Christianity: The First Thousand Years: The Founding of a Faith; Church and Empire; The Glory of Byzantium; The Faith Conquers (1998)
Christianity: The First Thousand Years: The Founding of a Faith; Church and Empire; The Glory of Byzantium; The Faith Conquers (1998). Magnificent 4-video A&E production. Superb history, heightened by the narrative of Ossie Davis and Rudy Dee, who make this a joyful listening. Digs deep into the historical process (and conflicts). Highlights the role of the Irish in preserving Western Christianity, while also giving full measure to the long-lasting Byzantine empire. Two personal quibbles: the story of how Christianity survived and flourished until Constantine had his battlefield 'semi-conversion' is still a mystery. Also, Empress Theodora, a former prostitute, was almost beatified in this video. Actually, she was one tough lady who stiffened Justinian's resolve, when he lost his cool. Christianity: The Second Thousand Years (2000) is of similar caliber.
