Decoding Christianity

Doctrine, history, and symbolism mix in this six-part Smithsonian documentary series featuring ex-priest, author, and lecturer Christy Kenneally, whose gregarious manner, lilting Irish brogue, and penchant for spinning personal anecdotes about his childhood enrich these programs devoted to the meanings and messages of Christian art. Kenneally travels the world to visit pertinent sites, interviewing a myriad of experts in an effort to “decode” fundamental aspects of dogma expressed in religious imagery. In the initial episode, for example, Kenneally examines the adoption of the crucifix as the symbol of Christ's sacrifice, covering the topic not only in terms of scriptural references but also the ties to historical events, such as the conversion of Constantine and the subsequent Council of Nicaea, as well as contemporary passion-play-like recreations in the Philippines. In another, Kenneally distinguishes between the relatively sparse biblical allusions to angels and the highly developed categorization of these beings developed by medieval theologians, along with their prominent placement in Christian art. Other episodes examine beliefs related to the afterlife and miracles, the similarities and differences between Christianity and so-called mystery cults, and the denominational fracturing of the faith (and symbolism used to represent same) that came about as a result of the medieval schism between Catholic and Orthodox, followed by the later Protestant Reformation. Both informative and entertaining (featuring excellent cinematography of the varied locales Kenneally visits—from the Roman catacombs to the Kremlin), Decoding Christianity is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)