History is full of odd tales, and nowhere more so than during the Protestant Reformation. We have, for example, the much beloved story of how Martin Luther’s future wife, Katharina …
Tag: history
The Origins of the Protestant Reformation
Can you recall the first time you learned about the Protestant Reformation? In all likelihood, you were told a story somewhat like this. On October 31, 1517, a German monk …
The Traitors in my Family
In this week just after Guy Fawkes Day, when the entirety of the American populace stands ready to go at each other with torch and pitchfork, it seems appropriate that …
Revising (and Reviving) History through Fiction
“History takes a long time for us to reach.” That rather obvious statement was made by a former president of the United States, George W. Bush, when reflecting upon …
The Worst Christmas Ever
Henry was having a terrible Christmas – possibly the worst Christmas ever. One might almost say he was experiencing hell on earth, and not just because he was in the …
Who is to Blame for the Rise of ISIS?
There are a lot of lessons that we can take from the alarming expansion of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Surely it is a parable, but what …
Scotland’s Referendum in Perspective
If I type the word “Scotland”, what pops into your mind? Kilted men playing bagpipes? “They may take our lives, but they can never take our freedom!”? A blurry image …
The Ukraine Crisis Explained in a Series of Maps
Ukraine has been in the news quite a bit lately. What began as a series of protests against President Viktor Yanukovych following his decision not to sign a trade deal with the …
What was Missing in the Sochi Opening Ceremony (Other than the Fifth Olympic Ring)
The introduction to the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Sochi may have told us something about how much success women have had in Russian history. Is the United States …
The JFK Assassination: Where Are They Now?
As you have probably heard, today marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, TX. There has been no shortage of material …