How did a seven-year-old girl who was brutally taken from her family and sold as a slave grow up to become the first African American woman to have her poems published? Join Trinity, Mina, and Priscilla as they listen to Professor Vincent Carretta, author of Phillis Wheatley: Biography of a Genius in Bondage, recount the fascinating story of this intriguing poet. Learn how her poems helped to change some of the mistaken opinions many people in Europe and the American colonies held about Africans.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a copy of Simonetta Carr's biography of Phillis Wheatley to two of our young listeners. Enter here to win!

While William Cowper is widely regarded as one of the greatest evangelical poets of the 18th century, he was, in fact, one of the greatest of all the 18th-century poets. His poems reflect a profound faith in God and God's providence and presence in every aspect of life. Many became hymns and are still sung today. Join Grace, Sean, and Emma as they discuss Cowper's life, faith, and works with Dr. Andrew Newell, Junior Research Fellow (J.R.F.) in Literature & Theology at Wycliffe Hall and the English Faculty at the University of Oxford.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a copy of Simonetta Carr's biography of John Newton, which references William Cowper, to one of our young listeners. Enter here to win!

Show Notes

Andrew Newell’s favorite hymn: https://hymnary.org/text/jesus_whereer_thy_people_meet

William Cowper’s poem about the rabbits: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50599/epitaph-on-a-hare

William Cowper’s poem about the death of his mother: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44031/on-receipt-of-my-mothers-picture

The Task (book referenced by Andrew Newell as his favorite of William Cowper’s writings): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3698/3698-h/3698-h.htm

Most people are familiar with the hymn "Amazing Grace." According to statistics, it is performed approximately 10 million times worldwide every year. And that's just public performances. It doesn't count all the times when it's sung in churches. However, not everyone is familiar with the author of this hymn, John Newton, and his role in helping to abolish the slave trade while faithfully preaching the gospel. Join Grace, Sean, and Priscilla as they discover more about this great pastor and hymn-writer with Rev. Jonathan Aitken, a priest in the Church of England and author of the biography John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a copy of Simonetta Carr's biography about John Newton to one of our young listeners. Enter here to win!

Show Notes

Jonathan Aitken’s book about John Newton:

https://www.crossway.org/books/john-newton-tpb/?srsltid=AfmBOoo2PE361YLSqCvoHZ0mX2pBxBonxnQkicsZIkDDXuCS3ezGIt6e

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis:

Áitken's favorite hymn: https://hymnary.org/text/glorious_things_of_thee_are_spoken

At a time when Protestants were fiercely persecuted in France, a young woman named Marie Durand was imprisoned for her faith and remained in prison under terrible conditions for 38 years. Her letters to pastors and influential people were instrumental in closing the prison, and her letters to her niece express the faith that helped Marie stay true to Christ. Join Sophia, Emma, and Grace as they discuss Marie Durand and the Huguenots with their guest, Rev. Campbell Markham, minister of Scots' Church in Fremantle, Western Australia, and author of an upcoming book on Marie Durand.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award a copy of Simonetta Carr's biography about Marie Durand to one of our listeners, Pamela S. from Aliceville, AL!

Show Notes

Rev. Markham's website: https://campbellmarkham.substack.com/

Rev. Markham's research updates: https://substack.com/@campbellmarkham

Rev. Markham's translation of Adolf Monod's book (mentioned in the episode):

https://www.amazon.com.au/Christian-Suffering-translation-classic-dAdolphe-ebook/dp/B0787XS8VT

Music has played an important role in church history. In previous episodes, we've talked about many composers who wrote hymns specifically for the church. However, there were also musicians like Bach who wrote sacred and secular music for the glory of God. Bach's compositions covered a wide range of emotions and were filled with theological insights. Join Sophia, Trinity, and Linus as they talk to Dr. Paul Grime, professor of Pastoral Ministry and Mission at Concordia Theological Seminary, about this important composer and his faith.

Show Notes:

Bach's pieces that were mentioned in the podcast:

1. Bach's Coffee Cantata: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nifUBDgPhl4
2. The piece Bach wrote shortly before his death is Vor deinem Thron tret ich hiermit ("I hereby come before Your throne"). The catalog number is BW 668.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XTCZ1iUQeQ

1. The cantata movement with the plucking strings imitating the knocking at the door is Cantata 61 (BWV 61), based on the Advent hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come." The movement with the plucked strings begins at the 9:32 mark. The whole cantata is a great example of the genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzWJsRjanC4

Before the famous missionary William Carey was born, a group of Christian Moravians sent over 200 missionaries to 28 countries. Join Emma, Grace, and Priscilla as they ask Dr. Ed Smither, professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity at Columbia International University and author of many books on church history and missions, to tell us all about the Moravians and their fascinating history.

Time-travel back with Trinity, Grace, and Sean to 18th-century Wales to learn about a series of revivals led by young people who wanted to bring people back to a true worship of God. Listen to Dr. E. Wyn James, professor emeritus in the School of Welsh at Cardiff University and author of several books, as he tells us many fun stories about the 18th-century Welsh Revival.

We’re also pleased to award one of our listeners a copy of Dr. James’ book, Flame in the Mountains, thanks to the generosity of Y Lolfa Publishers. Congratulations Richard P. from Madera, CA!

Show Notes:

Dr. E. Wyn’s James website on Ann Griffiths: https://www.anngriffiths.cardiff.ac.uk/

Dr. James’ book, Flame in the Mountains:

https://www.ylolfa.com/products/9781784614546/flame-in-the-mountains

In response to our listener questions, check out the following episodes:

Episode: 21: https://kidstalkchurchhistory.podbean.com/e/early-missions-to-china/

Episode 30: https://kidstalkchurchhistory.podbean.com/e/the-medieval-church-and-the-protestant-reformation/

In this episode of Kids Talk Church History, we wrap up our fourteen-episode look at the seventeenth century, a war-torn time when the church crystallized its teachings with catechisms and confessions. Learn from our hosts why these confessions are important, why scholars are not boring, why some missionaries were forced to eat boiled shoes, and many more fun facts. Find out who their favorite characters are and what episodes they liked the best. Also, say goodbye to our veteran host, Lucas, and welcome to our new host, Priscilla. Feel free to write goodbye notes to Lucas and any other comments you want to send us.