Seth Gruber

Everywhere he looked, things only seemed to be getting darker.

And in the 14th century, Western Europe,

was at a turning point.

The Hundred Years War between England and France still raged, claiming thousands and thousands of lives, bringing instability to both kingdoms.

The rise of universities brought knowledge, but it also spread a certain form of

scholastic humanism and nihilism.

And plus Gerhard Ogrute had experienced the debauchery that came with this culture and with university life.

Add to that the corruption that was visible in the church throughout Europe, and it appeared that Christendom, like today, it seemed like it was ready to fall apart.

And so Gerhard Ogrute walks away from the faith.

He has a prodigal story.

He chases women.

He drinks nearly himself to death.

And there's no reason to think that anything would get any better.

And then he meets the grace of God.

He comes home to the faith.

And he begins a ministry called the Brethren of the Common Life, where he brings together fatherless boys, poor children in his community, and he begins to pour into their lives.

He begins to care for them.

He begins to preach the word of God.

He becomes so popular.

Churches become famous.