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 Pearl Hart Bagged a $16,000 Desert Score and Became the Frontier’s Top Bandit
Among the notorious criminals of the Wild West was a woman who made a living as an outlaw and robbed a stagecoach.
What Really Created the Iconic American Cowboy in the Old West?
Cowboys are the quintessential, iconic emblem of the American outback, but how did they first emerge in old America?
The Reason Charles Martel Became Known as The Hammer
The formidable military leader Charles Martel earned the nickname “The Hammer” for his outstanding military achievements. But what were they?
How Did Saint Irenaeus Defeat the Gnostic Gospels?
Saint Irenaeus of Lyon was an important figure who helped decide which books were included in the New Testament.
Why the Ohio-Class Submarine is the Most Terrifying Warship Ever Built
As part of its nuclear deterrence strategy, the United States developed what is possibly the most terrifying warship ever built: the Ohio-class submarine.
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.