Editor's Note:This episode was revised in July 2026 to improve the narration, historical detail, and supporting references.
Short Summary.
This trailer introduces The Rise of the Protestants, a three-part documentary series, about one of the most important times in European history.
The series starts with Martin Luther's excommunication in 1520, and ends a hundred years later with the English Separatists.
It follows the rise of Protestantism, the challenges faced by Puritans, Nonconformists, and Separatists, and the events that changed the Western Christian Church.
By sharing stories of faith, persecution, exile, and strong beliefs, the series shows how these movements shaped Christianity, questioned authority, and helped create the religious and political freedoms we know today.
The series follows a chronological timeline, beginning in early sixteenth-century Germany with Martin Luther's excommunication, and ending a century later on England's southern coast.
Each episode usually begins and ends with a short piece of music which matches its theme.
Full transcripts are available for every episode.
The featured artwork is Exsurge Domine, or, "Arise, O Lord," which is the title page of the papal bull, issued by Pope Leo X on 15 June 15 20.
This document condemned many of Martin Luther’s teachings, and marked a turning point in the growing conflict between Luther and the Roman Catholic Church.
The featured music is Dies Irae, or, "The Day of Wrath," a medieval Latin hymn, best known for its use in the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass.
Its solemn and dramatic tone, reflects the deep religious upheaval explored throughout this series.
"All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, translated, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law".
Requests regarding translation, licensing, or republication should be directed to: [email protected]
Your feedback matters, send me an email with any comments, suggestions, or criticisms. I read every message.
Transcripts
This is the live trailer for Series1. The Rise of the Protestants.
What to Expect and Why Listen! ( Revised Edition).
"All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, translated, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law".
Requests regarding translation, licensing, or republication should be directed to: [email protected].
Your feedback matters, send me an email with any comments, suggestions, or criticisms. I read every message.
Hello, and welcome to the live trailer for Series 1.
Over the next three series, we’ll follow one of the most remarkable stories in European history.
A story of faith, persecution, exile and the search for religious freedom.
We’ll explore how a small group of reformers, preachers and everyday believers, challenged centuries of tradition, and helped change Christianity across Europe.
This podcast traces the rise of Protestantism and the remarkable story, of how it challenged centuries of tradition, reshaped Christian belief, and transformed the religious landscape of Europe and, later, the wider world.
At the very heart of this story are England's Puritan, Nonconformist and Separatist movements, whose influence went far beyond their own time.
By looking at these movements within the broader history of Christianity, we gain a clearer understanding, of how they reshaped the Western Church, and helped create the lasting division, between the Catholic Church and the Protestant churches.
The series follows a chronological timeline, beginning in early sixteenth-century Germany with Martin Luther's excommunication, and ending a century later on England's southern coast.
Each episode usually begins and ends with a short piece of music which matches its theme.
Full transcripts are available for every episode.
This podcast isn’t here to persuade or promote any religious view.
Instead, it explores the people, ideas, and conflicts which shaped a key period in European history.
Throughout the series, you’ll meet men and women, whose determination and conviction challenged the religious authorities of their time.
Many faced persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death for their beliefs.
Their struggles helped lay the groundwork for the religious freedom and civil rights many people have today.
The first twelve episodes examine the contributions of people such as Theodore Beza, Peter Martyr Vermigli, John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Knox, and Robert Browne, often called the father of Congregationalism.
The second twelve-episode series begins in 15 85, at a turning point in the struggle for Protestantism in the Low Countries, as military setbacks and political divisions began to undermine England's ambitious intervention.
From there, the story follows the events leading up to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, and introduces another important yet often unnoticed figure, Martin.
These events take us from the reign of Elizabeth the First, into the turbulent rule of her successor, King James I, who was Mary’s only son.
The third series, beginning in 16 07, tells the story of the Puritan Nonconformists, as many abandoned hopes of reforming the Church of England, embraced Separatism, and sought refuge in the Dutch Republic, where they established English congregations in exile.
The featured artwork is Exsurge Domine, or, "Arise, O Lord," which is the title page of the papal bull, issued by Pope Leo X on 15 June 15 20.
This document condemned many of Martin Luther’s teachings, and marked a turning point in the growing conflict between Luther and the Roman Catholic Church.
The featured music is Dies Irae, or, "The Day of Wrath," a medieval Latin hymn, best known for its use in the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass.
Its solemn and dramatic tone, reflects the deep religious upheaval explored throughout this series.
