The Nun Who Changed Beer: St. Hildegard of Bingen

The Nun Who Changed Beer: St. Hildegard of Bingen

St. Hildegard of Bingen was one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages—a Benedictine abbess, mystic, theologian, composer, writer, and student of the natural world. But she also has an unexpected connection to something many people still enjoy today: beer. In this episode of FACTS, we explore the life of St. Hildegard, from her childhood visions and monastic formation to her rise as one of the most influential religious voices of the twelfth century. We’ll look at her writings, her relationship with figures such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Pope Eugene III, her work in medicine and natural science, her music, and the remarkable influence she exercised over bishops, popes, and political leaders. We’ll also examine the story behind “The Nun Who Changed Beer.” Hildegard did not invent beer or hops, but in her Physica she recorded one of the most famous medieval observations concerning hops and their ability to keep beverages from spoiling. At a time when monasteries were important centers of agriculture, medicine, hospitality, and brewing, Hildegard’s writings give us a fascinating glimpse into the development of medieval beer. So how much did St. Hildegard actually change brewing? Why is she so closely associated with beer today? And how did a twelfth-century Benedictine nun eventually become a Doctor of the Church? If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

Wes Huff Is Wrong About the “Catholic Bible”

Did Cardinal Francisco Ximenes actually reject the Deuterocanonical books as Scripture?In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce responds to recent claims by Wes Huff concerning Ximenes, the Complutensian Polyglot, and the biblical canon before the Council of Trent.We examine Ximenes’ famous phrase libri extra canonem (“books outside the canon”), his statement that these books were nevertheless “received by the Church,” his dependence on St. Jerome, and the broader canonical witness of Rome, Hippo, Carthage, Pope Innocent I, Florence, and Trent.Did Trent create a new Catholic canon—or formally define one the Church had long received?#Catholic #Bible #Apocrypha #Deuterocanon #CouncilOfTrent #WesHuff #CardinalXimenes🎁 Support our ministry: If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7Link to Wes's initial video: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbEZLjby7Jr/CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:43 Wes Huff’s Argument4:31 What Wes Gets Right6:37 What Cardinal Ximénez Actually Said14:14 The Complutensian Polyglot22:06 Who Was Cardinal Ximénez?25:41 Ximénez and St. Jerome35:39 Does This Prove Wes’s Point?37:18 Did Trent Invent the Catholic Canon?40:10 Rome, Hippo, and Carthage42:43 Pope Innocent I45:39 The Council of Florence48:11 What Actually Happened at Trent?53:36 The Final Question55:23 Conclusion

The Papacy in the First Two Centuries

For many Christians, the papacy is one of the greatest points of disagreement between Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. But what did the earliest Christians actually believe? Tonight we’ll examine the evidence from the first two centuries of Christianity—before Nicaea, before Constantine, and long before the medieval papacy. We’ll look at the writings of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Hegesippus, Irenaeus, and the Muratorian Fragment to ask a simple historical question: What role did the Church of Rome and its bishop play in the earliest generations of Christianity?   We’ll discuss: * The authority of Clement’s letter to Corinth * Why Ignatius says Rome “presides” * Hegesippus’ investigation into apostolic succession * Irenaeus’ famous statement that every church should agree with Rome * Whether these sources support, challenge, or complicate modern claims about the papacy Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Church history, this livestream is designed to engage the primary sources directly. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

The Seven Female Saints of Rome’s Ancient Eucharistic Prayer

Why does the Roman Canon—the Roman Church’s ancient Eucharistic prayer—preserve the names of seven women? In this episode, Stephen and Pat continue their exploration of the female saints of the Roman Canon by turning their attention to Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, and Anastasia. Together, they examine what history tells us about these remarkable martyrs, distinguish early historical evidence from later tradition, and explore why the Church has commemorated these women in her liturgy for well over sixteen centuries. Their stories of courage, fidelity, and sacrifice continue to inspire Christians today and offer a fascinating window into the faith of the early Church. Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Christian history, this episode provides a deeper appreciation for the women whose names have been preserved in one of Christianity’s oldest Eucharistic prayers. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

Perpetua and Felicity: The Prison Diary of Two Female Martyrs

What would you do if following Christ meant losing everything?In AD 203, two women from completely different backgrounds stood side by side in the Roman city of Carthage. Perpetua was a young noblewoman and new mother. Felicity was an enslaved woman who was eight months pregnant. Arrested for their Christian faith, they refused to deny Christ, even when faced with imprisonment, separation from their families, and ultimately death in the arena.In this episode of FACTS with Stephen Boyce and Pat May, we explore one of the earliest and most remarkable documents in Christian history—the Passion of Perpetua and Felicity. Part prison diary, part eyewitness account, this ancient text gives us a rare glimpse into the lives, faith, and courage of two women whose witness has inspired Christians for nearly eighteen centuries.We’ll examine the historical setting of Roman North Africa, the persecution under Emperor Septimius Severus, Perpetua’s emotional encounters with her father, Felicity’s childbirth in prison, the visions recorded in the diary, their trial before the governor, and the powerful legacy they left behind. We’ll also discuss what their story reveals about the early Church, martyrdom, prayer for the dead, baptism, and why their names are still spoken in the Roman Canon of the Mass today.Their story is more than history—it’s a testimony to unwavering faith in the face of impossible odds.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in Church history and the early Christian faith. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7#ChurchHistory #Perpetua #Felicity #ChristianMartyrs #EarlyChurch #Catholic #ChristianHistory #Patristics #AncientChristianity #FACTSPodcastLink to their story: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0324.htm?utm