Hello and welcome.

This podcast explores the rise of Protestantism, how it challenged long-standing traditions, reshaped core beliefs, and set in motion a transformation, that would change the world.

At its centre, is the story of England’s Nonconformist and Separatist movements, highlighting their importance, within the larger context of the Christian faith.

By placing these movements within the broader framework of Christian history, we highlight how they redefined doctrine, altering the course of Western Christianity, and contributing to the enduring divide between Roman Catholicism and the emerging Protestant groups.

Our narrative, unfolds chronologically, beginning in early 16th-century Germany, with Martin Luther’s excommunication, concluding a century later, on the southern coast of England.

Each episode begins and ends with a short piece of music that is relevant to the content presented.

Additionally, each episode includes a complete transcript for your convenience.

This series does not seek to persuade or promote any particular belief.

Instead, it aims to examine the events, ideas, and conflicts that shaped one of the most pivotal eras in european religious history.

Throughout the series, you will encounter the determination and steadfast faith of early Puritans, Nonconformists, and Separatists—individuals who challenged societal norms, endured persecution, and often risked their lives, for their convictions.

Their courage, helped lay the foundation for the principles of religious freedom and individual rights, that many cherish today.

Our first 12-episode series, highlights the contributions of figures such as Beza, Vermigli, Calvin, Tyndale, Knox, and Robert Browne—widely regarded as the father of Congregationalism.

The second 12-episode series begins in 1585, as the Protestant crusade unravels in Holland.

From there, we follow the chain of events, leading to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, and uncover the story of another significant—though often overlooked—Martin.

These developments, carry us from the reign of Elizabeth the First, into the tumultuous rule of King James I, Mary’s only son.

In the third series, starting in 1607, we trace the struggles of the Puritan Nonconformists, following their journey from Puritanism to Separatism, and their eventual migration, to the emerging English Separatist communities, across Holland and Europe.

The artwork is Exsurge Domine, 'Arise, O Lord'.

It is the cover page of the Papal Bull promulgated or ‘exposed to public view’, on 15 June 1520 by Pope Leo X. It was issued in response to Martin Luther's teachings, which contradicted the beliefs upheld by the Catholic Church.

The Music accompaniment is Dies Irae, or The Day of Wrath'.

This is a medieval Latin poem, best known for its use in the Roman Rite Requiem, Mass for the Dead, and funeral Mass.

Regular episode  • Season 1  • Episode 1  • Protestant Beginnings. - Shorter listen.

The Artwork is a Painted portrait of Martin Luther, 1528

Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472–1553). Painting Location: The Coburg Fortress, a medieval fortress, situated above the town of Coburg, in the Upper Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany.

The Music is: Kyrie, from the Gregorian Plainsong Mass, Missa Orbis Factor.

This is a shorter version of the original episode, - for a quicker read !.

This episode examines the origins of a Protestant movement that significantly altered fundamental Christian beliefs.

The term "Protestant" originated from the Protestation at Speyer in 1529, where nobles opposed the decrees from the Diet of Worms that threatened the forfeiture of property for supporters of Lutheranism.

Martin Luther, a German priest, theologian, religious reformer, author, and Augustinian friar, was born on November 10, 1483, in Saxony. He was a key figure in the 16th-century Protestant Reformation and is often regarded as the pivotal leader of the movement whose followers became known as Lutherans.

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was one of the leading activists and thinkers of the European Renaissance. A man of remarkable intellect, he played a significant role in defining the humanist movement in Northern Europe.

At this point, it is also important to understand the concept of predestination. The Puritans believed that at the time of the world's creation, God had already predetermined who would be saved or condemned.

Lastly, it is essential to mention William Tyndale, who is widely regarded as the greatest English biblical scholar.

Regular episode  • Season 1 • Episode 2  • Three English Bibles. - Shorter listen.

The Artwork is: The cover page of the Coverdale Bible, which was first printed in 1535.

The Music is: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God'; Composer: Martin Luther.

This is a shorter version of the original episode, - for a quicker read !

In this episode, we discuss the life and death of Thomas More, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. We then focus on Myles Coverdale, an important English Bible translator and reformer.

Working alone, Coverdale carried out his mission independently, successfully creating the first fully printed English Bible, commonly known as The Coverdale Bible.

Our story then leads us to Thomas Cranmer, who was born in Nottinghamshire to a family with connections to the local gentry.

Printed in Antwerp in 1537, the Matthew Bible was an early compilation of English translations of the Bible's books.

The Great Bible of 1539 was the first edition of the Bible in English, authorised by King Henry VIII of England to be read aloud in the church services of England.

Three key English Bibles - the Great Bible published in 1539, the Bishops' Bible in 1568, and the King James Bible in 1611 - were all significantly influenced by Tyndale's biblical translations.

His work profoundly influenced later English translations and played a crucial role in the development and widespread use of the English language.