"Great World Religions: Christianity" Prof. Luke Timothy Johnson (12 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 2x DVD - The Great Courses)
The evolution of the world's largest faith takes center stage in this compelling investigation of Christianity's complex and often contradictory history. In "Great World Religions: Christianity," Professor Luke Timothy Johnson - a former Benedictine monk and distinguished scholar from Emory University - examines how a small, persecuted Jewish sect expanded across the Mediterranean to become the imperial religion of Rome. This course provides a synthetic overview of the Christian story, moving from its origins following the Crucifixion to its deep connections with Western culture and the internal tensions that define its modern practice.
 
This intellectual journey creates a seamless bridge between the historical development of doctrine and the lived reality of contemporary belief. Professor Johnson’s expert insights turn complex theological concepts and turning points - such as the development of the sacraments and the split into Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant families - into vital instruments for understanding our shared global heritage. For any serious student of religion or history, this course serves as a masterclass in applying historical rigor to the enduring beliefs, radical edges, and cultural impacts of the Christian faith