Watch Pioneers of the Spirit

Name: Pioneers of the Spirit
Genre: History
Released: 2006-06-01

2006
1 Season

Pioneers of the Spirit is an engaging and inspiring documentary series from Vision Video that explores the lives and legacies of some of the most influential figures in Christian history. With stunning cinematography, insightful interviews, and expert analysis, this series takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the lives and times of the pioneers who helped shape the modern Christian faith.

The series is divided into six episodes, each focusing on a different pioneer or group of pioneers. The first episode, "Father Damien," tells the powerful story of the Belgian Catholic priest who gave his life to help lepers on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. Through interviews with historians, scholars, and people who knew Father Damien, viewers learn about his selfless dedication to his mission, his compassionate nature, and the impact he had on the lives of the people he served.

The second episode, "William Wilberforce," chronicles the life of the 18th-century British politician who fought tirelessly to end the slave trade. Through dramatic reenactments and expert interviews, viewers gain a fascinating glimpse into the world of 18th-century Britain and the political and social forces that Wilberforce had to overcome to achieve his goal.

In the third episode, "C.S. Lewis," viewers are introduced to the life and work of one of the most beloved Christian writers of the 20th century. Through interviews with scholars and experts, as well as archival footage and photographs, viewers learn about Lewis's childhood, his conversion to Christianity, and the themes and ideas that permeate his writing.

The fourth episode, "Dietrich Bonhoeffer," shines a light on the life and legacy of the German theologian and pastor who was executed by the Nazis for his role in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Through interviews with scholars, experts, and people who knew Bonhoeffer, viewers gain an understanding of his deep faith, his commitment to justice, and his willingness to sacrifice everything for his beliefs.

The fifth episode, "Mother Teresa," tells the story of the Catholic nun who devoted her life to helping the poor and sick of Calcutta, India. Through interviews with people who worked with Mother Teresa and archival footage of her work, viewers learn about her tireless dedication to her mission, her humility, and her unwavering faith.

The final episode, "The Flying Padre," is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a Catholic priest who performed a unique form of ministry in the American Southwest in the 1930s and 40s. Through interviews with people who knew the Flying Padre, as well as archival footage of his flying missions, viewers learn about his innovative approach to ministry, his compassion for the people he served, and the impact he had on the communities he visited.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to breathtaking scenery, dramatic reenactments, and insightful commentary from historians, scholars, and people who knew the pioneers featured in each episode. Whether you are a Christian or not, Pioneers of the Spirit is a captivating and inspiring look at the power of faith, the impact of individuals, and the importance of following your heart and your convictions.

Pioneers of the Spirit is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on June 1, 2006.

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Seasons

7. -07

July 12, 2006

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. This program looks at William Blake. Blake always sensed there was something different about himself, and he was surely right! Visionary, mystic, engraver, printer, poet, artist, writer -- his extraordinary creative skills flowed through many forms to give expression to the extraordinary inner world he inhabited. As a result he helped us to see with new eyes. His ability to tap the depths of Biblical imagery remains a gift to the ages including the materialistic culture that surrounds us today. This video provides a basic and valuable introduction to the man and his vision.

6. -06 Ignatius Loyola

July 5, 2006

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. Born in Spain of noble parents, he spent a carefree youth until he entered the army and was wounded at the battle of Pampeluna in 1521. During his convalescence he had a religious conversion. After a brief monastic experience he went on to acquire a university education. With several student friends Loyola founded the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits), which eventually received papal approval and is still noted for education and missions. His "spiritual exercises" are used by multitudes to this day.

5. -05

June 27, 2006

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. Born in Florence, Italy, Dante first saw Beatrice in 1274 when he was nine years old, and she became the inspiration for his later poetic works. Her death in 1290 was a profound shock to Dante. He was a soldier for a while and entered politics where he sided with the enemies of Pope Boniface VIII. He was eventually banished from Florence. His best known work is the perennial classic, The Divine Comedy -- the poet's imaginary journey to hell and purgatory.

4. -04 Hildegard of Bingen

June 20, 2006

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. A German nun and abbess, Hildegard was an intellectual, writer, composer, and artist. She wrote about music, art, medicine, natural history and theology. Her musical compositions are being played to this day. Hildegard is remembered also for her visions, which she wrote about in great detail. She was a renaissance woman far ahead of her time.

3. -03 Augustine of Hippo

June 13, 2006

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. This program looks at Augustine of Hippo, a bishop in North Africa in the 4th century and one of Christianity's most influential thinkers. A brilliant theologian and prolific writer, his longing for God was restless and relentless. Chronicling his spiritual journey in the "Confessions," Augustine is forever pushing the boundaries of self-knowledge in order to understand himself in relation to God. His pilgrimage holds meaning today for anyone searching for the point where God and self meet.

2. -02

June 7, 2006

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. This program looks at Julian of Norwich, recognized today as one of 14th century England's most compelling mystics. A contemporary of Chaucer and survivor of the black plague, Julian received sixteen startling images of the crucified Christ that forever changed her life. Her descriptions of her visions in "Revelations of Divine Love" have given birth to enduring images of God's nurturing and familial love that continue to inspire seekers today.

1. -01 Teresa of Avila

June 1, 2006

Throughout history a few special individuals have felt a spiritual longing so profound that nothing could satisfy their hunger. Facing uncharted territory, they mapped their own souls, seeking that mystical place where the self meets the divine. We call them Pioneers of the Spirit. This program looks at Teresa of Avila, one of the most colorful mystics of the Medieval Period. A Carmelite nun, she struggled in prayer for nearly twenty years before she experienced a profound conversion. Reflecting a remarkable determination in her quest to know God, Teresa of Avila speaks across the centuries to those yearning for transcendence amid the distractions of modern life.

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Where to Watch Pioneers of the Spirit

Pioneers of the Spirit is available for streaming on the Vision Video website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Pioneers of the Spirit on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.