History
Beliefs, myths, philosophers and the ideas that have moved civilizations.
William Wadé Harris preached to locals in Liberia, claiming to be Jesus reincarnate. He was a former slave who escaped his plantation and gained a massive following. By 1922, he had over 10,000 followers who believed in his divine message.
Theodotus of Byzantium argued Jesus was not divine, sparking controversy among Christians. His claim led to excommunication from the church. This event highlights the intense debate over Jesus' nature in early Christianity.
Jean-Paul Sartre's phrase 'hell is other people' was meant literally, shocking many intellectuals. His play 'No Exit' explored this concept, delving into the human condition. Sartre's existential philosophy continues to influence modern thought.
Quakers were imprisoned for refusing to pay taxes that funded war. This refusal was rooted in their religious beliefs and values. The Quakers' persecution began with George Fox's imprisonment in 1653.
Rabbi Judah Loew created a robot from clay in 16th-century Prague, rooted in Jewish mysticism. The event was documented by historians and contemporaries, including Isaac Katz. The robot's creation almost led to the destruction of Prague.
Emperor Julian attempted to restore paganism in the Roman Empire. He sought to reverse the spread of Christianity, which had been gaining momentum. His efforts ultimately failed to halt the rise of Christianity.
Þorgeir Þorkelsson converted to Christianity to avoid civil war in Iceland. This pivotal decision changed Icelandic history forever. Þorgeir's choice brought peace to the Icelandic Commonwealth.
The Hindu caste system was originally based on occupation and talent, not birth. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar sparked a debate about its origins in 1931. The system's transformation into a hereditary institution is a complex historical issue.
Ng Mui, a Buddhist monk, created Wing Chun to defend his temple. His student Yip Man taught Wing Chun to Bruce Lee, launching his career. Wing Chun influenced many famous martial artists in history.
Muhammad, a 7th-century Arab merchant, founded Islam after receiving revelations from the angel Gabriel. His teachings spread rapidly across the Middle East, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Today, Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with a rich history and diverse followers.
Han Fei was a Chinese philosopher who believed people are naturally evil. His ideas influenced Chinese thought and governance. He developed a distinct philosophy that countered dominant views.
The Vatican excommunicated Sister Anna Lucia for performing exorcisms without approval. She started performing exorcisms in 1999 and continued despite the church's ban. Sister Anna Lucia's actions led to her excommunication on October 14, 2005.
John Calvin was a Protestant reformer who argued that God predestines who goes to heaven and hell. His teachings, particularly his doctrine of predestination, became a cornerstone of Reformed theology. Calvin's legacy continues to shape Protestantism to this day.
Roman soldier Saint Marcellus of Tangier converted to Christianity in 298 AD. He refused to fight in the Roman army after his conversion. Marcellus was executed on October 28, 303 AD, in Tangier, Morocco.
Grigori Rasputin, a Russian monk, arrived in St. Petersburg to meet Feofan, a priest. Rasputin claimed he could heal the tsar's son, Alexei, who suffered from hemophilia. This meeting set off a chain of events that led to the Russian Revolution.
The Amish split from the Mennonites due to a disagreement over shaving and other issues. The rift began in 1693 with a meeting between Jakob Ammann and Mennonite leaders. This dispute led to the formation of the Amish movement, named after Ammann.
Emperor Hirohito renounced his divine status in 1946, marking a significant shift in Japan's ideology. For centuries, Hirohito's claim to be a living god was a cornerstone of Japanese culture. The renouncement was a pivotal moment in Japanese history, changing the country's perception of its monarch.
Nestorius, Archbishop of Constantinople, sparked controversy by questioning the title Mother of God for Mary. This challenge led to his exile after the Council of Ephesus in 431. The debate ignited a pivotal moment in Christian theology.
Harald Bluetooth, the king of Denmark and Norway, lost a bet to German missionary Poppo. This encounter led to Harald's conversion to Christianity, significantly impacting Scandinavian history. The conversion ultimately influenced his entire country to adopt the Christian faith
The Dalai Lama suggested his successor could be a woman, sparking debate in the Tibetan Buddhist community. This statement marked a significant shift in traditional understanding of the Dalai Lama's lineage. The possibility of a female successor has raised questions about gender and tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.
Coptic Christians have been fasting for 200 days annually for 1,500 years. This rigorous schedule is part of their traditional practices. The community is led by the Pope of Alexandria.
Judah Halevi, a 12th-century Jewish philosopher, used math to prove God's existence in his work, the Kuzari. He developed a sophisticated argument that combined faith and reason, challenging traditional views. Halevi's work would go on to be debated by scholars for centuries, leaving a lasting impact on philosophy and theology.
Epicurus founded a school in Athens teaching that pleasure is the highest good. His teachings were revolutionary for his time, and he gained a significant following. Epicurus died of natural causes in 270 BCE, but his legacy lived on through his followers.
Guru Arjan Dev was executed by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1606. This event marked a pivotal moment in Sikh history, changing the community's trajectory. The execution led to the Sikh community becoming warriors to defend their faith.