Hello, and welcome.
This podcast looks at the rise of Protestantism, how it challenged old traditions, changed core beliefs, and started a transformation that changed the world.
At the heart of this story are England’s Nonconformist and Separatist movements, whose influence echoes throughout the broader Christian tradition.
By looking at these movements in the broader context of Christian history, we can see how they changed doctrine, shaped Western Christianity, and deepened the lasting split between Roman Catholicism and the new Protestant groups.
This series follows a chronological timeline, beginning in early 16th-century Germany with Martin Luther’s excommunication, and concluding a century later, on England’s southern coast.
Each episode starts and ends with a short piece of music, that fits its theme.
A complete transcript accompanies each episode for your reference.
The series does not seek to persuade listeners, or advocate, for any particular belief system.
Instead, it aims to explore the events, ideas, and conflicts that shaped one of the most important times in European religious history.
Throughout the series, the determination and conviction of early Puritans, Nonconformists, and Separatists are highlighted.
These individuals challenged prevailing norms, endured persecution, and frequently risked their lives for their beliefs.
Their courage, contributed to the foundation of religious freedom, and individual rights that are widely valued today.
The first 12-episode series, highlights the contributions of figures such as Beza, Vermigli, Calvin, Tyndale, Knox, and Robert Browne, who is frequently referred to as the father of Congregationalism.
The second 12-episode series begins in 1585, when the Protestant crusade in Holland begins to fall apart.
From there, we follow the events, leading to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, and discover the story of another important, though often overlooked Martin.
These events take us from the reign of Elizabeth the First into the turbulent rule of King James, Mary’s only son.
The third series, commencing in 1607, examines the struggles of Puritan Nonconformists as they transition from Puritanism to Separatism, and ultimately, migrate, to the emerging English Separatist communities, in Holland and Europe.
The featured artwork, is Exsurge Domine, which translates as 'Arise, O Lord'.
It is the cover page of the Papal Bull, made public, on 15 June 1520, by Pope Leo X.
The document was promulgated, in response to Martin Luther's teachings, which conflicted with the Catholic Church's doctrines.
The musical selection featured is, "Dies Irae", which means, The Day of Wrath.
This piece is a Medieval Latin poem, most recognised for its use in the Roman Rite Requiem, for the Dead, and funeral Mass
© 2025 The Rise of the Protestants. Author, Shaughan Holt.
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