Suzannah Lipscomb on history, Christian faith and the problem of suffering

Suzannah Lipscomb is an award-winning historian, author and broadcaster who has brought the loves, lives and intrigues of the sixteenth century to millions of people through TV shows, podcasts and writing. She is the author of several books, including '1536: The Year that changed Henry VIII' and 'The Voices of Nîmes: Women, Sex, and Marriage in Reformation Languedoc'.
Justin and Belle talk to Suzannah about why she has devoted her life to understanding the past, the way the British monarchy shaped Christendom, why she is focussed on uncovering the real stories of women in our history books, and how as a Christian she puts faith and the tumultuous history of the church together. Look out for a bonus conversation at the end of the show when Suzannah reflects on the problem of suffering as a Christian.
For Suzannah Lipscomb: suzannahlipscomb.com/
For Re-Enchanting: www.seenandunseen.com/podcast
There’s more to life than the world we can see. Re-Enchanting is a podcast from Seen & Unseen recorded at Lambeth Palace Library, the home of the Centre for Cultural Witness. Justin Brierley and Belle Tindall engage faith and spirituality with leading figures in science, history, politics, art and education. Can our culture be re-enchanted by the vision of Christianity?

[@martynmettam9296]

Thanks again for these podcasts they are very thought provoking and both Belle and Justin draw these out from their guests. I particularly liked Suzannah talking about her personal faith and struggles.

[@laurelin3422]

Lovely conversation. I, form the U.S. never had particular interest in the royal family, but when the queen died, i found myself strangely moved by the masses going to pay their respects. I watched the coronation as well, it had profound effect me. The idea that the king is in a way is a servant king under God. You don’t get the same feeling finding out who has been elected. Not saying I’m a monarchist , only that effect is quite profoundly different.

[@himwhoisnottobenamed5427]

In China, past Emperors were said to have ruled by “Mandate of Heaven.” That they were semi-divine figures. However, Dynasties could lose that Mandate though iniquities and debauchery.

[@markgivens3225]

Loved the history, faith expression, and ‘wrestling’. New to your channel, have subscribed now.

[@RolftheRed]

I am in great company when I learn - again - how a profoundly great thinker and intellect Suzannah Lipscomb is. The sharing of the birth and death of the dreams in her path, alarmingly intimate in my hearing. I have to thank all involved. This causative hinge of faith to justify and deny through historys, lives, and society the expression of black and white clarity is amazing to me. The perspective she has, and the lines of thinking followed and evolved by her leaves me thirsty. Sounds odd perhaps, but this discussion, and her bravery in publicly discussing the internal dialogue of her viewpoints has me craving further exploration on these subjects. My Best - Thank you all again!

[@christopherflux6254]

Historians have a really important job as all history is the story of God and we can learn from the past.

[@norski4052]

"The heart of our faith is that Jesus has said that all are fallen, so we're all on our knees in front of Him. So there is no need to measure up to perfection." So great to hear part of her way back from "the wilderness"

[@johnhaynes9910]

Interesting as all these episodes are. It is amusing though the comments and the "surprise" around Henry VIII's interest and command of theology. It is hardly a surpise when you consider that before the split with Rome, the Pope had awarded Henry the title of "Defender of the Faith" that has remaind on our coins for centuries... Good episode.

[@davechristianson1802]

Quite, although perhaps being Lutheran is part of why I learned this long ago. That said, Anglicanism, like Lutheranism, remain far closer to Catholicism than any of the other Protestant groups, perhaps because both lay claim to be the Church, reformed. I also found it interesting that she finds history as a vocation, which is a concept that Luther popularized.

[@bnjmnwst]

1:12:22 Do whatever you can to never have this said of you.

[@kristineopsommer]

My grandma used to have a plaque saying "If someone accused you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

[@jamesmichael4185]

A deep intelligence

[@charlottepembroke5446]

Really like Suzannah but Lucy W is my favourite.

[@remyd.2275]

1:01:30 “The eradication of destructive elements in the human psyche.”

[@ShineNoelA]

Rule of thirds? C'mon.

[@Joeonline26]

Belle finding a way to shoehorn into the podcast how she uses modern/postmodern secular frameworks of "gendered power dynamics" when interpreting writings about Mary Magdalene. This cringe nonsense is part of why protestant/non-denominational numbers will continue to drop globally

[@jonathandnicholson]

Urgh. Lord Acton gave the 'Power corrupts ...' quote. Power, especially the power of the gaps argument, seems like a lazy answer to anything we find unpleasant.