Permalink New DVD Series Examines Christianity’s Global Roots
Diarmaid MacCulloch, one of the world’s leading historians and Professor of History of the Church and Fellow at St. Cross College, Oxford, reveals the true history of Christianity, as he explores the question, “What does it really mean to be a Christian?”
How did Christianity become the biggest religion in the world?
Many have given little thought to the details of their Christian heritage—the miraculous transferring of their faith from the first Christians huddled at Golgotha, across two centuries worth of cultures and languages, wars, and the rising and falling of empires. How did this small, obscure Jewish sect that preached humility and personal sacrifice become the biggest religion in the world? The answer will surprise you.
After watching the first DVD in the A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years series, I have to say my family learned a lot that we didn't know. Things we may have come across in passing, were explained in more detail and a comparison between Christianity in the West and Christianity in the East provided much food for thought.
For instance we learned that much of what we use in our culture today was actually translated by Cyrillic priests in the area of Syria, the background and symbolism behind many of the liturgical practices used in the Christian church in the East and why and how Christianity became divided which made it become known more as a "Western" religion as opposed to its roots as an "Eastern" religion.
The maps that are used within the episode made the show more engaging and the cinematography and sites that Diarmaid MacCulloch visited were visually pleasing. MacCulloch also uses the expertise of Martin Palmer while in China. Palmer is particular interesting and fun to watch as he takes MacCulloch on a visit to a Christian Monastery that is now a Buddhist Temple.
A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years 6 DVD set will arrive in stores, including Sam's Club in time for the Easter Holiday. It is also available at Amazon.com for $79.99.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by The B&B Media Group and received a sample to facilitate my candid review."
Reader Comments (1)
Wow! That's really interesting. I come from a Christian upbringing and found that in my particular way of being raised I felt I never got all the answers and so I started searching. I would be interested to see the comparison between the East and West. Christianity has different definitions to different people.