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 1: Benedict of Nursia ca. 480-ca. 547). Strict but useful rule helped monks transform Europe.
• Module 2: John of Damascus (ca. 676-749). John argues for the use of icons.
• Module 3: Charlemagne (ca. 742-814). This Christian king did good but forced conversions.
•Module 4: Crusades (1099). An eyewitness account of the capture of Jerusalem.
Module 5: Anselm (1033-1109). England’s archbishop answers why Christ became a man.
Module 6: Abelard (ca. 1079-1142). An autobiography of excuses and blame.
Module 7: Bernard of Claivaux (1090-1153). Four stages of love.
Module 8: Guibert de Nogent (d. 1112). Forgery and hypocrisy in the use of relics.
Module 9: Peter Waldo (d. 1218). Waldo wanted to get back to the Bible.
Module 10: Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). Merchant’s son brought tenderness back into the church.
Module 11: Cathars (ca. 1200). The Inquisition grills Cathars (Albigensians).
Module 12: Aquinas (1225-1274). Catholic theologian says the bread really becomes Christ’s body.
Module 13: Thomas à Kempis (ca. 1380-1471). A beloved guide shows how to follow Christ.
