The Christians –
The History of Christianity and its Global Impact
(Athena DVD Set)
Picture:
B- Sound: C+ Extras: B Episodes: A-
Over the
last 2 millennia there has been no one who greatly changed the world as Jesus
of Nazareth. What started with one man
became an organization that has influenced politics, power and the minds of
men, shaped history like no other. Join
Bamber Gascoigne as he journeys back time, to its origins, it's widespread and
rule, the countries and leaders it came to influence, and how it's continuing
effect on the world today. Travel around
the world and see how it shaped the policies of kings, emperors, religious
doctrine, populace, the rules of the land, how it added rich cultures and arts,
started new colonies, countries, even wars and give rise to it's legacy.
This documentary series gives insight into one of the most widespread of
beliefs in the world. Bamber Gascoigne
tells how the 'Christians' has survived the ages, how it gospels were spread
and interpreted through both time and space. Throughout the ages it survived through
various splits within their own groups, wars, plagues, how they continue to
thrive regardless of persecutions or fall and rise new political leaders. See how Christianity continues to influence
with fear, wonder, or even show of arms. Without Christianity, the modern day would not
be what we know it as today.
Even if you aren't a religious believer, The
Christians is a great documentary you can enjoy. Its origins, rich history, rise and fall to
power, or how various groups or individuals have created and destroyed cities
counties in its name. Through
Christianity great wealth and art was achieved/created throughout the age of
renaissance. How it influence the discovery and colonization of the Americas,
how it dealt with the modernization and revival in the 18th & 19th
centuries, and finally how it continues to thrive and live in today’s modern
times.
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Episode 1: A Peculiar People
Born during the time of the Roman Empire Christianity began to spread like wild
fire, regardless of persecutions and intolerance. Appealing to the poorer/lower
masses brought new ideas that holiness to God could be achieved with
humility, piety and faith and which later became the cornerstone
of Christianity in the years to come.
Episode 2: The Christian Empire
Christianity using its moral authority to influence secular leaders of the land
becoming more noticeable and popular, adopted by surrounding countries, nomads
and travelers quickly spread throughout the European Empires.
Episode 3: The Birth of Europe
Through the reign of Charlemagne, Christianity became main stream, striking a
deal by stabilizing both church and state with one another, thus making
Christianity closely tied in with whatever leader came to power.
Episode 4: Faith and Fear
Through the fear of death and damnation, Christianity greatly increased its
number of followers in the Middle Ages. During this age many great cathedrals appeared
and pilgrims make pilgrimages to seek enlightenment. And through commerce and trade church acquired
many riches and great wealth to its coffers.
Episode 5: People of the Book
Existing in the same time with Islam and the Jewish Faith, with religious zeal
and greed began the Crusades and sacking of the Holy Lands
and any other non-Christian cities, under the pretence to convert the heathens
to Christianity the inquisition was born.
Episode 6: Princes and Prelates
By the 15th century Popes were no different than kings, commanding armies,
living in palaces, indulging in worldly goods and materials. Corruption emerged
in the ranks, and splits in the church began appear.
Episode 7: Protest and Reform
With corruption in the Roman Catholic Church, reformist like Martin Luther and
his followers begin say Catholic Church rules had no validity and began to
object their ideas, and were no longer subject to any rule if they no longer
served the gospel. This started the
reformation and Protestant movements all across Europe.
Episode 8: The Conquest of Souls
Christianity greatest expansion was with the discovery of the New
World; it started a rush of conquerors and gold diggers. With new lands to conquer, they found a whole
new country to convert the 'heathens', usually at sword point.
Episode 9: In Search of Tolerance
With a new sources, more sects began to break away from the Catholic Church's
tyranny. Seeking refuge in the New World, America.
Episode 10: Politeness and Enthusiasm
With modernization, industrialization and the quickly changing world
Christianity found itself no longer just for the nobility class. In order to bring followers, they began the
revival of religion. A new group emerged, the Methodist.
Episode 11: Missions Abroad
With Christianity firmly seeded in the new world, new missionaries were sent to
3rd world countries such as Africa. But this time instead of conquering the lands
for colonial rule, they attempted to create an 'African' version of
Christianity.
Episode 12: The Roots of Disbelief
During the 19th century with the emergence of sciences such as geology,
astrology, and biology but none so devastating impact as Darwin's evolution. Science was at first used to coincide with
biblical creationism, but soon debunked many Christian mysteries. Christianity had found a way to either evolve
with the times or become an obsolete ideology.
Episode 13: The Godless State?
Even in the 20th century there still exist areas Christianity is not a major
influence. Marxist claim that it was not
God who created man, but the other way around. In areas after revolution, war or political
upheaval, sometimes the people would reject religion. In various Communist countries Christianity is
looked down upon and even discouraged, but it does not stop Christians from
living in a country of Atheists.
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- Ricky Chiang
