What and who were the roots of Christianity in England and Scotland? How did a group of violent, power-hungry, and nature-worshiping pagans come to embrace the Lord Jesus as God and Savior? Although it wasn’t accomplished perfectly, a divided group of warring factions under various lords and kings eventually came to mostly submit to the preaching of God’s Word, and the reception of the sacraments of baptism and communion, through the century-long courageous, loving, and painstaking efforts of missionary monks and priests.
After the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the mid-400s, the lands of England that were once occupied by Roman forces and governors were left to be invaded by pagan hordes of the Anglo-Saxons. While the Romans were there, Christianity had been adopted by many of the inhabitants, but once they were assaulted by the Germanic hordes, they either fled to the west in Wales and Ireland, or remained with little influence over the newly reigning kingdoms. England and Scotland were now dominated by Norse religion and mythology, and incessant fighting amongst the various kingdoms. However, Ireland was still largely dominated by Christianity. Enter Columba, an Irish monk, who in the late 500s entered Scotland to preach the gospel. His efforts began the new conquest of Britain by Christian preachers.
In this episode, Chris and Casey will discuss this mission, along with several others, including that of Augustine of Kent, Cuthbert, Theodore of Tarsus, Boniface, and Bede. We look at how, from the late 500s to the late 800s, Christianity spread through Britain, culminating in the united Anglo-Saxon kingdom ruled by the Christian King Alfred. This period of history laid the foundation for the English Christianity and culture that would form the basis for all the rest of English history. Plus, we’ll be encouraged to use our anti-Christian moment in western history to boldly preach the gospel, and live it out in the midst of a pagan society.
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