The Christians

Bamber Gascoigne charts the history and evolution of Christianity in this 13-part series covering over two thousand years of history. Filmed in 1977 in more than 30 countries, THE CHRISTIANS describes the experiences and actions of Christians from the birth of Christ, through the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, Lutheran reform and subsequent developments to modern times. The series also considers the spread of Christianity, whether by violence - as in the Crusades against Islam - or through world-wide travels of missionaries.

Seasons

1. Beginning

Air Date: 1977-08-02

Traces the growth of Christianity from its earliest beginnings to the time the Christians ceased to be a secret, persecuted sect.

2. Christian Empire

Air Date: 1977-08-09

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

Air Date: 1977-08-16

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

Air Date: 1977-08-23

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

Air Date: 1977-08-30

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

Air Date: 1977-09-06

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

Air Date: 1977-09-13

Surveys the history of the Reformation, focusing on developments within the Christian church.

8. Conquests and Souls

Air Date: 1977-09-20

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

Air Date: 1977-09-27

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

Air Date: 1977-10-04

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

Air Date: 1977-10-11

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

Air Date: 1977-10-18

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

Air Date: 1977-10-25

The survival of the Russian Orthodox Church under the Russian Revolution.

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Rating

0.0/10

Release Date

1977-08-02

Episodes

13 (1 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast

Bamber Gascoigne

Presenter

Production Companies

Granada Television International