1. This month, we discuss the book "The Soul of Shame" by Dr. Curt Thompson. It was a really fun conversation, and Katie called it her top read of the year.
  2. Today on the Christian History Almanac podcast, we consider the life and works of a multifaceted and kaleidoscopic enigma (!) Johann Gerhard.
  3. Baptized, Confirmed, and Ordained. In this episode, we discuss the early Lutheran formulation of calling and ordination of pastors and preachers. What is ordination, when does it happen, are their rules and rites that must be followed, and much, much more!
  4. What does it mean that we are saved by grace alone?
  5. You can call me any day or night. Call me! In this episode, we read Martin Luther’s verbosely titled treatise, “That a Christian Assembly or Congregation has the Right and Power to Judge all Teaching and to Call, Appoint, and Dismiss Teachers, Established and Proven by Scripture." We discuss ordination, church authority, the doctrine of the pastoral call, and much more.
  6. Resistance to Tyranny is Obedience to God. In this episode, we discuss tyranny and resistance while reading a book of the same title by Reformation scholar David Mark Whitford. What is tyranny? When are Christians called to resist tyranny, and what does that entail? Are there any standards by which a Christian may judge whether a government serves God or the devil?
  7. Today on the Christian History Almanac podcast, we remember the “First Woman of the Reformation” Katharina Zell.
  8. Dr. Paulson outlines some of the major interpretive issues of modern Bible historians.
  9. Today on the Christian History Almanac podcast, we remember a Walloon, a Reformer, and an important 16th c. Confession of Faith.
  10. Dr. Paulson discusses how some theology distrusts the literal meaning of Scripture.
  11. Today on the Christian History Almanac podcast, we head to the mailbag to answer a question about the early church.