Religion

The Execution of Martin Luther

How important was the man to the movement? Andrew Pettegree asks what would have happened to the Reformation had the Diet of Worms witnessed its leader’s martyrdom.

Christmas in 19th Century America

Before the mid-1800s many Americans did not dream of Christmas at all. Penne Restad tells how and why this changed – and played its role in uniting the US in social cohesion.

Richelieu

Richard Wilkinson wonders why historians have accepted the Cardinal's extravagant assessment of himself.

The Spanish Inquisition

William Makin investigates an evil organisation, accomplice of a bigoted, racist and corrupt monarchy.

Commemorating Charles I - King and Martyr?

The way in which the church commemoration of King Charles I's 1649 execution became a potent instrument in the political war of words after the Restoration is examined, and the history of the king's execution and the clergy's promotion of the event are discussed.

'Our Mr Sun' Religion and Science in 50s America

How did Hollywood screenwriter Frank Capra get involved in the sort of film projects that in his and other hands filled a generation of American servicemen with a fundamentalist world view? James Gilbert offers an explanation.