Did Santa Really Punch a Heretic at the Council of Nicaea? Featuring Dr. Adam English

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this engaging first episode of a two-part series on Christmas myths about Santa Claus, Faithful Politics hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram sit down with Dr. Adam C. English, Chair of the Department of Christian Studies at Campbell University and author of The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus. Dr. English traces the historical evolution of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop known for his acts of generosity and justice, into the modern figure of Santa Claus. The discussion explores the real-life legacy of Nicholas, his connection to Christian giving, and how folklore and culture reshaped him into the jolly icon of Christmas we know today. This episode uncovers the deeper story of St. Nicholas, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the origins of Christmas traditions. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation as we set the stage for part two of our series with Dr. Timothy Larsen!Guest BioDr. Adam C. English is the Chair of the Department of Christian Studies at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. A scholar of theology and religious history, he is the author of The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra. Dr. English is a sought-after speaker and researcher whose work bridges historical Christian traditions with contemporary cultural discussions, offering deep insights into the evolution of Christmas and its most iconic figure, Santa Claus.Link to the BookThe Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra: https://a.co/d/cKthKWa Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast