"The Catholic Church: A History" Prof. William R. Cook (36 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 6x DVD - The Great Courses)
This course delivers a sweeping account of the 2,000-year evolution of the Catholic Church, tracing its rise from a small, persecuted sect in the Roman Empire to its role as a monumental force in global history. Professor William R. Cook examines the institution’s journey through the collapse of Rome, the power struggles of the Middle Ages, and the explosive cultural shifts of the Renaissance. By breaking down defining moments like the Council of Nicaea and the Crusades, the lectures clarify how the Church established its doctrine and authority while navigating centuries of political and theological upheaval.
 
Beyond theology, these lectures explore how the Church fundamentally sculpted Western law, art, and social structures. You will see how the institution survived internal crises like the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment, continually adapting its mission to meet the challenges of the modern era. Professor Cook analyzes the mechanics of church governance and explains the foundational principles that allow Catholicism to maintain its identity across diverse cultures and continents. It is a sharp, immersive look at the endurance of an institution that has remained at the center of the human story for two millennia.