W. Robert Godfrey

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and chairman of Ligonier Ministries. He is president emeritus and professor emeritus of church history at Westminster Seminary California. He is the featured teacher for the six-part Ligonier teaching series A Survey of Church History. His many books include God’s Pattern for Creation, Reformation Sketches, An Unexpected Journey, Learning to Love the Psalms, and Saving the Reformation.

  • Theologians Media Resource by

    Medieval Scholasticism is often seen today as being speculative and of little practical value. In some cases, this critique may be warranted. However, this movement nevertheless helped to create an environment of thoughtful reflection and study that nurtured some of the greatest thinkers of the Middle Ages. As we turn our attention to a few of the most prominent philosophers and theologians of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, we will begin to see the familiar contours of questions, answers, and ideas that are still influential in our day. View Resource

  • Church Power & Dissent Media Resource by

    As the Middle Ages progressed, the Roman Catholic Church became one of the most powerful institutions in Western Europe. People responded to the church’s growing influence in a number of ways. Many supported the church, considering it to be God’s ordained means of governing medieval society. Certain political figures voiced opposition to the church’s influence, contending that the Pope’s authority was over spiritual matters and that he had no right to interfere in politics and other societal affairs. Others, especially the common people, expressed their concern over corrupt practices and mistaken beliefs that were becoming increasingly common within certain sectors … View Resource

  • The Crusades Media Resource by

    Few incidents in the history of the church are as controversial as the Crusades. The tragic loss of life that resulted from this movement has, sadly, discredited the Christian faith in the eyes of many. Today, Christians are sometimes uncertain about how they should view or react to this chapter in history. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will offer valuable insight about how Christians can best understand and learn from this dramatic period in the church’s past. View Resource

  • Innocent III Media Resource by

    So far we have studied several notable events and movements that took place in the high Middle Ages. In addition to being an era of significant social, political, and cultural developments, this era also marked an important chapter in the theology, practices, and influence of the church. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will examine the life and time of Pope Innocent III as a case study in what the medieval church believed and how it functioned during the wondrous twelfth century. View Resource

  • Monasticism & Scholasticism Media Resource by

    For nearly two millennia, many Christians have chosen to express their piety through ascetic living. Though the roots of monasticism existed long before, the sixth-century monk Benedict of Nursia is considered to be the founding father of the medieval monastic movements. Benedict’s charter, known as the Benedictine Rule, outlined key principles of holiness and self-denial for communities of monks and nuns who were committed to the values of poverty, chastity, and obedience to God. However, later generations did not always show the same degree of commitment and devotion as their predecessors. In response, certain influential leaders responded to corruption and … View Resource

  • Gregory, Missions & Islam Media Resource by

    Around 600, as Gregory I labored in Rome for the growth and development of Christianity in Western Europe, an Arabian trader named Muhammad began to wrestle with religious questions and arrive at answers that were very different from the teachings of the Christian church. Though neither knew it, each man’s influence would extend far beyond his lifetime: Gregory’s, through the missionary efforts that would bring all of Europe under Christian influence; and Muhammad’s, through the zeal of his followers who would establish Islam as a major religion. As the sixth century transitioned into the seventh, events were being set in … View Resource

  • Introduction to the Middle Ages Media Resource by

    Our word “medieval” comes from the Latin terms medium and aevum, which mean “middle age.” Neglected by some and romanticized by others, the period of the Middle Ages is important for understanding the triumphs and struggles of Christians in Europe and the Mediterranean world during the thousand-year period between the decline of the Roman Empire and the emergence of modern Europe. In this lecture, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey will offer insight into the historical complexities of the Middle Ages and will explain the approach that this series will take as we explore this important era in church history. View Resource

  • Justinian & Gregory Media Resource by

    Emperor Justinian I and Pope Gregory I stand out as two of the most significant figures in the centuries of transition that marked the early Middle Ages. As the vestiges of Roman culture and institutions continued to fade or be reinvented, the inhabitants of the Mediterranean world looked for leaders who could offer them a sense of continuity with the past and direction for the future. In the midst of this uncertain climate, Justinian and Gregory contributed to the development of the state and the church in ways that would influence medieval life and culture for generations to come. View Resource

  • Paths to God: Theologies Media Resource by

    The early centuries of church history stand out as a time of striking unity. It is unrealistic to look upon this time as a golden age of Christianity due to the many challenges it faced from both within and without. Yet, for several hundred years the church in the Roman world managed to maintain a united stance and respond to challenges with one voice. As time passed, certain cultural, theological, and organizational differences began to test the bonds between east and west. Torn apart by the effects of new controversies and old rivalries, the medieval church eventually found itself to … View Resource

  • Worship & Sacraments Media Resource by

    As this study has shown, the ancient church was not perfect. It committed errors, did not always provide theological specificity where it might be desired, and laid the foundation for serious ecclesiastical misunderstandings. Nonetheless, it accomplished an amazing amount for the people of God by staying close to His Word and continually struggling to interpret life and faith through the lens of Scripture. This should encourage the church today, for although the church is a hospital for sinners and not a museum of saints, Jesus has sent His Spirit, and His promise never to leave or forsake His church will … View Resource

  • Augustine Media Resource by

    As Augustine wrestled with Christianity and whether or not to embrace it, he struggled with sexual immorality. Possessing a long time concubine, through whom he fathered a son, Augustine refused to end this affair. Even after his amazing conversion, which, at least in Augustine’s mind, only occurred after targeting this vice, Augustine still struggled in this area. Perhaps this “thorn in the flesh” contributed to Augustine’s eventual realization concerning the burden of sin and the need for grace: if not for the work of God through His Spirit in the heart of man, he would go on sinning out of … View Resource

  • The Bishop Media Resource by

    Although the understanding of the office of bishop eventually became perverted and corrupted in the ancient church, the office as defined in Scripture possesses biblical support and apostolic precedent. The church needs leaders, but these leaders, like Christ before them, must serve with wisdom and humility. Sadly, the promise of power and improper hierarchical thinking swayed the early church into an improper perspective on this position, but this should not demean or change the necessity of the office of overseers. Theirs is a high calling, and it is their responsibility to lead God’s people in righteousness, through times of trial … View Resource

  • Constantine & the Church Media Resource by

    Emperor Constantine the Great has received much attention throughout the history of the church—and rightfully so. His conversion to Christianity and the sweeping changes it brought to the church and the empire instituted a new era in history, one that would change the church forever. Whether for good or for ill, the combination of church and state has created a lasting impact on the people of God, and this lesson explores the beginning of the transition and illuminates the motives and historical context behind this monumental shift in Western history. View Resource

  • Developing Theology Media Resource by

    Protestants often times scoff at the hierarchical nature of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the concept that a special class of saints wields greater influence over Jesus than others. Yet, before we point the finger too quickly, we should evaluate our own hearts and rid ourselves of our own proclivity to find ways to garner favor from our Lord Jesus that are not advocated in Scripture. As this lesson shows, it is not a long leap from well-meaning activity to self-promoting ritual, and history shows us that our Enemy finds no small amount of ways to prey on this human … View Resource

  • The East and The West Media Resource by

    The multitude of denominations within the Christian church today leads many to view the church as schismatic and contentious. A large contingent of these people calls for a reunification of Christianity, resembling the church of ancient times. While unity should always be a primary goal amongst the people of God, it must be a unity in and for the glory of Christ. As this lesson demonstrates, different emphases, historical circumstances, and other factors played a large role in the widening gap between the church of the East and West, but they still remained united on key elements, particularly the supremacy … View Resource