters, director of the Center for Christian History, talks with Thomas Meeks of the Wallace Museum about the life and times of this fascinating figure.

Episode #2: What happened to the apostles?

Join Nick Walters of the Center for Christian History at Mississippi College as he interviews Kaylena Radcliff, managing editor of Christian History, about issue #156: What happened to the apostles?

Episode #1: The Mercersburg movement

Join Nick Walters of the Center for Christian History at Mississippi College as he interviews Kaylena Radcliff, managing editor of Christian History, about issue #155: The Mercersburg movement.