Was Leonardo a Christian?
The beliefs of the man who painted some of the most famous Christian images are shrouded in mystery. Alex Keller coaxes Leonardo da Vinci’s thoughts out of some little-known personal writings.
Religion
Death of St Ignatius Loyola
The founder of the Society of Jesus died on July 31st, 1556.
Caliph Uthman Murdered
Richard Cavendish describes how Caliph Uthman was murdered on 17 June 656.
Creating Elizabeth’s Via Media
R. E. Foster reconsiders the origins of the Church Settlement of 1559.
Archbishop Makarios Deported from Cyprus
Richard Cavendish marks the anniversary of the deportation of an important figure in Greek Cypriot nationalist history, on March 9th, 1956.
Christians and the First Crusade
Douglas James explains why so many in the Christian West answered Urban II’s call to arms following the Council of Clermont in 1095.
Foxe's Book of Martyrs and the Face of England
John Foxe’s graphic and angry work depicting the persecutions inflicted by the Roman Catholic church, was partly a response to the rising tide of intolerance across Europe in the mid-sixteenth century, but more specifically to the recent persecution of Protestants in England. David Loades describes the impact of one of the most significant books of its time.
Birth of Joseph Smith
The founder of Mormonism was born on December 23rd, 1805.
The Men Who Foiled Fawkes
Much has been written about Guy Fawkes, but less well-known are the two figures who apprehended him in Parliament's cellars.
The Call of the Crusades
An idea promoted by Pope Urban II at the end of the 11th century continues to resonate in modern politics. Jonathan Phillips traces the 800-year history of ‘Crusade’ and its power as a concept that shows no sign of diminishing.