The Trial And Testimony Of The Early Church

This ambitious video series covers the first 300 years of the Christian church, from Christ's birth through the installation of Christianity as the state religion by Constantine in 312 A.D. Created by writer/producer Ken Curtis, the Senior Editor of Christian History magazine, the six half-hour segments are hosted by Steve Bell, with additional narration and acting provided by co-hosts' Nigel Goodwin, Russell Boulter, and Jane Campion. Right off the bat, one notices two things about this series. First off, the production values are top-notch, and secondly, the purpose of the programs is not to convert people to Christianity but rather to offer an in-depth look at the early history of the church (in which it succeeds admirably). Part 1, "Foundation," offers what little is known about the life of Christ; Part 2, "Spread," covers the travels and travails of the early apostles; Part 3, "Accusation," focuses on the differences between the Christian faith and the Roman pantheistic tradition, and cites the many strange charges (including cannibalism, incest, and lack of patriotism) leveled at Christians by the Roman populace; Part 4, "Persecution," chronicles the waves of persecution of the Christians that swept through the Roman empire under the (usually) brutal emperors of the time; Part 5, "Testimony," recreates the stories of two early martyrs: the bishop Polycarp, and a young Christian woman named Perpetua; and Part 6, "Transition," examines the shift from much maligned minor religion to the recognized state religion that Christianity would become under Constantine. The wonderful thing about The Trial and Testimony of the Early Church is that it truly makes the story of early Christianity come alive. Goodwin, Campion, and Boulter are constantly on the move--walking as they "talk" to one another and switching in and out of roles with ease and professionalism. Far from being the dry recounting one might suspect in such a series, writer Ken Curtis has infused the production with a distinctly modern spirit (a charitable food program for early Christian widows, circa 250 A.D., is credited as possibly being the "first meals on wheels program.") Both entertaining and enlightening, this series provides an excellent overview of the early Christian church. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (See A DOWNRIGHT ACCOUNT: THE LIFE AND WORK OF JOHN HENRY NEWMAN for availability.)