Ep 4. The Faith Conquers

Christianity: The First Two Thousand Years is a documentary series exploring the history of Christianity from its beginnings in the first century to modern times. In episode four, entitled "The Faith Conquers," the focus is on how Christianity spread across the Roman Empire, conquered many of its enemies, and ultimately became the dominant religion of the Western world.

The episode begins by examining the rise of the Roman Empire and the role that religion played in its society. The Romans were a polytheistic people who worshipped many gods and goddesses, and they believed that the gods were responsible for their victories in battle, prosperity, and other aspects of their lives. However, as the Empire grew, the Roman pantheon became more diverse and the people began to lose faith in their gods.

At the same time, a new religion was emerging in the eastern part of the Empire. Christianity had its roots in Judaism and grew out of the teachings of Jesus Christ and his followers. At first, Christianity was a small and persecuted sect, but over time it began to spread throughout the Roman world. The episode explores how Christianity was able to grow and ultimately conquer the ancient world.

One of the key factors in the spread of Christianity was the message that it carried. Unlike the polytheistic religions of the Romans, Christianity offered a single god who loved all people, regardless of their social status or ethnic background. This message was appealing to many people who were disillusioned with the Roman gods and the inequality in Roman society.

Another factor in the spread of Christianity was the bravery and devotion of its followers. Despite persecution and even death, Christians continued to spread their message throughout the Empire. Many were willing to die for their faith, which only served to strengthen the commitment of those who remained.

As Christianity spread, it encountered resistance from various groups within the Empire. The Jews, who had rejected Jesus as the Messiah, were particularly hostile to the new religion. The Romans also saw Christianity as a threat to their authority, partly because Christians refused to worship the Roman gods and participate in the state religion.

Despite these obstacles, Christianity continued to spread thanks to the dedication of its followers. In some cases, entire communities were converted to the Christian faith, while in other cases individuals were won over through the simple message of love and acceptance.

The episode also explores the ways in which Christianity became intertwined with the political and social structures of the Empire. As Christianity grew, it began to take on the trappings of a state religion. The emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the early fourth century, and this gave the religion a powerful ally in the highest echelons of Roman power.

The episode ends with an exploration of how Christianity spread beyond the borders of the Roman Empire. Missionaries carried the faith to far-flung parts of Europe, as well as to Africa and Asia. Over time, Christianity became a global religion, shaping the course of history and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Overall, "The Faith Conquers" is a gripping exploration of how Christianity became one of the world's most dominant religions. Through interviews with historians and scholars, as well as dramatized reenactments of key events, the episode brings to life the story of this remarkable faith and its impact on the world.