Air Date
August 2, 1977
Episodes
13 episodes
The Christians
Season 1
Episodes
1. Beginning
Traces the growth of Christianity from its earliest beginnings to the time the Christians ceased to be a secret, persecuted sect.
2. Christian Empire
Focuses on the period in Christian church history when the Emperor Constantine founded the first Christian empire and Christians became members of the political establishment.
3. Birth of Europe
Covers the period in Christian church history from the sack of Rome in 410 through the Dark Ages to the establishment of the See of St. Peter.
4. Faith and Fear
A survey of Christian church history during the Middle Ages. Juxtaposes the great religious faith and architectural and artistic achievements of this period with its abject poverty and ignorance.
5. People and the Book
Examines the relationships of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, all referred to in the Koran as "People of the Book." Discusses the extreme intolerance of the Inquisition against Islam and Judaism. Sequences shot in Cordoba and Granada, Spain where Jewish and Islamic influences are evidenced in the civilization.
6. Princes and Prelates
Focuses on Christian church history during the Renaissance, following the Council of Constance during which an emperor deposed three Popes and arranged the choice of a fourth.
7. Protest and Reform
Surveys the history of the Reformation, focusing on developments within the Christian church.
8. Conquests and Souls
Focuses on the Jesuits and their role in spreading the Catholic faith in the wake of the Reformation. Discusses their significance in spearheading the Counter-Reformation.
9. Search of Tolerance
Focuses on the growth during the Reformation of radical religious sects which existed outside the established church order. Explains that many emigrated to found new societies in North America, including the Pilgrims.
10. Politeness and Enthusiasm
Contrasts the two strands of Christianity that emerged in the 18th century--that of the educated classes and that of revivalist enthusiasm.
11. Missions at Home and Abroad
Discusses the Christian revival of the 19th century, exemplified by the spread of missionary activity in Europe's industrial slums and in the lands of the new colonial empires.
12. Roots of Disbelief
Examines the many causes for today's indifference to Christianity, asserting that the major reasons are the advance of science and historical criticisms of the Bible.
13. Godless State
The survival of the Russian Orthodox Church under the Russian Revolution.
