Medieval Church Modules
These thirteen modules, consisting of excerpts from documents in church history, were chosen and introduced by church historian Stephen Tomkins (except the Waldo module). They are intended for self study or as a quarterly introduction for a weekly Sunday school class or other study group. To receive email notification as new modules are released, sign up at the left.
• Module 201: Benedict of Nursia ca. 480-ca. 547). Strict but useful rule helped monks transform Europe.
• Module 202: John of Damascus (ca. 676-749). John argues for the use of icons.
• Module 203: Charlemagne (ca. 742-814). This Christian king did good but forced conversions.
•Module 204: Crusades (1099). An eyewitness account of the capture of Jerusalem.
• Module 205: Anselm (1033-1109). England’s archbishop answers why Christ became a man.
• Module 206: Abelard (ca. 1079-1142). An autobiography of excuses and blame.
• Module 207: Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153). Four stages of love.
• Module 208: Guibert de Nogent (d. 1112). Forgery and hypocrisy in the use of relics.
• Module 209: Peter Waldo (d. 1218). Waldo wanted to get back to the Bible.
• Module 210: Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). Merchant’s son brought tenderness back into the church.
• Module 211: Cathars (ca. 1200). The Inquisition grills Cathars (Albigensians).
• Module 212: Aquinas (1225-1274). Catholic theologian says the bread really becomes Christ’s body.
• Module 213: Thomas à Kempis (ca. 1380-1471). A beloved guide shows how to follow Christ.
