Ryan is a husband, father, and occasional writer interested in Christian theology, history, and religion in general.
Education
MA History — Louisiana Tech University, 2004
BA History — Louisiana Tech University, 2001
Areas of Expertise
How Did a Radical English Priest Spark a Secret Reformation Centuries Before Luther?
The 14th-century Catholic priest John Lollard had a profound influence on the Lollards, a proto-Protestant group who did much to promote Wycliffe’s reputation across England.
What It Was Really Like to Ride an Old West Stagecoach
Stagecoaches were a vital component in the development of the Old West, allowing long-distance travel and transportation before the development of the railroad.
Why the Wild West Saloon Formed the Dark Heart of Frontier Towns
Old West Saloons are one of the quintessential tropes of the Wild West, but what were they really like inside?
How the Archbishop of Canterbury Came to Be
The Archbishop of Canterbury was one of the first leadership roles in early Christianity, emerging in England in 597 AD.
The Philosopher Who Died for Christ: Who Was Justin Martyr?
Living up to his name, Justin Martyr was an influential Christian who suffered at the hands of the Romans.
What Were Gunfights Like in the Old West?
Gunfights are often seen as synonymous with the Old West, but what were they really like?
How the Archbishop of Canterbury Came to Be
The Archbishop of Canterbury was one of the first leadership roles in early Christianity, emerging in England in 597 AD.
How Harold Godwinson Became the Last Anglo-Saxon King of England
Harold II, also known as Harold Godwinson, was the last Anglo-Saxon King of England when William the Conqueror pressed his claim for the English throne.
How Did Ancient Heresies Actually Shape Modern Christian Thought?
Early Christianity was shaped by those who questioned what was believed and how it was practiced.
What Happened During the Copper Age?
The Copper Age was a significant step in the history of human civilization, paving the way for the Bronze Age.
How Did the Sadducees Influence Early Judaism?
As an elite Jewish sect in Judea, the Sadducees dominated the sacrificial cult of the Temple, the center of Jewish religious practice, from 150 BC to 70 AD.
Why Did Origen of Alexandria Risk Everything to Study Hebrew
Condemned as a heretic but hailed as a genius, Origen of Alexandria mastered Hebrew to create the Hexapla, a 6,000-page ancient masterpiece of the Bible.