Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine

Two thousand years ago Jesus and his band of disciples spearheaded a movement that would eventually sweep the globe, creating a religion that now numbers some two billion followers. How did Christianity not only survive against great odds but also prosper? Hosted by historian Jonathan Phillips, this six-part PBS-aired series directed by Hector Galán looks at Christianity's first three centuries, detailing the birth and ministry of Jesus, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, early conflicts with mainstream Judaism and pagans, internal schisms, persecution, and the faith's eventual triumph when Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. The story includes unforgettable characters such as Peter, the "rock" on which Christ would build His church (Peter suffered a martyr's death, electing to be nailed upside down on a cross, to avoid comparisons with Christ); and Saul of Tarsus, a critic of early Christians, who experienced a miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus, becoming Paul—a tireless evangelist for the faith, until he too faced a martyr's death in Nero's Rome. The series also covers the roles of baptism and charitable works, Christ's act of redemption on the Cross, the "invention" of heresy, and the need to build structure and hierarchy in the "mixed stew" of early Christian sects. The fairer sex also played a key role in Christianity, including one young woman who left a poignant diary detailing her beliefs before being killed in the arena. Along the way, Phillips highlights the drama of "the greatest story ever told," the sacking of Jerusalem's Jewish Temple in 70 A.D., and the weird and violent imagery of the Book of Revelations (the implications of which are hotly argued to this day). Also featuring comments from other historians and religious leaders, Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine does a masterful job of telling a timeless story. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)