North American Christian Traditions

Part of an eight-volume series entitled Christianity in World History, the half-hour-shy North American Christian Traditions could easily lose the "North," since the focus here is solely on the United States. Beginning with the arrival of the Puritans in 1620, the traditions and history of Christianity in both Catholic and Protestant forms are traced through the growth and evolution of the nation itself. Each new development in Christian ideology and interpretation is illustrated by a specific historical event and important figure (for example, the African American Christian experience is tied to abolition and civil rights, illustrated by the actions of John Brown and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., respectively), thereby pointing out the ways in which Christian ideals have radiated into American secular society and culture (even more importantly, the program makes it clear that Christian ideology has been marshaled for both constructive and destructive efforts in both liberal and conservative movements). A fast-paced script, combined with archival footage, drawings, documents, and contemporary images, make this well-edited program both interesting and informative. Other titles in the series include Christian Origins in the Mediterranean, The Reformation to Modern Europe, Eastern & Russian Orthodoxy and African Christian Traditions. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)