Language, Power and Baptist missionaries- Bringing the Reformation through Irish Schools- An interview with Dr Karina Bénazech Wendling
This episode is an interview with Dr Karina Bénazech Wendling about the subject she will be addressing at the Irish Baptist Historical Society on Thursday 13th May 2025 at 5:45pm
This lecture will dive into the long and complex history of Gaelic suppression in Ireland—from medieval laws designed to crush Irish culture, to the radical shift brought by Baptist missionary movements determined to bring the Bible to Irish-speaking Catholics in their native tongue. Drawing from rare archival material spanning Oxford, Dublin, and the Vatican, our speaker reveals how unlikely religious alliances and colonial strategies reshaped the relationship between faith, identity, and language in Ireland. Discover how the Irish language—once seen as rebellious—became a tool for conversion and cultural negotiation, and how Baptist innovations opened the way for a new appreciation of the Irish language by Protestants, at least in Ireland.
Karina Bénazech Wendling is Associate Professor at the University of Lorraine and a member of IDEA research team, as well as Associate Researcher at LEM-CNRS. Since she got her PhD in contemporary history from PSL prepared at EPHE/GSRL-CNRS, she has been working on a postdoctoral project entitled ‘Emancipation and education in the transatlantic space: circulation of ideas and struggles for influence, 18th-19th century,’ prepared under the direction of Hubert Bost, Director of Studies at EPHE-PSL. She has published several articles in international journals and has two forthcoming books: Converting Ireland: religious education, language and nationalism, Manchester University Press, and De la Bible au soupérisme: éducation, missions protestantes et nationalisme en Irlande au premier XIXe siècle, Honoré Champion. She also manages the MIRCOM research project, which inverstigates the role of the Jewish and Protestant minorities in redefining national identities in France, Ireland and Italy (1789-1948).
11 Oct 2023
Jonathan Edwards and the Lord’s Supper- Primer Discussion with Dr David Luke
Dr David Luke will be speaking on “Jonathan Edwards and the Lord’s Supper” for the Irish Baptist Historical Society Autumn Lecture 2023. This video is a primer discussion with Dr Luke about Edwards’ view of the Lord’s Supper and its relevance to churches today
10 Jun 2021
When Gentry get Baptised- The Story of Brannockstown Baptist Church- Interview with Richard Blayney
Brannockstown Baptist Church has a long and rich history. It was founded around 1870 by John La Touche, master of the Harristown estate (the La Touches were wealthy and influential aristocrats in France until the Huguenot expulsion).
John La Touche became a Christian and was baptised by the well-known Rev. C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. Wishing to share the good news of Jesus and call people to follow him, John gathered a small congregation, which in its infancy met in a cottage in the village. In 1882 a gothic chapel of limestone and red sandstone was erected, followed in due course by the manse next door. John La Touche taught and cared for the church family, and later made provisions for the continuation of the church following his death in 1904.
This episode interviews the current pastor of Brannockstown, Richard Blayney, about the rich history of the church. Richard is married to Steph, and they have three children. He comes from Coleraine and went to Brannockstown following studies at the Irish Baptist College.
A short presentation on the history of the church by Richard Blayney was also recorded on the occasion of the church’s 150th anniversary for the Irish Baptist Historical Society and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/GU7pZ4Px0ec
2 Jun 2021
Baptist Youth- The History and Work of the Department (An Interview with Matt Campbell)
This episode considers the history and work of Baptist Youth (a department of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland) by interviewing Matt Campbell the Director of Baptist Youth.
Matt has been working as Baptist Youth Director since January 2016. He was born and raised in Ballymena. Matt’s responsibility is to oversee the work of Baptist Youth and promote the work of the department among the churches of the Association. After studying Maths at Queens University, he began a Theology degree, at the Irish Baptist College.
29 Apr 2021
Baptist Women- The History and Work of the Department (An Interview with Gail Curry)
This episode considers the history and work of Irish Baptist Women (a department of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland) by interviewing Gail Curry the Baptist Women’s Director.
Gail is married to Steven Curry who is pastor. After studying at Belfast Bible College they went out with Baptist Missions to plant Ballymoney Baptist before serving in Bethany Baptist Church Bangor and now are at Ballymena Baptist Church. Gail has been working as the Director of the Baptist Women’s Department for over 12 years and serves on the committee for the Irish Women's Convention
21 Apr 2021
What will we do with John Nelson Darby?
In this episode Dr Crawford Gribben discusses the complex and quickly dismissed theologian John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) and the Brethren movement on the island of Ireland.
Dr. Crawford Gribben teaches history in Belfast and is the author of numerous books.
14 Apr 2021
Thomas Patient- One of the First Irish Baptist Pastors (Part 2)- An Interview with Dr. Micah Caswell
Thomas Patient was active in establishing some of the first Baptist churches in Ireland during the mid-seventeenth century.
This is the second in a two-part interview. This episode considers Thomas Patient's contribution to Baptist Ecclesiology and highlights several lessons for the modern church.
Micah Caswell is married to Kristen and they have two children. He is the author of Thomas Patient: The Father of the Irish Baptist Church, and he is the pastor of Redeemer Church in Denton, Texas which he planted in 2013.
7 Apr 2021
Thomas Patient- One of the First Irish Baptist Pastors (Part 1)- An Interview with Dr. Micah Caswell
This is the first of a two-part interview. This episode considers who Thomas Patient was and the planting of Baptist works in Waterford and Dublin.
Micah Caswell is married to Kristen and they have two children. He is the author of Thomas Patient: The Father of the Irish Baptist Church, and he is the pastor of Redeemer Church in Denton, Texas which he planted in 2013.
18 Mar 2021
Abortion Law in Ireland- A History and Considered Response (An Interview with Dr Paul Coulter)
This extended episode with Dr. Paul Coulter recalls the history of the rapidly changing law and thinking around abortion provision in the North and South of the island and considers how Christians should think and respond.
Dr. Paul Coulter has worked as a doctor, cross-cultural pastor, lecturer in practical theology at Belfast Bible College, and currently as a mentor, trainer and manager for Living Leadership.
Paul has Medical degrees from Queens University Belfast and a PhD in Divinity from Aberdeen University.
You can find out more about him and his work at: https://www.paulcoulter.net/
For more information about NI Voiceless see: https://www.nivoiceless.com/about
11 Mar 2021
It’s Complicated- an interview with Dr Crawford Gribben about issues in Ireland during the 1600’s
In this episode Dr Crawford Gribben discusses the complicated issues of Baptist Origins, Oliver Cromwell, and how glorious was the Glorious Revolution?
Dr. Crawford Gribben teaches history in Belfast and the author of numerous books.
4 Mar 2021
A Failed Reformation- An Interview with Dr. Crawford Gribben
This episode discusses the early 1600’s in Ireland. A time full of notable characters and events but ultimately a period of failed reformation. Dr Gribben highlights both the great failure of the movement in Ireland, lessons evangelicals may reflect on, and several examples of how God used specific efforts to advance reformation beyond Irish shores.
Crawford Gribben teaches history in Belfast and the author of numerous books. Those interested in the topics referred to in this particular episode may find the following particularly interesting https://www.evangelicalbookshop.co.uk/products/the-irish-puritans?_pos=5&_sid=80c311e7f&_ss=r
25 Feb 2021
1500 Years of Columba (Part 2)- An Interview with Dr. Bruce Ritchie
This is the second of a two-part interview. This episode considers the impact and theology of Columba who was born 1500 years ago this year.
Bruce Ritchie has taught Scottish Church History and Understanding Worship at Highland Theological College (University of the Highlands and Islands) in Dingwall, Scotland, having also taught Systematic Theology at Zomba Theological College in Malawi. He served over thirty years in ministry with the Church of Scotland. He has written, "Columba: the Faith of an Island Soldier" which is published by Christian Focus https://www.christianfocus.com/products/2836/columba-the-faith-of-an
18 Feb 2021
1500 Years of Columba (Part 1)- An Interview with Dr. Bruce Ritchie
This is the first of a two-part interview with Dr. Bruce Ritchie. This episode considers the setting and life of Columba who was born 1500 years ago this year.
Bruce Ritchie has taught Scottish Church History and Understanding Worship at Highland Theological College (University of the Highlands and Islands) in Dingwall, Scotland, having also taught Systematic Theology at Zomba Theological College in Malawi. He served over thirty years in ministry with the Church of Scotland. He has written, "Columba: the Faith of an Island Soldier" which is published by Christian Focus https://www.christianfocus.com/products/2836/columba-the-faith-of-an
11 Feb 2021
The Irish Baptist College- It's History and Work (An Interview with Davy Ellison)
This episode considers the history and work of the Irish Baptist College by interviewing Davy Ellison the Director of Training at the College. Davy graduated with BD and MTh degrees from the College and is currently conducting doctoral research in Biblical Studies. Before being appointed as the Director of Training in 2019 he served as Interim Coordinator for Baptist Youth and in a number of pastoral roles in Association churches. He remains an elder in the Antrim church. Davy teaches Biblical studies across both the Old and New Testaments. Davy is the author of The Holy One of Israel (Independent, 2019) and Five: The Solas of the Reformation (Tulip Publishing, 2020). He has also written for Evangelicals Now and The Gospel Coalition.
For information about College, Open Days see https://www.irishbaptistcollege.org/events/category/ibc/
And to sign up for the Friends of the College emails see https://www.irishbaptistcollege.org/friends-of-the-college/
4 Feb 2021
Saint Patrick- His Legacy (An Interview with Dr. Michael Haykin)
This is the third in a three-part interview with Dr. Haykin. This episode considers the legacy Patrick left on the island of Ireland.
Dr Michael Haykin is the Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he also serves as the Director of The Andrew Fuller Centre for Baptist Studies. He is a prolific author and expert in Patristics who has a particular interest in Ireland. This makes him an excellent candidate to reveal to us the legacy left by Saint Patrick.
Some may wish to read Haykin's accessible book "Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact" published by Christian Focus
Similarly, some may wish to read Patrick's own words in his confession. This can be found at https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english#
27 Jan 2021
Saint Patrick- His Theology (An Interview with Dr. Michael Haykin)
This is the second in a three-part interview with Dr. Haykin. This episode consider several aspects of Patrick’s theology revealed in his writings.
Dr Michael Haykin is the Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he also serves as the Director of The Andrew Fuller Centre for Baptist Studies. He is a prolific author and expert in Patristics who has a particular interest in Ireland. This makes him an excellent candidate to unpack the theology of Saint Patrick.
Some may wish to read Haykin's accessible book "Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact" published by Christian Focus
Similarly, some may wish to read Patrick's own words in his confession. This can be found at https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english#
21 Jan 2021
Saint Patrick- The Man Behind the Myth (An Interview with Dr Michael Haykin)
This is the first in a three-part interview with Dr. Haykin. This episode seeks to look beyond the myth to understand the true story of Saint Patrick.
Dr Michael Haykin is the Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he also serves as the Director of The Andrew Fuller Centre for Baptist Studies. He is a prolific author and expert in Patristics who has a particular interest in Ireland. This makes him an excellent candidate to introduce us to the man behind the myth of Saint Patrick.
Some may wish to read Haykin's accessible book "Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact" published by Christian Focus
Similarly, some may wish to read Patrick's own words in his confession. This can be found at https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english#
14 Jan 2021
Lay of the Land in 2021 (An Interview with Trevor Ramsey)
This episode is an interview with Trevor Ramsey the president of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. Trevor presents his analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing Irish Baptist churches at the start of 2021.
Trevor Ramsey has served as a pastor in the revitalising effort of Limerick Baptist, in the plant of Greenisland Baptist, and currently as the pastor of Newtownbreda Baptist (the largest church in the Association). This year Trevor also serves as president of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. This wealth of experience and present position make him uniquely suited for a SWOT analysis of the present situation facing Irish Baptists on the island.
6 Jan 2021
An Introduction
Episode 1 seeks to explain the thought behind this podcast and introduce Andrew Curry your host
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